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Spicy Mexican Street Corn Bites : Flavorful & Fun

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If you love Mexican corn appetizers and want a fun, bite-sized twist on elote (Mexican street corn), these Spicy Mexican Street Corn Bites are perfect for your next gathering!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Corn Bites:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen corn (thawed)

  • ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta)

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ cup crushed tortilla chips (for crunch)

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

  • 1 egg, beaten (for binding)

  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro

For the Crunchy Coating:

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • ½ cup crushed tortilla chips

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

For Garnishing:

  • Lime wedges

  • Extra cotija cheese

  • Chopped fresh cilantro

  • Drizzle of hot sauce or chipotle mayo

Instructions

1. Mix the Corn Filling

In a large bowl, combine corn, cotija cheese, mayonnaise, cayenne, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, lime juice, egg, and chopped cilantro. Stir until well mixed.

2. Shape the Bites

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into small balls. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more crushed tortilla chips for texture.

3. Coat for Extra Crunch

In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, crushed tortilla chips, and chili powder. Roll each corn bite in the mixture to fully coat.

4. Cook the Corn Bites

Oven Method (Healthier Option):

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Place the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Air Fryer Method (Crispiest Version):

  • Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

  • Arrange bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

  • Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy.

Pan-Fried Method:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.

  • Fry each corn bite for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

  • Drain on a paper towel.

5. Serve & Garnish

Arrange the bites on a platter and garnish with extra cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Drizzle with chipotle mayo or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn for extra sweetness – But frozen works great too!

  • Adjust spice level – Add more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for more heat.

  • Make them extra crispy – Double-coat with panko and tortilla chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican Corn Appetizer

Find it online: https://lyndyskitchen.com/spicy-mexican-street-corn-bites-flavorful-fun/