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Spicy Mexican Corn Bites

Featured in Appetizing Starters.

Spicy Mexican Corn Bites are crispy, savory fritters made with sweet corn, chili powder, and cotija cheese. Ready in 30 minutes, they’re perfect for parties or snacks!
Ranah
Updated on Mon, 27 Jan 2025 23:45:41 GMT
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Crispy, zesty corn bites bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn to your table in a convenient, snackable form. These golden nuggets combine sweet corn kernels with smoky spices and tangy lime for an irresistible appetizer that disappears quickly at any gathering.

After making these countless times, I've found they're the first appetizer to vanish at parties. The combination of sweet corn and spicy coating creates an addictive crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Essential Ingredients

  • Fresh or frozen corn kernels: Choose sweet, plump kernels for best flavor
  • All-purpose flour: Creates crispy coating that seals in moisture
  • Chili powder: Adds warmth without overwhelming heat
  • Smoked paprika: Provides deep, rich smokiness
  • Fresh lime: Both zest and juice brighten all flavors
  • Neutral oil: High smoke point needed for perfect crispiness

Detailed Instructions

Prepare the corn:
Pat kernels completely dry
Remove any damaged pieces
Ensure room temperature for even cooking
Measure precisely for proper batter consistency
Create the coating:
Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly
Add spices gradually, tasting for balance
Incorporate lime zest evenly
Keep mixture light and airy
Form the bites:
Drop by rounded tablespoons
Maintain consistent size
Shape gently without compressing
Leave space between pieces
Frying process:
Heat oil to exactly 350°F
Work in small batches
Turn once when golden
Drain on wire rack

My family particularly loves these with cooling avocado crema for dipping. The contrast between spicy bites and smooth sauce creates perfect balance.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftover batter up to 4 hours. Store fried bites in paper-lined container. Reheat in oven to restore crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Create a Mexican-inspired spread with salsas, guacamole, and fresh herbs. Offer variety of dipping sauces. Consider as taco topping.

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Variations

Add cheese to batter for indulgent twist. Include diced jalapeños for extra heat. Try different spice combinations.

These corn bites exemplify how simple ingredients transform into crave-worthy bites through proper technique and seasoning balance. They've become my go-to party appetizer, combining ease of preparation with impressive results.

Flavor Enhancements

  • Add roasted corn kernels for smokiness
  • Include Mexican crema drizzle
  • Top with cotija cheese crumbles

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare batter 4 hours ahead. Store components separately. Fry just before serving.

Size Matters

Keep bites consistent for even cooking. Use tablespoon measure for uniformity.

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Temperature Control

Maintain 350°F oil temperature. Rest oil between batches. Test with thermometer.

These spicy corn bites transform simple ingredients into irresistible appetizers. The key lies in maintaining proper oil temperature and careful seasoning at each step.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
→ What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
Feta, Parmesan, or queso fresco work as great substitutes.
→ How can I make these spicier?
Add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy.
→ What dipping sauces go well with these?
Try salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.

Spicy, Crispy, Mexican-Inspired

Crispy, spicy corn bites with Mexican flavors, perfect for snacking or parties.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Tasty Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 20-25 corn bites

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 cups frozen corn kernels (or fresh corn, cooked)
02 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 1/4 cup cornmeal
04 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
06 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
07 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
08 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Wet Ingredients

11 2 large eggs
12 1/4 cup milk
13 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
14 1/4 cup grated cotija cheese (or Parmesan cheese as a substitute)

→ For Frying and Garnish

15 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
16 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for garnish)
17 Additional chili powder and cotija cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the dry ingredients are well combined.

Step 02

Add the eggs, milk, and cilantro to the dry mixture and stir until smooth. Fold in the corn kernels and grated cotija cheese, making sure the corn is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 03

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Step 04

Once the oil is hot, spoon tablespoon-sized portions of the corn batter into the skillet. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon to form small fritters. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 05

Once fried, remove the corn bites from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and sprinkle with additional chili powder and cotija cheese for extra flavor.

Step 06

Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. These corn bites are best enjoyed with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.

Notes

  1. For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
  2. You can bake these instead of frying them by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and baking at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
  3. These can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a crispy texture.
  4. You can substitute cotija cheese with feta or even queso fresco if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cotija cheese)
  • Gluten (all-purpose flour)
  • Eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 70
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 2 g