Very Crispy Corn Fritters are a delicious, golden-brown snack or side dish, perfect for enjoying fresh summer corn or canned/frozen corn. These fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with bursts of sweet corn in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or canned/frozen, drained)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (or buttermilk for added richness)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
- If using fresh corn, slice the kernels off the cob.
- If using frozen corn, thaw it completely, and for canned corn, make sure to drain and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture.
2. Mix the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the corn kernels, green onions, and cilantro/parsley if desired. The batter should be thick but still slightly loose. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk.
3. Heat the Oil:
- Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot (around 350°F or 175°C). Test the heat by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and starts to brown, the oil is ready.
4. Fry the Fritters:
- Using a spoon or a small scoop, drop about 2-3 tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil. Flatten each fritter slightly with the back of the spoon for more even frying.
- Fry the fritters in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve:
- Serve the corn fritters hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sour cream, salsa, or a spicy mayo.
Tips for Extra Crispiness:
- Dry the corn: If using canned or frozen corn, ensure it’s well-drained and patted dry to prevent soggy fritters.
- Cornmeal: The addition of cornmeal helps add a nice crunch to the fritters. You can use more or less depending on your texture preference.
- High Heat Frying: Frying at the correct temperature ensures that the fritters get crispy without absorbing too much oil. A thermometer can help you monitor the temperature.
- Thin batter: Keeping the batter not too thick will allow the fritters to fry up crispier.
These Very Crispy Corn Fritters are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for barbecues, picnics, or a tasty side dish at any meal. The sweet, juicy corn paired with the crunchy exterior makes these fritters irresistible!