Elote-Style Chicken Wings

Elote-Style Chicken Wings

3 servings
We took all the flavorings of Mexican street corn and turn it into elote chicken wings. That's it. That's the description.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken wings

    flats and drums

  • Olive oil
  • Flaky kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup mayo

    plus more if needed, or Kewpie

  • 1/4 cup grated cotija cheese

    plus more if needed

  • Zest and juice from 1 lime
  • Chili powder
  • Tajin

    optional, chili lime flavor

  • Fresh cilantro

    finely chopped

  • Jalapeños

    very thinly sliced or minced

Directions

  1. 1

    Pat the wings dry of any excess moisture with paper towels. Place the wings in a medium bowl and drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with a large pinch of flaky kosher salt, and toss to coat. Make sure each wing is properly seasoned and coated with the oil. Line the chicken in an even layer on the rack or basket of your air-fryer. Air-fry for 40-45 minutes at 435 degrees, or until your wings are golden brown and crispy — registering 170 degrees internally. Depending on your air fryer, you may have to flip the wings half-way during cooking.

  2. 2

    When the wings are done and crisp, remove them from the air fryer and place them into a medium bowl. Add in the mayo and lime juice, and toss to coat. If you need a little more mayo, add it in. You are looking for each wing to be coated just enough for the remaining ingredients to stick to it. Sprinkle in the cotija cheese. Toss until the wings are evenly coated with cheese, adding more if needed. Finally, sprinkle in a desired amount of chili powder, Tajin (if using), jalapeños, cilantro, and the zest of the lime. Feel free to add more lime juice if your wings are too pasty — the extra lime juice will make it a smoother coating.

  3. 3

    Serve and enjoy!

Elote-Style Chicken Wings

Elote-Style Chicken Wings

5.0(11)55 min3 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 11 ratings

carnaldish.com
5.0(11 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Looking for a game-day snack that will blow your guests away, or just a weeknight dinner with a serious flavor kick? These Elote-Style Chicken Wings bring the vibrant, tangy, and savory taste of Mexican street corn right to your plate.

What makes these wings irresistible is the genius combination of smoky, charred chicken with the creamy, zesty, and spicy notes of traditional elote. The rich cotija and bright lime perfectly balance the heat from the chili powder and jalapeños, creating a truly unique and addictive bite.

Prepare your taste buds for an exciting journey. You'll experience crispy chicken wings coated in a vibrant, creamy dressing that delivers a symphony of flavors: tangy lime, salty cotija cheese, a hint of smoky chili, and the fresh bite of cilantro and jalapeños. Each wing offers a satisfying texture, from the tender meat to the flavorful exterior, making it a surprisingly balanced and incredibly satisfying dish, yielding 3 servings of pure deliciousness.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or very thinly sliced jalapeños for a bigger kick. If you're a fan of extra tang, a bit more fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of Tajin can brighten things up. For a richer sauce, consider using Kewpie mayo as suggested in the ingredients. Don't shy away from extra grated cotija cheese or fresh cilantro as a garnish for an even bolder presentation.

These wings are perfect for a lively gathering, a casual weeknight dinner, or as the star appetizer at your next game-day party. Serve them hot and piled high for an impressive and unforgettable culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions