Mexican Street Corn Fries: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite
Take your love for street corn to the next level with this easy and delicious recipe for Mexican Street Corn Fries. Air-fried to crispy perfection, these cheesy fries are topped with creamy, tangy street corn for a snack or side dish that’s pure perfection.
If you’re a fan of Mexican street corn (elote), then prepare to have your taste buds blown away by this innovative twist on a classic favorite. Mexican Street Corn Fries combine the creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors of traditional street corn with the irresistible crunch of air-fried French fries. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
This recipe takes everything you love about street corn and layers it over golden, crispy fries, resulting in a dish that’s pure perfection. Whether you’re looking for a unique side dish for your next taco night, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just a delicious snack to enjoy anytime, these Mexican Street Corn Fries are sure to become a new favorite.
Let’s dive into the recipe and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering fusion of flavors that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to create these amazing Mexican Street Corn Fries:
For the Fries:
1 bag of your favorite frozen French fries
1 cup Chihuahua cheese, shredded (or any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar)
3 (15-ounce) cans of corn, drained
2 tablespoons butter
1 pinch of salt
1/4 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
1/2 cup grated Cotija cheese
2 teaspoons chili powder (reserve 1/2 teaspoon for topping)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
For Garnishing:
Extra Cotija cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Reserved chili powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s break down the process step by step to ensure your Mexican Street Corn Fries turn out perfectly every time.
Step 1: Cook the Fries
The first step is to get your fries cooking in the air fryer. Air frying is a fantastic method because it gives you crispy, golden fries without the excess oil of deep frying. Here’s how to do it:
Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
Add the fries: Place the frozen French fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in batches.
Cook the fries: Air fry the fries for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The fries are done when they’re golden brown and crispy.
Tip: If you prefer your fries extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Mexican Street Corn
While your fries are cooking, you can start preparing the delicious street corn topping.
Drain and cook the corn: Open the cans of corn and drain off any excess liquid. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the drained corn. Cook the corn for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through and slightly golden.
Add butter and salt: Remove the skillet from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the corn. Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Stir until the butter is fully melted and the corn is well coated.
Mix in the other ingredients: Once the butter is melted, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Stir in the 1/4 cup of Mexican crema, 1/2 cup of Cotija cheese, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder (remember to reserve 1/2 teaspoon for topping). Add the chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice. Mix everything together until well combined.
Tip: If you like your street corn with a bit more kick, feel free to add extra chili powder or even a dash of hot sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Fries
Once your fries are perfectly crispy and your street corn is ready, it’s time to bring it all together.
Top the fries with cheese: While the cooked fries are still in the air fryer, sprinkle on the Chihuahua cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes just until the cheese is melted. You’ll want to keep a close eye on them.
Add the Mexican street corn: Once the cheese is melted, remove the fries from the air fryer and spoon the Mexican street corn mixture over the top. Be generous with the corn—it’s the star of the dish!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
To finish off your Mexican Street Corn Fries, add a few final touches to make them look as good as they taste.
Garnish with Cotija cheese: Sprinkle extra crumbled Cotija cheese over the top of the corn for a burst of salty, tangy flavor.
Add fresh cilantro: Scatter a bit of chopped fresh cilantro over the fries for a pop of color and freshness.
Dust with chili powder: Finally, dust the fries with the reserved 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder for a hint of spice and vibrant color.
And there you have it—your Mexican Street Corn Fries are ready to serve!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mexican Street Corn Fries
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, here are a few additional tips and tricks to take your Mexican Street Corn Fries to the next level:
Customize Your Fries
While frozen French fries are convenient, you can always make your own fries from scratch if you have a bit more time. Cut russet potatoes into thin strips, toss them with a little oil, and season with salt before air frying.
Try Different Cheeses
Chihuahua cheese is perfect for this recipe because it melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sharp cheddar would all be delicious alternatives.
Add a Protein
To make this dish more of a meal, consider adding a protein like grilled chicken, seasoned ground beef, or even crispy bacon. Simply sprinkle the cooked protein over the fries before adding the cheese.
Spice It Up
If you love heat, kick up the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the corn mixture. You can also try using smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a different flavor profile.
Serve with Dips
Mexican Street Corn Fries are amazing on their own, but they’re also great with a side of dipping sauces. Serve them with guacamole, salsa, or even a spicy aioli for an extra burst of flavor.
Make It a Party
This dish is perfect for serving a crowd. Simply double or triple the recipe, and set up a DIY fries bar with various toppings so everyone can customize their own plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mexican Street Corn Fries are more than just a delicious dish—they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in perfect harmony. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with this recipe:
Easy to Make
This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute party snack. Using canned corn and frozen fries makes the prep work minimal, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Full of Flavor
The combination of sweet corn, tangy lime, creamy crema, and spicy chili powder creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The cheese adds richness, while the cilantro and lime juice provide freshness.
Versatile
Mexican Street Corn Fries can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course. They’re great for parties, game day, or any time you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying.
Crowd-Pleaser
This dish is sure to impress your family and friends. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a showstopper, and it’s a fun way to enjoy the classic flavors of street corn in a new form.
Customizable
Whether you like your fries extra crispy or prefer a milder spice level, this recipe is easily customizable to suit your tastes. Feel free to get creative with toppings and make it your own.
Mexican Street Corn Fries are a delicious way to elevate your love for street corn and fries into a dish that’s truly unforgettable. With the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, tangy, and spicy flavors, these fries are sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate fusion of flavors with these irresistible Mexican Street Corn Fries. Trust us—once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Snap a picture of your Mexican Street Corn Fries and tag us on Instagram (@youngwildmefamily) — we can’t wait to see your delicious creations. And be sure to check out our other mouthwatering recipes.
