Corn Fritters

These Corn Fritters feature fresh corn kernels mixed into a simple batter. Serve with a side of sour cream for a delicious summer side dish or appetizer!

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I’ve never been able to walk by a plate of fritters without stopping and having a nibble. Normally we’re talking about desserts…apple fritters in the fall and blueberry fritters in the summer. But this Corn Fritters recipe goes in a different direction. Instead of dessert, these savory fritters are served as a side dish alongside other traditional summer fare.

What is a Corn Fritter?

Corn Fritters are round pieces of pan-fried batter consisting of corn kernels, egg, milk, flour and melted butter. Chopped green onions are a common addition to corn fritters. Sometimes called corn nuggets, these fritters are often pan-fried, although they can also be deep-fried or even baked. I prefer pan frying corn fritters in a cast iron skillet as the heat from the skillet creates delicious bits of crispy corn along the edges.

Corn fritters were likely created in the Southern United States where fried foods play a large role in the cuisine of this region. However, as with many recipes, regional variations exist not only within the US but across the world. Corn fritters are commonplace in parts of Southeastern Asia.

In many ways, corn fritters are a close cousin of hushpuppies. Hushpuppies are deep-fried balls of cornbread batter, so they tend to be a bit breadier and denser. These fritters are made with flour instead of cornmeal which yields a lighter texture.

Corn Fritters are often served with a side of sour cream or (if you want to get fancy) garlic aioli. The combination of the crispy fritter with the creamy topping is quite fantastic!

How to Make Fritters with Fresh Corn

Fresh corn is a staple in our house during the summer months. We typically just grill up ears of corn as a side dish although sometimes we’ll get adventurous and make a batch of Mexican Street Corn or Bacon Wrapped Corn. This Corn Fritters recipe is a great way to use extra ears of corn. (I admit I’m guilty of always buying a couple ears too many!)

This is an easy recipe to make! Just slice the kernels off of 3 corn cobs. In one bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and seasonings) and in another bowl combine the wet ingredients (egg, melted butter, milk). Stir those together and then add in the corn kernels. I also like to throw in a handful of chopped green onions at this stage.

While you’re mixing up the batter, start heating up a bit of oil in a cast iron skillet. Once the oil is hot, drop large spoonfuls of batter into the skillet. The batter is thick, so press it down just slightly with a spoon to flatten it out. Let it pan-fry for ~3-4 minutes per side. That’s it! Before you know it, you’ll be looking at a stack of crispy corn fritters – perfect for summer side dishes or appetizers.

Can You Use Canned or Frozen Corn?

Yes! You can make this recipe year-round using canned corn or frozen corn. However, when possible, I recommend using fresh, local corn as the flavor will be better.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover fritters should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply place in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes per side, or until heated through. The fritters can also be reheated in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until hot. These fritters freeze well, too. Just place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Looking for a tasty summer appetizer or side dish? Grab some ears of fresh corn and whip up a batch of these fritters! Enjoy!

Did you make this Corn Fritters recipe at home? Leave a comment or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog) – I’d love to see your version!

Corn Fritters

These Corn Fritters feature fresh corn kernels mixed into a simple batter. Serve with a side of sour cream for a delicious summer side dish or appetizer!

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 fritters

Calories: 148kcal

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Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
• ⅓ cup milk
• ¼ cup chopped green onions plus more for garnishing, can substitute fresh chives
• 1⅔ cups fresh corn see note
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil
• {Optional} sour cream for serving

Instructions

• Using a large bowl, add flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, pepper and garlic powder; stir until well combined.
• Using a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter and milk.
• Pour liquid mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
• Add green onions and corn; stir until just combined.
• Using a large cast-iron skillet, add oil and place over medium-low heat.
• Once oil is hot, drop ~¼ cup of batter into skillet. Use the back of a spoon to spread the batter out into a thinner layer. Cook fritters for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. (Note: Cook fritters in batches depending on the size of skillet.)
• Transfer cooked fritters to a wire baking rack to cool slightly.
• Serve warm or room temperature. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving.
• {Optional} Serve with sour cream on side.

Notes

This will be ~3 medium ears of fresh corn. You can also substitute frozen corn or (1) 15-oz. can of whole-kernel corn. If using canned corn, make sure to drain and rinse corn before using.

Looking for more recipes using fresh corn? Check out these other favorites, too: