Description
Elotes, or Mexican Street Corn, is a popular and flavorful Mexican side dish featuring grilled or air-fried corn on the cob slathered in a creamy mayonnaise and Mexican crema mixture, then topped with tangy cotija cheese, chili powder, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Corn
- 6 ears corn, shucked and rinsed
- Vegetable oil, for brushing if using air fryer
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1/3 cup grated cotija cheese
- 3 teaspoons chili powder
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill or Air Fryer: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a grill pan over medium-high for about 5 minutes. For air frying, cut the corn to fit the basket, possibly halving the cobs if necessary.
- Cook the Corn: For grilling, place the corn on the grill and turn frequently until the corn is slightly charred all over, approximately 10 minutes. For air frying, brush the corn with vegetable oil and arrange it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C), turning halfway through, for 10 to 12 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the corn cooks, mix the mayonnaise and Mexican crema or sour cream in a small bowl until well combined.
- Assemble the Elotes: Transfer the cooked corn to a platter. Generously brush each ear with the mayonnaise and crema mixture.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle each ear with grated cotija cheese and chili powder, then garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the elotes warm or at room temperature alongside lime wedges for squeezing over the top before eating.
Notes
- Mexican crema can be substituted with sour cream if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.
- Cotija cheese adds authentic flavor but can be replaced with feta or Parmesan in a pinch.
- This dish can be made either grilled or air fried depending on your equipment and preference.
- Wear gloves or handle lime wedges carefully to avoid bitterness on your hands.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: elotes, Mexican street corn, grilled corn, air fryer corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, Mexican cuisine, summer side dish
