Jalapeño Popper Corn Fritters are a crispy, creamy, spicy snack that combines the best of two classic favorites—jalapeño poppers and corn fritters. These golden bites are packed with sweet corn, spicy jalapeños, rich cream cheese, and melty cheddar, all fried to perfection. They’re great as an appetizer, party snack, or a fun side dish with a little heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These fritters are crispy on the outside and irresistibly cheesy and creamy on the inside. The combination of sweet corn and spicy jalapeños is perfectly balanced by the rich cream cheese and sharp cheddar. They’re quick to make, easy to eat, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Serve them with a dipping sauce, and they’ll disappear in minutes.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh, frozen, or canned corn (drained if using canned)
- Jalapeños (seeded and finely chopped)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Eggs
- Milk
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
directions
- In a large bowl, mix together corn, chopped jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
- Stir in the flour and baking powder.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk, then add to the corn mixture. Stir until a thick batter forms.
- Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and flatten slightly with a spatula. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky twist.
- Use pepper jack or mozzarella for different cheese flavors.
- Mix in chopped scallions or red bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
- Make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Bake or air fry for a lighter option.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again.
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream cheese filling, which may affect texture when thawed.
FAQs
What kind of corn should I use?
You can use fresh, frozen (thawed), or canned (drained) corn—whatever you have on hand.
How spicy are these fritters?
They have a mild to medium heat. You can increase or reduce the jalapeños depending on your spice preference.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F on a greased baking sheet for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I use pickled jalapeños?
Yes, but they’ll add a tangier flavor compared to fresh jalapeños.
Do I need to cook the corn first?
No, just make sure it’s thawed or drained if using frozen or canned corn.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Ranch, sour cream, chipotle mayo, or a spicy aioli are all great options.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to cook them right after mixing, but you can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance and mix when ready.
How do I make them crispier?
Make sure the oil is hot before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, just reduce the jalapeños for a milder version if needed.
Can I serve these as a main dish?
Yes, serve them alongside a salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Jalapeño Popper Corn Fritters are the perfect fusion of creamy, cheesy, spicy, and crunchy. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, they make a fun and addictive appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them at a party, game night, or just as a treat-yourself dinner, these fritters are bound to be a favorite.
Print
Jalapeño Popper Corn Fritters
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 12 fritters
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Jalapeño Popper Corn Fritters are everything you love about the classic popper — spicy, cheesy, and crispy — but in fritter form! Loaded with sweet corn, fresh jalapeños, and melty cheddar cheese, they’re pan-fried until golden and perfect for dipping.
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 cup whole milk
-
2 large eggs
-
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
-
1-2 jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
-
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
-
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Spicy Dipping Sauce (optional):
-
1/2 cup mayonnaise
-
1 tablespoon sriracha
-
1 tablespoon lime juice
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
Salt, to taste
Instructions
-
Make the Sauce (optional):
In a small bowl, mix together mayo, sriracha, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Chill until ready to serve. -
Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In another bowl, whisk milk and eggs. Add to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
Fold in corn, diced jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and green onions. -
Fry the Fritters:
Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil and gently flatten.
Fry 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove and drain on paper towels. -
Serve:
Serve warm with dipping sauce or your favorite ranch or sour cream.
Notes
-
Want more heat? Use 2 jalapeños or add a dash of cayenne to the batter.
-
For a smokier flavor, try pepper jack instead of cheddar.
-
These reheat well in an air fryer or oven!