Corn Fries (Mexican Street Corn Style)
Savory with a hint of spice, these corn fries made Mexican street corn-style are just about the best thing to ever grace this blog! Gluten-free, vegetarian, with a vegan option.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful, with the perfect blend of spices.
- Super easy to make.
- Simple ingredients.
- Easily customizable.
- It makes a great side-dish, snack, appetizer or fun meal unto itself.
- Gluten-free, vegetarian, nut-free, soy-free and can easily be made dairy-free and vegan.
🗒️ Ingredient Notes
Corn: Fresh corn kernels right off the cob or frozen or canned corn will work in this recipe. Just be certain to give a good rinse and drain before cooking
Spices: The combination of garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne and cumin seeds really lends this recipe a rich, smoky, slightly spicy flavor that is something to write home about. You can use ground cumin powder instead of cumin seeds, if need be. If you do not like that hint of spicy, omit that pinch of cayenne pepper.
Salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the full potential of all of the ingredients in this recipe.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a beautiful freshness to this recipe, but if you are not a fan, you can omit it or use another fresh herb like parsley or basil.
French fries: Homemade french fries or frozen french fries both will do the trick here. I like to make this a super simple and quick recipe by throwing a bag of frozen french fries into the air fryer while I cook the corn in a pan on the stovetop.
Cheese: And kind of cheese will do here. The shredded variety is easiest, but sliced would work, too. I like to use a shredded Mexican cheese blend that contains Monterey jack, Cotija cheese and sharp cheddar. If you are vegan or dairy-free, you can sprinkle on a shredded vegan cheese blend, nutritional yeast or omit it altogether. It will still be tasty!
Lime juice: A drizzle of lime juice just really elevates all of the other flavors in this tasty dish. If you aren’t a fan of the taste of lime, you can replace it with lemon juice, omit it or use something like hot sauce or salsa, instead.
Sour cream: Sour cream adds a nice creaminess and a soft contrast the other textures in this dish. Alternatively, Mexican crema or Greek yogurt work well, too. For a vegan or dairy-free option, use a nice cream yogurt like cashew yogurt, or a vegan sour cream.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook french fries of choice using preferred method. Set aside.
Step 2: In a skillet (I like to use a cast-iron skillet) over medium heat, add the corn and spices. Pan fry for 3-4 minutes or until some kernels are beginning to turn golden.
Step 3: Stir in the cilantro until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes longer.
Step 4: Remove the corn from the heat and set aside.
Step 5: Place the cooked french fries into a baking sheet or pan and top with the cheese. Pop them into the oven and broil until the cheese is good and melted, about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Remove the fries from the oven and top with the corn, sour cream lime juice and some fresh cilantro.
Step 7: Dig in and enjoy!
💭 Top Tip
This recipe welcomes experimentation and modifications. Sometimes I like to add salsa, sliced avocado and pinto beans for some healthy fat and protein. Use your creativity and your taste buds to guide you!
🥡 Storing & Reheating
This recipes tastes best cooked fresh, but if you would like to do some preparation ahead of time, you can cook the fries and the corn and store in the fridge until ready to serve. To serve, top the fries with the cheese and the corn before broiling, followed by the original recipe steps.
To store leftovers, keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, pop the dish into a 375F oven and bake until warmed throughout, about 10 minutes.
❓ FAQ
They are great on their own or alongside dishes like my baked chiles rellenos, Instant Pot Peruvian beans, or Mexican-spiced white bean soup. A good hot sauce isn’t too shabby either.
Yes! It might go without saying, but the corn is delicious as-is, served other another potato product like wedges or hash browns, served in a cheese quesadilla and so much more!
🍲 More Delicious Recipes You Might Love
Southwestern Vegan Corn Chowder
Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Corn Fries
Ingredients
- 15 ounces cooked french fries frozen or homemade
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or any oil of choice
- 15 ounces corn kernels fresh, frozen or canned
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt plus ¼ teaspoon for sour cream mixture
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional, for a subtle kick
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheese of choice I like to use a Mexican cheese blend
- 1 lime, halved for juicing
- ½ cup sour cream, Mexican cream or plain yogurt
Instructions
- Cook french fries according to package directions or make your favorite homemade fries. (I like to pop a bag of frozen fries into the air fryer!)
- Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, add the oil, corn, paprika, garlic, cumin and salt. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes or until some of the corn kernels are turning golden.
- Add the fresh chopped cilantro and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes longer or until the cilantro is nice and wilted and all smells fragrant. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- Line a baking dish or pan with parchment paper and top with the cooked french fries. Sprinkle the fries with cheese and then pop them into the oven and broil the top for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is good and melted.
- Meanwhile, place the sour cream in a bowl with ¼ teaspoon of salt and the juice of half a lime. Mix well. Set aside.
- Remove the fries from the oven, then top with cooked corn, a drizzle of the sour cream mix, a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Dig in and enjoy!
This is delicious! it’s like street corn and poutine collide and I’m here for it.
What a great combination that I would have never thought of. Definitely going to make these fries soon!
This recipe is brilliant! We all loved them and I’m making them again this weekend!
What a fun and creative twist on regular french fries!! These were delicious, easy, and a tasty snack for my whole family!
Loved this recipe!! Just how I used to eat them when I used to live in Mexico!
I never would have thought to top my fries with corn, but wow! It really works very well! Delicious recipe! 🙂
so delish – i added mayo with the sour cream and loved it – great aioli
I love Mexican street corn–why did I never think of combining my other fave food–FRIES!! The flavors were delish and spot on! YUMMM!!!
These fries are everything! I just loved that creamy topping, and the cumin seeds added such a wonderful flavor.
We like to make poutine on Friday nights, but we decided to try this version instead for a change. We loved it! Will make again. Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
I love Mexican Street Corn! And combined with fries?! Sounds so good. Oh my I can’t wait to make this dish!!
I love these, the flavors were just perfect!
One of my favourite side dishes. So vibrant and so full of flavour.
Oh yum! So many flavors and textures piled over these fries. I love how easily it all comes together too.
I love the sound of these but it would be too hard to share.