Description
These Spicy Mexican Corn Bites are crispy, flavorful fritters made with corn, spices, and cheese, perfect as an appetizer or snack. They feature a blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro for a vibrant Mexican-inspired taste, fried to golden perfection and garnished with lime juice and cotija cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels (or fresh corn, cooked)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients & Add-ins
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup grated cotija cheese (or Parmesan cheese as a substitute)
For Frying & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for garnish)
- Additional chili powder and cotija cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Prepare batter: Add the eggs, milk, and finely chopped cilantro to the dry mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined. Fold in the corn kernels and grated cotija cheese evenly throughout the mixture.
- Heat oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering, ready for frying.
- Fry corn bites: Spoon tablespoon-sized portions of the corn batter into the skillet. Use the back of the spoon to gently flatten each portion into small fritters. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and garnish: Remove the fried corn bites from the skillet and transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and sprinkle additional chili powder and cotija cheese on top if desired.
- Serve: Serve the corn bites warm as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. They pair wonderfully with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- You can use fresh cooked corn kernels instead of frozen for a fresher taste.
- Adjust chili powder to taste for desired spice level.
- Use Parmesan cheese as a substitute if cotija is unavailable.
- Ensure oil is sufficiently hot before frying to get crispy bites.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
