If you’re craving something savory, crispy, and full of flavor, look no further than this Corn Fritters recipe! These fritters are golden and crunchy on the outside, with a soft and tender inside bursting with the sweetness of corn. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a snack, corn fritters are versatile, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own for a satisfying treat. Follow along to learn how to make the best crispy, golden corn fritters at home!
What Are Corn Fritters?
Corn Fritters are small, fried patties made with a batter that includes corn kernels, flour, eggs, and seasonings. They are often lightly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, with bursts of corn flavor in every bite. Corn fritters can be sweet or savory, and they’re a popular dish in many cuisines around the world. You can serve them as a side dish with a meal, as an appetizer, or even as a quick snack. Their crispy texture and slightly sweet corn flavor make them a versatile dish that pairs well with various dips and toppings.
Ingredients List for Corn Fritters
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of delicious Corn Fritters:
- 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; if frozen, thaw before use)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornmeal (for extra crunch, optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (or chives)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet touch)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (or cayenne for heat, optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving (Optional):
- Sour cream, for dipping
- Sweet chili sauce or spicy mayo
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
- Lime wedges (for squeezing over the top)
Additional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
Want to take your Corn Fritters to the next level? Here are some optional add-ins you can incorporate:
- Shredded cheese: Add ½ cup of sharp cheddar or Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
- Chopped jalapeños: For a bit of heat, add 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeños.
- Crumbled bacon: Stir in some crispy, cooked bacon for a smoky, savory flavor.
- Diced red bell pepper: Adds color and sweetness to the fritters.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Corn Fritters is how easily they can be customized! Here are some ways to adapt the recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or a blend, and ensure your cornmeal is gluten-free.
- Dairy-free: Use a plant-based milk, like almond milk or coconut milk, in place of regular milk.
- Vegan version: Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free milk.
- Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on making these delicious Corn Fritters! Follow these easy steps to achieve the perfect crispy fritters.
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal (if using), baking powder, sugar, paprika (or cayenne), salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs and milk, then whisk them into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Add the corn kernels, chopped green onions, and (if using) chopped onion and minced garlic to the batter. Stir everything together until well incorporated. The batter should be thick but spoonable. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too runny, add a bit more flour.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry the fritters, but not too hot that they burn before cooking through. To test the oil, drop a small amount of batter into the skillet—if it sizzles and turns golden within a minute, the oil is ready.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, leaving some space between each fritter. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Continue frying the rest of the batter in batches.
Step 4: Serve
Once all the fritters are cooked, serve them immediately while they’re hot and crispy. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, and offer a variety of dipping sauces such as sour cream, spicy mayo, or sweet chili sauce on the side.
How to Cook Corn Fritters: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the batter: Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them to form a thick, spoonable batter.
- Heat the oil: Preheat oil in a skillet until hot but not smoking. The oil should sizzle when the batter hits the pan.
- Fry the fritters: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain and serve: Let the fritters drain on paper towels, then serve hot with your favorite dips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like Corn Fritters, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Oil too hot or too cold: If the oil is too hot, the fritters will brown too quickly on the outside but remain raw inside. If it’s too cold, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Aim for medium heat and adjust as needed.
- Overcrowding the pan: Fry the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fritters.
- Batter consistency: Make sure your batter is thick but not too stiff. If it’s too runny, the fritters will spread out in the pan and become flat.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Here are some tips to make your Corn Fritters look as amazing as they taste:
- Serve with dipping sauces: Sour cream, sweet chili sauce, spicy mayo, or even a drizzle of hot honey are all excellent choices.
- Garnish with herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, cilantro, or even chives will add a pop of color and freshness.
- Add a squeeze of lime: For a burst of brightness, serve the fritters with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
How to Serve Corn Fritters
These versatile Corn Fritters can be served in a variety of ways:
- As an appetizer: Serve fritters with a selection of dipping sauces for a great party starter.
- As a side dish: Pair them with grilled meats, barbecue, or salads for a complete meal.
- For brunch: Serve the fritters with a poached egg on top and a side of avocado for a hearty, savory brunch.
Presentation Ideas for Corn Fritters
Want to make your fritters stand out even more? Here are a few creative presentation ideas:
- Stack them up: Create a small stack of fritters on a plate, garnished with herbs and a dollop of sour cream or spicy mayo on top.
- Skewered fritters: Thread small fritters onto skewers for a fun, party-friendly presentation.
- Serve in a basket: Place the fritters in a lined basket or platter, similar to how you might serve fried appetizers in a restaurant.
Corn Fritters Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before frying.
- Keep warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked fritters warm in a 200°F (90°C) oven while you finish frying the rest.
- Freeze for later: Cooked fritters freeze well! Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake corn fritters instead of frying them?
Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake the fritters in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with a little oil, and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Can I use canned corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned corn works great. Just be sure to drain it well before adding it to the batter. Frozen corn (thawed) or fresh corn off the cob also work perfectly.
How do I store leftover fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until crispy, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, and make sure your cornmeal is labeled gluten-free.
Conclusion
There you have it—your ultimate guide to making Corn Fritters! These crispy, golden fritters are the perfect snack, side dish, or appetizer for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that’s sure to be a hit with friends and family. Whether you prefer them spicy, cheesy, or classic, these versatile fritters can be customized to suit any taste. So grab your ingredients, heat up the skillet, and enjoy the delicious crunch of homemade corn fritters!
PrintCorn Fritters Recipe
These crispy and delicious Corn Fritters are a perfect snack or side dish! Made with fresh or canned corn, mixed into a simple batter with flour, eggs, and seasonings, then pan-fried until golden and crisp. Serve with sour cream or a spicy dipping sauce for extra flavor. This easy recipe is great for a quick appetizer or a tasty addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 fritters 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh corn kernels (or canned, drained)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk, then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in corn, green onions, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the pan, flattening slightly with a spatula.
- Cook fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can use frozen corn, but thaw and drain it first.
- For extra flavor, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- These fritters can be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fritters
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
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