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Air Fryer Elote Bites

Linda M. Harris
Air fryer elote bites are a crispy, cheesy, and tangy take on traditional Mexican street corn.
With just a few ingredients and the convenience of the air fryer, these bite-sized morsels are quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.
They’re perfect for a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these elote bites will quickly become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex
Servings 15 Servings
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Air fryer
  • 1 Large Bowl
  • 1 Spoon or Cookie Scoop
  • 1 Knife (for cutting corn from the cob, if using fresh corn)
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Measuring Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Corn Kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Sour Cream
  • 1/3 cup Cotija Cheese crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice fresh
  • Fresh Cilantro for garnish, optional
  • Extra Cotija Cheese for topping, optional
  • Chili Powder for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw it; for canned corn, drain and pat dry.
  • In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
  • Stir until all ingredients are fully combined, creating a creamy mixture.
  • Add the corn kernels to the mixture and stir gently to coat all the corn evenly.
  • Shape the corn mixture into small, bite-sized balls or patties using a spoon or cookie scoop.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place the corn bites into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  • Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
  • Once golden and crispy, remove from the air fryer and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder if desired.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the elote bites with cooking spray before air frying.
  • If you prefer a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the mixture or increase the chili powder.
  • You can freeze the uncooked elote bites and air fry them straight from the freezer for about 12-15 minutes.
  • If you don't have cotija cheese, you can substitute with feta or parmesan cheese, but the flavor may differ slightly.
  • For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise or use a lighter alternative.
Keyword Air Fryer Elote Bites