Corn nuggets are a delightful bite-sized treat that combines the sweetness of corn with a crispy, golden coating. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these nuggets are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual evening at home, these nuggets are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory: The perfect balance of flavors with a crispy exterior and sweet corn filling.
- Quick to Prepare: Minimal prep time makes these ideal for busy days or impromptu gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and tasty snack that kids will love.
- Customizable: Add your favorite spices or ingredients for a unique twist.
- Great for Any Occasion: Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Whole kernel corn (canned or frozen, drained and thawed if necessary)
- Creamed corn
- All-purpose flour
- Cornmeal
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Egg
- Milk
- Oil for frying
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn and creamed corn.
- Gradually stir in the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using) until well mixed.
- Add the egg and milk to the mixture, stirring until a thick batter forms.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a spoon or small scoop, drop dollops of batter into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the nuggets for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove the nuggets from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or sweet chili sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 20–25 nuggets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Cheesy Nuggets: Mix shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the batter for extra flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Add finely chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives for a fresh taste.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Baked Version: Place the batter in small silicone molds and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or in an air fryer for 5–7 minutes until crispy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned or frozen?
Yes, fresh corn kernels work wonderfully in this recipe.
How can I make the nuggets extra crispy?
Double coat the nuggets by dipping them in flour or breadcrumbs before frying.
Can I air fry these instead of deep frying?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.
What dipping sauces go best with corn nuggets?
Ranch, honey mustard, sweet chili sauce, or even ketchup are great choices.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
Are these nuggets sweet or savory?
They’re slightly sweet due to the corn, but you can adjust the sweetness by adding or omitting sugar.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, use a greased baking sheet or silicone molds and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
What’s the best oil for frying corn nuggets?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best.
Can I add other vegetables to the batter?
Yes, diced bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños make excellent additions.
Are these gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can make them gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free blend.
Conclusion
Corn nuggets are a versatile and delicious snack that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or quick snack, these golden, crispy bites are guaranteed to satisfy. Customize the recipe to suit your preferences, and don’t forget the dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor!
Print
Corn Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These golden, crispy corn nuggets are a sweet and savory treat made with creamy corn batter, deep-fried to perfection. Perfect for appetizers, snacking, or as a fun side dish!
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Prepare the Batter:
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk and egg together. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Add Corn:
- Fold the corn kernels into the batter until evenly combined. For extra creaminess, mash a small portion of the corn before mixing it in.
Fry the Nuggets:
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge the nuggets.
- Drop the Batter:
- Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry Until Golden:
- Cook the nuggets for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve:
- Enjoy Hot:
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or ketchup.
Notes
- For a sweeter variation, add 2 more tablespoons of sugar and serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
- These nuggets can be made ahead and reheated in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- You can add diced jalapeños or shredded cheese to the batter for extra flavor.