Corn Fritters

Name: Corn Fritters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Corn Kernels fresh (thawed from frozen or canned, drained); 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour; 1/2 cup Yellow Corn Meal; 1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar; 2 teaspoons Baking Powder; 1 teaspoon Salt; 2 Large Eggs beaten; 1/2 cup Heavy Cream; 2-3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Make Corn Fritters in under 25 minutes for the ultimate summer snack or as a BBQ side dish. Crispy fritters are made with simple ingredients and packed with sweet corn.

Three golden-brown corn fritters topped with chopped green onions are served on a white plate next to a bowl of creamy dip. A blue and white checkered cloth is nearby on a white hexagon-patterned surface—perfect for easy appetizers.

These Corn Fritters are delicious, have a crispy golden brown texture but still tender in the middle. Each bite is full of sweet corn making the best and light summertime side dish, breakfast dish or it can even be served as a main dish!

If you have leftover corn from making my corn salad or air fryer corn on the cob then make these Corn Fritters. They will definitely be on my menu all summer long because of their amazing taste and how simple they are to make.

What are Corn Fritters Made of?

Corn Fritters are made with simple ingredients such as corn kernels, flour, cornmeal, milk, eggs, and pantry spices. You can even add in shredded cheese, or your favorite protein such as chopped bacon or ham for even more flavor.

Ingredients

Corn Kernels – Use fresh, thawed from frozen or canned, drained
All Purpose Flour – Helps holds the fritters together. You can substitute flour 1:1 with a gluten-free flour blend.
Yellow Corn Meal – Adds texture and corn flavor. If you do not have cornmeal, use a little extra flour, but the fritters will be softer.
Granulated Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness
Baking Powder – Helps to aerate the batter
Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients together
Heavy Cream – Makes the fritters rich and tender. Milk can be used instead, but the batter may be slightly thinner and less rich.
Vegetable Oil – Used to fry the fritters. Substitute with avocado oil or canola oil

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Corn Fritters

Follow along with my simple instructions to make your own corn fritters in your kitchen.

A large glass bowl holds cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and corn kernels.

Step 1 – In a large bowl, stir together the corn, cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.

A glass bowl with flour, egg yolks, chopped nuts, and milk sits on a white hexagon-tiled.

Step 2 – Stir in the eggs and heavy cream until the batter is well combined.

A frying pan with oil sits on a marble countertop next to a bowl of corn fritter batter.

Step 3 – Heat 1-2 tablespoons of the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.

A hand holds a ¼ cup measuring cup filled with thick, yellow corn batter.

Step 4 – Scoop the corn fritter batter into the skillet using a ¼ cup measuring cup. Gently press the mixture down to flatten out the patties.

A single golden-brown pancake cooks in the center of a nonstick frying pan.

Step 5 – Cook each of the patties for 4-5 minutes until the fritter is browned in the skillet. Flip and cook the other side for 4-5 more minutes. Watch them closely as they cook so that they do not burn.

A plate of golden-brown pancake is placed on a white hexagonal-tile surface.

Step 6 – Continue until all the fritters are cooked. Serve with your favorite toppings such as chopped green onion and sour cream and enjoy!

Pro Tips

Moisture – Make sure to drain and remove extra moisture from the corn to prevent your corn fritters from being soggy.
Heat Oil – For the best texture, make sure to heat oil so that your corn fritters turn out with a crispy texture and soft center.
Cooking Fritters – You will cook the fritters about 5 minutes on each side. I like to set a timer so that I do not overcook the fritters.
Keeping fritters crisp after frying – Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel lined plate to remove excess oil and help keep them crisp.

Flavor Variations

Bacon – Add ½ cup of chopped bacon and shredded cheddar cheese for a delicious smoky and savory flavor.
Mexican Style – Add in Cotija, paprika, chopped onions and chopped cilantro for a Tex-Mex flavors to your corn fritters. Serve with freshly squeezed lime and a small bowl of homemade salsa for the perfect combination.
Hint of Sweetness – When serving drizzle the top with honey for the best brunch-friendly dish.
Spicy – For a hint of spice add in ¼ cup of chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Dipping Sauces for Corn Fritters

Sour Cream and Chive Dip – Mix sour cream with chopped chives and a little salt.
Honey Butter – Drizzle with melted butter mixed with honey for a sweet option.
Tzatziki Sauce – Serve with homemade tzatziki for a cool, creamy dip.

Three golden-brown corn fritters on a white plate with sour cream and chopped green onions.

How to Serve Corn Fritters

Easy Corn Fritters can be served as a snack, appetizer or as a main dish. We have even served them as a delicious breakfast dish topped with a over hard eggs, a dollop of sour cream with a side of air fry bacon and a side salad.

For a light dinner or snack add a side of shredded beef sandwiches and coleslaw recipe for the perfect summertime meal.

FAQ

What Type of Corn is Best to Make Corn Fritters?

You can use frozen corn that has been thawed or canned corn that has been drained. Try it also with fresh corn on the cob. You will need about 3 ears of corn for 2 cups of kernels. This is a great recipe to use leftover corn.

Why are My Crispy Corn Fritters Falling Apart?

If your corn fritters are falling apart the batter could be too dry. Add 1 tablespoon of milk to add moisture to the fritter batter.

Can I Bake Corn Fritters?

Yes, if you prefer you can bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees. Place prepared fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 15 minutes. You will need to flip the fritters once to cook both sides. Baked fritters will not be as crispy as fried fritters.

Are hush puppies and corn fritters the same?

No. Hush puppies are usually made with cornmeal batter, while corn fritters contain whole corn kernels and have a softer center.

Why aren’t my corn fritters crispy?

The oil may not be hot enough, or the batter may have too much moisture. Make sure the oil is hot before frying and drain the fritters on paper towels.

How many ears of corn do I need for corn fritters?

One medium ear of corn usually gives about ½ to ¾ cup of kernels. Use enough ears to match the amount of corn called for in the recipe.

Can I make corn fritters in the air fryer?

Yes. Lightly spray them with oil and air fry until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway through.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge – Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer – Place the leftovers in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating – Reheat the leftovers in a preheated oven at 375 degrees and reheat for about 5 minutes. Air fryer is also a great option to make the corn fritters crispy again. Reheat at 375 degrees for about 2-3 minutes. Microwave will also work.
Make Ahead – The corn fritter batter can be made up to 1 day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Stir it well before cooking if any liquid separates.

A stack of savory corn pancakes with sour cream and chopped green onions.