Corn Fritters

Corn fritters aren't a particularly Southern dish—it's just that Southerners really love corn fritters. For breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish at dinner, these crispy fried bits of doughy corn are welcome all year, but especially when the corn is still just-picked sweet.

Learn how to make corn fritters. Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun side dish for dinners this week.

Corn Fritters: A Family Favorite

There are many great ways to use fresh summer corn—it's versatile enough to be grilled, smoked, baked, boiled, and even served raw. There's maque choux, corn chowder, corn pudding, and so much more.

While many people associate corn fritters with a lunch or dinner side, golden corn kernels shine in a crispy fritter served for breakfast with a dipping bowl of pure maple syrup. Instead of pancakes or waffles, try this doughy delight during summer. They are a quick option that comes together easily and lets that fresh corn be the star. Kind of like hush puppies and kind of like funnel cake, these corn fritters will be on regular rotation for family breakfasts.

If you prefer a more savory approach, serve the fritters with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of bacon, or classic dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard would be great, too.

Hush Puppies vs. Corn Fritters

Hush puppies and corn fritters may be in the same family, but each is unique. They’re both deliciously indulgent, deep-fried dough featuring corn, but hush puppies are made from a cornmeal-based batter, while corn fritters are flour-based and studded with corn kernels throughout. Fritters are light and puffy, while hush puppies are a bit more dense.

Ingredients for Corn Fritters

To make these fritters, you'll need:

• Vegetable or canola oil: For frying.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough.
• Baking powder: Adds lift for a light, airy texture.
• Baking soda: Helps the baking powder leaven the mix.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the fritters.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness.
• Egg: Binds the batter.
• Shortening: For richness—can be substituted for bacon grease if you have some on hand.
• Whole milk: Moistens the batter for a light, fluffy consistency.
• Fresh or frozen and thawed corn: Fresh summer corn cut off the cob is best, but you could substitute frozen or canned as long as it is thawed and drained. 

How To Make Corn Fritters

Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Heat frying oil: Heat oil to 365°F.
• Step 2. Make batter: Sift to combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Add egg, melted shortening, and milk; whisk until smooth. Stir in corn.
• Step 3. Fry fritters: Drop fritters by spoonfuls into the oil. Fry until golden brown, turning once, 10-15 minutes.
• Step 4. Serve fritters: Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot.

Our Tips for Perfect Corn Fritters

There are a few important steps for perfecting homemade corn fritters:

• Don't overwork the batter: A heavy, overmixed batter will be dense and have a hard time cooking through.
• Check your oil temperature: Too low and the fritters will soak up oil and become soggy; too high and they'll brown too quickly but remain raw in the center.
• Don't overcrowd the pan: Frying too many fritters at once will cause the oil temperature to drop, and make it difficult for the fritters to brown properly.
• Cool as directed: Cool corn fritters on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil, or transfer to a cooling rack to allow air to circulate, keeping them crisp.
  

Variations for Corn Fritters

Looking to add some extra flavor to these classic fritters? Here are some ideas to try:

• Add cheese: Shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or grated Parmesan add a salty, cheesy bite.
• Play with herbs: Mix in chopped chives, scallions, cilantro, or parsley.
• Play with heat: Cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño can add a little heat to the batter.
• Add bacon: Crispy, chopped bacon makes these fritters even more perfect for breakfast.

What To Serve With Corn Fritters

Corn fritters can be enjoyed at any time of day. Serve with maple syrup for breakfast, or a dollop of sour cream, aioli, honey mustard, or ranch as a mid-day appetizer or snack.

For dinner, pair with fried chicken or barbecue, or dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for dessert.

Making Ahead & Storing Corn Fritters

Fritter batter can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated, then fried when ready to serve.

Leftover fritters can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to three days, or frozen up to three months. To reheat, bake at 375°F until heated through.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.