Southern-style corn fritters

Southern-style corn fritters combine the sweetness of fresh corn with a light, crispy batter, making them perfect as a side dish or snack. Easy to prepare, these fritters are delicious when served hot with your choice of dipping sauce.

21 Jan 2026
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 20 min

Ingredients:

6 cobs sweet corn
4 eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 cup vegetable oil

Corn fritters are a beloved Southern dish, blending the natural sweetness of fresh corn with a light and crispy batter. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, these fritters can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of dips. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and can be whipped up in no time, making it an ideal choice for any meal.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corn:
- Husk the corn and remove all silk strands. Using a sharp knife, cut the kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl. You should have approximately 860g of corn kernels.

2. Mix the Batter:
- In the bowl with the corn, crack the 4 eggs and whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the corn and egg mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Sprinkle in the salt and mix until the batter is well combined.

3. Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1/4 inch deep, enough to shallow-fry the fritters. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small bit of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and browns within a minute, the oil is ready.

4. Cook the Fritters:
- Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Each fritter should be about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning.

5. Drain the Fritters:
- Once cooked, remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

6. Serve:
- Serve the corn fritters hot. They are delicious on their own or can be accompanied by a dipping sauce of your choice, such as a spicy aioli or honey butter.

With their crispy exterior and sweet, tender interior, these Southern-style corn fritters are sure to please any crowd. Whether you're serving them with a dipping sauce or as part of a larger meal, their simplicity and flavor make them a standout dish. Remember to adjust the frying temperature as needed to achieve the perfect golden brown finish. Enjoy your homemade corn fritters hot and fresh for the best experience!

Southern-style corn fritters FAQ:

How long should I fry the corn fritters?

Fry the corn fritters for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning.

What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with alternatives like cornmeal, gluten-free flour, or chickpea flour. Keep in mind that using a different flour may alter the texture slightly.

How should I store leftover corn fritters?

Store leftover corn fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in an oven or skillet to maintain their crispiness.

What is the best oil for frying corn fritters?

Vegetable oil works well for frying corn fritters due to its high smoke point. Canola oil or peanut oil are also good alternatives.

How do I know if the oil is hot enough for frying?

To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and brown within a minute. If it does not, allow the oil to heat a bit longer.

Tips:

- For best results, use fresh sweet corn. If fresh corn is not available, frozen corn can be used but make sure it's fully thawed and patted dry to remove excess moisture.

- Beat the eggs well before mixing them with the corn to ensure an even distribution and a good bond with the flour.

- Adjust the salt to taste. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed after frying a test fritter.

- Preheat the oil to the correct temperature before frying. A thermometer can be helpful here; the oil should be around 350°F (175°C).

- Avoid overcrowding the frying pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasier fritters. Fry in batches if necessary.

- After frying, place the fritters on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, ensuring they stay crispy.

- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding finely chopped herbs or spices to the batter, such as parsley, chives, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Nutrition per serving

10 Servings
Calories 120kcal
Protein 6g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 1.90g
Sugar 3.88g
Fat 50g

Southern-style corn fritters