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Corn Fritters

Corn fritters are crispy, golden bites made by mixing fresh corn kernels with a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk, then frying until perfectly browned. The dish features a tender interior with a satisfying crunch on the outside, ideal as a snack or quick meal. Their spontaneous, rustic charm makes them a favorite for turning leftovers into delicious comfort food.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels about 2 ears, husked and cut off the cob
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk dairy or plant-based
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • optional chopped scallions or herbs for added flavor

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Slotted Spoon

Method
 

  1. Gather all your ingredients and a large mixing bowl. Sift the flour and baking powder together into the bowl to keep the batter light and airy.
  2. Add the fresh corn kernels to the dry ingredients, distributing them evenly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together until well combined, then pour into the dry ingredients.
  4. Stir everything gently with a spatula just until combined; the batter should be thick but scoopable, with no dry flour visible.
  5. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in your skillet over medium heat until shimmering and hot—this takes about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Using a spoon or small scoop, gently drop dollops of batter into the hot oil, spacing them apart. Flatten each slightly with the back of the spoon for even cooking.
  7. Cook the fritters for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn golden brown and crispy, listening for that satisfying crackle as they fry.
  8. Flip the fritters carefully with a spatula, ensuring both sides are evenly browned and crispy.
  9. Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then let them rest for a minute.
  10. Serve the fritters warm, optionally garnished with chopped scallions or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.

Notes

For extra crunch, toss the batter with a small handful of panko breadcrumbs before frying. Resting the cooked fritters on paper towels helps them stay crispy. You can customize the flavor with herbs or hot sauce for a spicy kick.