Corn Fritters Recipe

Easy Corn Fritters Recipe: Golden, Crispy Bites of Sunshine

Southern corn fritters burst with summer’s golden sweetness, offering a crispy southern corn fritters recipe that dances between comfort and excitement.

Kernels of sunshine nestle into a light, airy batter that crisps perfectly when fried.

Fresh corn makes these fritters sing with natural sweetness and texture.

Each bite brings a delightful crunch that speaks to traditional Southern cooking.

The balance of crisp exterior and tender interior makes these fritters irresistible.

Simple ingredients combine to create a side dish that steals the show at any meal.

Corn Fritters to Make on Repeat

  • Craft with Ease: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this corn fritters recipe requires minimal cooking expertise and basic kitchen tools.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up these delicious fritters in under half an hour, making them ideal for spontaneous gatherings or weeknight dinners.
  • Versatile Delight: Enjoy as a side dish, appetizer, or light meal, these fritters adapt to various occasions from casual family suppers to potluck parties.
  • Flavor-Packed Experience: Bursting with sweet corn, savory Parmesan, and aromatic spices, these fritters deliver a mouthwatering taste that appeals to both kids and adults.

Everything You Need for Crispy Fritters

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key base ingredient that provides structure to the corn fritters.
  • Cornmeal: Adds a rich corn flavor and helps create a crispy texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall savory flavor of the fritters.
  • Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky and slightly sweet undertone.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the overall taste.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides richness.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter consistency.
Filling and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Corn Kernels, Green Onions, Parmesan Cheese: Contribute fresh flavor, texture, and an extra layer of deliciousness to the fritters.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Sour Cream, Salsa: Optional dipping sauces that complement the fritters' flavor.

Instructions for Perfect Corn Fritters

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined and looks evenly blended.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, beat the egg and blend in milk.

Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

Don’t overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly okay.

Step 3: Fold in Flavor Boosters

Gently incorporate these delicious additions into the batter:
  • Corn kernels
  • Chopped green onions
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 4: Heat Up the Skillet

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, creating about 1/4 inch of depth.

Heat over medium temperature until the oil shimmers and looks ready for frying.

Step 5: Create Perfect Fritters

Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.

Use the back of your spoon to slightly flatten each fritter, creating a nice shape.

This helps them cook evenly and get super crispy.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Cook each fritter for 2-3 minutes per side.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy edges.

This signals they’re ready to be pulled from the oil.

Step 7: Drain and Prep for Serving

Transfer fritters to a plate lined with paper towels.

This helps absorb any extra oil and keeps them crisp.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like sour cream or salsa.

Tips for Light and Fluffy Fritters

  • Pat corn kernels dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy texture.
  • Maintain medium heat around 350°F to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning.
  • Fry fritters in batches, leaving space between them for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  • Experiment with adding diced jalapeños, fresh herbs, or different cheese types for unique taste profiles.
  • Store cooked fritters in the refrigerator and crisp them up in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Tasty Ideas to Change Up Fritters

  • Gluten-Free Corn Fritters: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
  • Vegan Corn Fritters: Substitute egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for plant-based protein.
  • Spicy Mexican-Style Fritters: Add diced jalapeños, swap Parmesan for cotija cheese, and mix in chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Fritters: Replace corn kernels with riced cauliflower and use coconut flour to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping a similar crispy profile.

How to Serve Golden Corn Fritters

  • Dip and Dive Delight: Pair these golden corn fritters with zesty homemade salsa or cool ranch dressing for a flavor explosion that'll make your taste buds dance.
  • Brunch Buddy Bliss: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a weekend breakfast that transforms an ordinary morning into a delicious celebration.
  • Cocktail Party Star: Arrange these fritters on a platter with toothpicks for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that pairs perfectly with chilled white wine or craft beer.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, herbal note that elevates the entire dish.

Store Your Corn Fritters for Later

  • Store corn fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual fritters in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange fritters on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore crispiness.
  • Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Warm fritters for 1-2 minutes on each side until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

  • What are corn fritters?

Corn fritters are savory fried patties made from a batter of corn kernels, flour, and seasonings, cooked until golden and crispy on the outside.

  • Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw and drain it completely before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

  • How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

Drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises immediately, the oil is ready for frying fritters.

  • Are corn fritters gluten-free?

Traditional corn fritters are not gluten-free because they contain wheat flour. To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornmeal.

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Corn Fritters Recipe

Corn Fritters Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy golden corn fritters dance with southern charm, bringing summer’s sweetness to your plate. Packed with fresh corn kernels and a hint of herbs, these delightful bites will transport you to a rustic kitchen where comfort meets flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal
  • 1/4 cup milk

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Cooking Oil:

  • Vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing vessel, whisking thoroughly to integrate dry components evenly.
  2. Separately, whisk egg and milk until smoothly blended, then gently incorporate into the dry mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing.
  3. Delicately fold corn kernels, chopped green onions, and grated Parmesan cheese into the batter, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
  4. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (approximately 350°F), creating a shallow frying environment about ¼ inch deep.
  5. Carefully drop rounded spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, gently pressing each dollop with the spoon’s back to create a flattened disc shape.
  6. Fry each fritter for 2-3 minutes per side, monitoring for a rich golden-brown color and crisp exterior texture.
  7. Remove fritters using a slotted spatula, transferring to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  8. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by preferred condiments like tangy sour cream, zesty salsa, or complementary dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Choose fresh corn kernels for the best flavor and texture, enhancing the overall taste of the fritters.
  • Drain corn kernels thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the batter soggy and affecting crispiness.
  • Keep oil temperature consistent around 350°F to ensure even cooking and prevent fritters from becoming greasy.
  • Try alternative flours like gluten-free blend or almond flour for dietary restrictions while maintaining a similar crispy exterior.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 224 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 357 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 93 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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