Corn Fritters are delicious gently fried golden-brown treats that showcase the natural sweetness and texture of corn kernels with a savory batter. They are best served hot and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish! Although flavorful on their own, they also pair well with dipping sauces like sour cream, salsa, or aioli, just to name a few. And, for your convenience, you can also make the fritters in the oven or air fryer! I also have jalapeno corn fritters and zucchini fritters you will want to try!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: For the corn, grab a couple of cans of sweet corn kernels to drain and add to the fritter mixture. You could also use fresh corn, especially when it is in season, which can enhance the overall flavor of the fritters. You will need about 3 cups of kernels.
Eggs: The eggs act as a binder in the batter to help the fritters hold their shape and give them a bit more texture.
Milk: Using whole milk creates a richer and more satisfying corn fritter. However, you could substitute lower-fat options if that is what you have on hand. Keep in mind that substitutions could alter the taste and texture of the fritters.
Green Onions: Green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, are included in the corn fritter recipe to add a fresh and savory flavor. You could leave them out if preferred. Or, use a white or yellow onion.
Cheese: Finely shredded mild cheddar cheese is added to the fritter batter for a savory element and to help bind the fritters together. For a stronger flavor, substitute sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese for a little bit of a spicy kick.
Can I Make Corn Fritters Ahead Of Time?
You can certainly get the batter mixed ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to a day in advance (up to 24 hours). Then, it’s ready to fry when you are ready to enjoy!
How To Serve Corn Fritters
I love these corn fritters hot off of the skillet as a snack, but there are other ways you can serve the fritters. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Dip In! Serve the fritters with dipping sauces. I like roasted salsa, pineapple salsa, black bean and corn salsa, avocado corn salsa, aioli, and sweet chili sauce. If you are serving these at a party, make them smaller with toothpicks for easy-to-grab finger food.
- Make a sandwich or put a fritter between a Hawaiian roll for a slider!
- Enjoy at breakfast or brunch. Serve with a side of scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and fresh fruit for a satisfying morning meal.
- Add them to the table as a side dish. Corn fritters complement various proteins, such as grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or fish. They can also be served with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.
Storing and Reheating Corn Fritters
Corn Fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When storing them, separate the layers with parchment or wax paper so they don’t stick together. Reheat the fritters in the oven, air fryer, or in a skillet over medium-low heat. Reheating in the microwave is not recommended as this will cause the fritters to lose their crispiness. They can also be frozen for up to a month. Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Corn Fritters
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15.25 ounces each) corn kernels, drained (about 3 cups kernels)
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (33 g) chopped green onions
- ½ cup (56.5 g) mild cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- To a large bowl, add corn, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, eggs, whole milk, green onions, and cheese. Mix until combined.
- To a large skillet over medium heat, add ½ inch of oil.* Once hot, use a 3-tablespoon scoop to add fritter batter to the pan in batches of 3 or 4, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Flatten the tops so that each fritter is about 3 inches wide.
- Cook the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fritters are golden brown and cooked through. Place the cooked fritters on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve immediately with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray.
- Drop the fritter batter onto the lined baking sheet, flattening the tops.
- Spray the tops of the fritters with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bake for 22 minutes, flipping the fritters over after 12 minutes. The fritters should be golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve immediately.
- Line the basket of the air fryer with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray.
- Drop the fritter batter onto the parchment paper, pressing them down to flatten. (Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to work in batches.)
- Spray the tops of the fritters with nonstick cooking spray.
- Air fry at 390°F for 14 minutes, flipping them halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
Perfect for summertime, these little fritters do not disappoint! The corn provides just the right amount of sweetness. I loved them dipped in a little sour cream!
Elizabeth
This is an easy but flavorful appetizer to make, for sure! I loved how they turned out crispy and also have options to cook them in the oven or air fryer. I added a little more salt to mine, but it was a delicious snack!
Rachael
These were delicious on their own! Loved these! Fried corn can't go wrong.
Bella
Simply delicious. I enjoy the crunch from the corn and the fried batter!
Annabelle
These are simple, and they taste great! Try them with a little sour cream.. game changer!
Selena
Super easy and quick fun side dish. I loved the crispy outside and the corny inside.