Corn Fritters Recipe: 3 Tips for Making Corn Fritters

Corn fritters are deep-fried corn cakes studded with corn kernels. Especially popular in the American South, corn fritters bring together the Native American staple of corn cakes and the West African tradition of deep-frying. These cakes are exceptionally flavorful when made with fresh corn kernels during the height of summer, but you can also make them with canned corn or frozen corn.

Serve corn fritters as an appetizer or side dish paired with a dollop of aioli or sour cream.

Though similar in their ingredients, corn fritters are different from hush puppies. Corn fritters feature corn kernels and have a pancake shape, while hush puppies feature a cornmeal batter rolled into balls before frying.

Here is how to customize classic corn fritters to suit your tastes:

1. 1. Experiment with herbs and spices. Give your corn fritters a kick with spices and herbs. Try cumin for a more savory fritter or mix fresh mint into the batter to make it more refreshing.
2. 2. Make cheesy corn fritters. Add shredded cheese like Parmesan or cheddar to your batter for added saltiness and an even crispier texture when fried.
   
3. 3. Try Mexican flavors. Give your corn fritters a Mexican twist by adding chopped jalapeños to the batter. Serve the cakes with a squeeze of lime juice, fresh cilantro, and guacamole or sour cream.
4. 4. Use an air fryer instead of deep-frying. For a healthier option, cut down on the oil and fry your corn fritters in the air fryer. The result will still be crispy, hot, and delicious fritters.

Follow these tips for perfect corn fritters every time:

1. 1. Drain the corn kernels. When making corn fritters, you can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels, but make sure to drain any excess liquid, so your batter retains a thick consistency. Too much water in the batter can result in thin fritters.
2. 2. Check the temperature of the oil. The ideal temperature for oil to fry food is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping the oil at a consistent temperature will allow the fritters to cook through and turn golden brown without burning. If the oil is under temperature, the fritters won’t crisp up. If the oil is too hot, the fritters may burn before the insides have fully cooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.
3. 3. Freeze for later. Freeze your corn fritters for a quick and easy reheatable snack. After cooking the corn fritters, let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer bag or resealable container. To reheat, place the corn fritters in the toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for five to seven minutes, or warm them in a pan over medium heat until crispy.