PrintCrispy Southern Corn Fritters Recipe
Make these classic corn fritters for a satisfying side dish or appetizer. They are crispy outside, fluffy inside, and packed with sweet corn flavor. This easy recipe delivers comfort food perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: About 12 fritters 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for Southern flavor)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) sweet corn kernels
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and buttermilk until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix the batter. A few lumps are fine.
- Fold in the corn kernels and chopped onion, if using.
- Pour about 1 to 1.5 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, ensuring you do not crowd the pan.
- Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the fritters are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately as a savory side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- For the best texture, make sure your oil temperature is correct. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
- If you want a cheesy corn fritters variation, add 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the batter.
- These fritters pair well with a simple dipping sauce made from sour cream, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dash of hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fritters
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 45