Corn Fritters

Corn Fritters

by

Corn fritters are a beloved dish made from sweet corn kernels mixed into a seasoned batter and fried until golden and crisp. With roots in Southern U.S. cuisine and global variations in Australia, Southeast Asia, and beyond, corn fritters are both versatile and satisfying. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make perfect corn fritters—from the basic recipe to tips, variations, serving ideas, and more.

Corn Fritters

Why You Will Love This Corn Fritters Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy – The batter comes together in minutes and fries up fast.

  2. Crispy Outside, Tender Inside – A satisfying contrast in every bite.

  3. Great Use for Corn – Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn.

  4. Versatile Dish – Serve for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or party appetizers.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you need to make classic corn fritters:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp ground black pepper

  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup milk

  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)

  • ¼ cup chopped green onions

  • ¼ cup grated cheese (cheddar or Parmesan, optional)

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or chives)

  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Timing & Servings

  • Prep Time: 10–15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

  • Total Time: 25–35 minutes

  • Servings: 12–15 small fritters (4–6 servings)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Corn Fritters

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.

Step 2: Fold in the Fillings

Add the corn kernels, green onions, cheese (if using), and herbs. Gently fold them in until evenly distributed. Don’t overmix.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat ¼ inch of oil over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping in a small bit of batter—if it sizzles, it’s ready.

Step 4: Fry the Fritters

Using a spoon or small scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon. Cook 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle lightly with salt and serve warm.

Corn Fritters

Best Corn to Use for Fritters

Fresh Corn

Fresh corn cut off the cob delivers the sweetest, juiciest results. Simply boil or microwave corn on the cob, then slice off the kernels.

Canned Corn

Drain well before using. Canned corn is convenient and still works great.

Frozen Corn

Thaw and pat dry with paper towels. Too much moisture can make the batter watery.

Dipping Sauces for Corn Fritters

Corn fritters pair beautifully with all kinds of dips. Here are some tasty ideas:

  • Sour Cream and Chive Dip

  • Spicy Mayo (mayonnaise + sriracha or hot sauce)

  • Avocado Cream (mashed avocado + yogurt + lime)

  • Sweet Chili Sauce

  • Garlic Aioli

  • Ranch Dressing

Make It a Meal: Serving Suggestions

As a Snack or Appetizer

Serve fritters on a platter with dipping sauces for parties or gatherings.

For Breakfast or Brunch

Pair them with eggs, bacon, or avocado toast. Add hot sauce or maple syrup for a sweet-salty combo.

Light Lunch or Dinner

Serve with a simple green salad or coleslaw. They also go great with grilled chicken or fish.

Corn Fritters Variations

1. Cheesy Corn Fritters

Add more grated cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for gooey centers.

2. Spicy Corn Fritters

Stir in minced jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne.

3. Bacon Corn Fritters

Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the batter for a savory boost.

4. Vegan Corn Fritters

Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk. Skip the cheese or use vegan cheese.

5. Gluten-Free Option

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour.

Tips for Perfect Fritters

  • Don’t make them too big – Smaller fritters cook more evenly and stay crisp.

  • Drain well – Always drain on paper towels to avoid sogginess.

  • Serve immediately – Fritters are best enjoyed fresh and hot.

  • Adjust thickness – If your batter is too runny, add a little more flour. If too thick, thin with a splash of milk.

  • Control oil temperature – If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly; if too cold, fritters will absorb oil.

How to Bake Corn Fritters

If you want to avoid frying, baking is a good alternative:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Grease or line a baking sheet.

  3. Drop spoonfuls of batter and flatten slightly.

  4. Bake for 12–15 minutes per side or until golden.

While baked fritters won’t be quite as crispy, they’re lighter and still delicious.

How to Air Fry Corn Fritters

Air fryers can make crisp fritters without the mess of frying:

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Lightly spray the basket with oil.

  3. Place fritters in a single layer.

  4. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

Let fritters cool completely before storing.

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze between parchment paper layers in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat

  • Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

  • Air fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 4–5 minutes.

  • Skillet: Heat with a bit of oil until warmed through.

Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crispiness.

Nutritional Overview (Per Fritter)

(Estimates based on standard recipe without cheese or sauces)

  • Calories: 90

  • Carbohydrates: 11g

  • Protein: 3g

  • Fat: 4g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sodium: 180mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on ingredients and size.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Batter: You can make the batter a few hours ahead and store in the refrigerator.

  • Cooked fritters: Make and freeze ahead for easy reheating.

  • Serving: Pre-cook and reheat in batches just before serving if feeding a crowd.

FAQs

Can I use creamed corn?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate the milk to avoid overly wet batter.

Why are my fritters falling apart?

They may need more binding. Add another egg or a little more flour.

Can I make corn fritters without eggs?

Yes. Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg) or egg replacer.

Are corn fritters sweet or savory?

Typically savory, but you can make sweet versions with sugar and cinnamon.

Conclusion

Corn fritters are a timeless dish that’s both easy and endlessly customizable. With their crispy exterior and tender, corn-filled interior, they satisfy a craving for comfort food while remaining simple enough to make on a whim. Whether served as a snack, brunch side, or appetizer, corn fritters deserve a spot in your go-to recipe collection.

Try different cheeses, herbs, spices, or even sweet versions—once you get the basic technique down, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.