Corn Fritters Recipe: Crispy, Delicious, and Easy to Make!
Craving a delicious snack that’s both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside? Look no further than corn fritters! These golden bites of goodness are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish to any meal. Not only are corn fritters incredibly tasty, but they’re also easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Read on for a step-by-step guide to making the best corn fritters, along with tips, tricks, and variations to suit your taste.
What Are Corn Fritters?
Corn fritters are a savory dish made from fresh corn kernels mixed with a flavorful batter, then fried to a golden brown perfection. This classic recipe, believed to have Southern roots, combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying and crunchy treat. The slight sweetness of the corn pairs wonderfully with the savory batter, making it a favorite snack for many. With a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of corn fritters in no time!
Ingredients List for Corn Fritters
Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients needed to make corn fritters. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of fresh corn kernels (about two ears of corn; canned or frozen corn can be used as well)
- ½ cup of all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup of cornmeal (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup of milk (you can substitute with a non-dairy milk if desired)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- ½ teaspoon of paprika (for a slight smoky flavor)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, to enhance the corn’s natural sweetness)
- Vegetable oil for frying (about ½ cup)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Here are some optional ingredients and substitutions if you want to customize your corn fritters to your taste:
- Cheese: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan for cheesy corn fritters.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil can add extra flavor to the fritters.
- Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make crispy, golden corn fritters.
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
If you’re using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob by standing the corn upright on a cutting board and slicing downward with a sharp knife. If you’re using frozen corn, thaw it first. For canned corn, drain and rinse the kernels.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a thick batter forms. Then, fold in the corn kernels and chopped green onions.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom with about ¼ inch of oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. You can test the oil by dropping a tiny amount of batter into it—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
Step 4: Fry the Fritters
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter for each fritter into the hot oil, pressing down slightly to flatten. Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once the fritters are golden brown, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Cook Corn Fritters: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a quick summary, here’s a handy guide:
- Prepare the corn: Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and seasonings.
- Mix wet ingredients: Beat together egg and milk.
- Combine everything: Stir in corn and green onions to form a batter.
- Heat oil: Warm oil in a skillet until it sizzles.
- Fry fritters: Spoon batter into the pan, flatten slightly, and cook until golden.
- Drain and serve: Place cooked fritters on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making corn fritters, a few common pitfalls can impact the outcome. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Using too much oil: This can make the fritters greasy. Use just enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Crowding the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy fritters. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Too thick or too runny batter: The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but not too stiff. Adjust with a bit of milk if it’s too thick.
- Not draining the fritters: To keep them crispy, place them on paper towels right after frying.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Corn fritters are best served warm and crispy, making them ideal as a quick snack or a side dish. Here are some ways to elevate the serving and presentation:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve corn fritters with a side of sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or spicy aioli. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup also complements the corn’s sweetness beautifully.
- Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions, parsley, or fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- Sides: Pair with a fresh salad, grilled veggies, or coleslaw for a more balanced meal.
How to Serve Corn Fritters
Serve corn fritters as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. They’re delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of toppings or sides. Here are some ideas:
- Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty morning meal.
- Main Course Side: Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or fish as a tasty side dish.
- Appetizer: Corn fritters make a great party appetizer. Serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Presentation Ideas for Corn Fritters
To make your corn fritters look as good as they taste, here are some presentation ideas:
- Stacked High: Stack them in a tower on a small plate and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve in a Basket: Line a basket with parchment paper and pile the fritters inside for a rustic look.
- Plate with Sauce: Arrange fritters around a small bowl of dipping sauce in the center of a plate.
- Platter with Fresh Vegetables: Add a side of sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and carrot sticks for a vibrant color contrast.
Corn Fritters Recipe Tips
To make the most out of this corn fritters recipe, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Corn When Possible: Fresh corn will give the fritters the best flavor, but canned or frozen corn works well too.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Adding salt, pepper, and other seasonings helps balance the sweetness of the corn.
- Keep the Oil Hot: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Serve Immediately: Corn fritters are best enjoyed hot and fresh. If you’re making a large batch, keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake corn fritters instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake corn fritters! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Can I make corn fritters ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Fry them just before serving for the best texture.
3. How do I store leftover corn fritters?
Store leftover corn fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to maintain their crispiness.
4. Can I freeze corn fritters?
Yes, cooked corn fritters freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
5. What other vegetables can I add to corn fritters?
You can add finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the batter for extra flavor and color.
Conclusion
Corn fritters are an easy-to-make, versatile dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a side for your main course, or a tasty appetizer, these golden, crispy treats are the perfect choice. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in minutes. Follow the tips, variations, and presentation ideas in this guide to create a corn fritter experience that’s uniquely yours. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start cooking these delicious corn fritters today!
PrintCorn Fritters Recipe
Try these crispy, golden corn fritters for a delightful snack or side dish. Made with fresh or canned corn, this easy recipe creates fritters with a crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful center, perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 fritters 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornmeal (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
- Add flour, cornmeal (if using), salt, pepper, and paprika, and mix until smooth.
- Fold in corn kernels and green onions until well combined.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the skillet, flattening slightly.
- Fry until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh, canned, or frozen corn for this recipe. If using frozen, thaw and drain before adding.
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 100 mg
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