Can I make the batter ahead of time?

While you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated, I don't recommend making it more than 4 hours ahead. The baking powder starts working once mixed with wet ingredients, and you'll lose some of that lightness if it sits too long. If you do make it ahead, you might need to add a splash more milk before cooking as the batter will thicken in the refrigerator.

Why are my fritters falling apart when I flip them?

This typically happens when the fritters aren't cooked long enough on the first side before flipping. Make sure you see those bubbles forming and edges setting before attempting to turn them. Also check that your batter isn't too wet – it should be thick enough to hold its shape.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! A cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend works beautifully in this recipe. You may need to adjust the milk slightly as some gluten-free flours absorb liquid differently.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, though the texture won't be quite the same. Preheat your oven to 425°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spray with cooking spray, drop the batter as directed, and bake for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won't be as crispy but will still be delicious.

Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe

Name: Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; thawed if using frozen); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup green onion, chopped; 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated; Vegetable oil, as needed

Description

These cheesy corn fritters are the ultimate comfort food—a crispy, golden exterior encasing a soft and cheesy center filled with sweet corn goodness! Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these fritters are easy to whip up and incredibly satisfying. Packed with bold seasonings, creamy cheddar, and fresh green onions, they make for a flavor-packed treat that everyone will love. Plus, they come together in no time, using pantry staples and everyday ingredients.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; thawed if using frozen)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Wet Ingredients

2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup whole milk

Additions

1/4 cup green onion, chopped
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated

For Frying

Vegetable oil, as needed

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Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly incorporate the spices.
Add Wet Ingredients
Crack the eggs into a small bowl and beat them lightly. Pour the eggs and milk into the dry mixture, stirring until fully combined and a batter forms.
Incorporate Additions
Add the chopped green onions and grated cheddar cheese to the batter. Gently fold them in until evenly distributed.
Heat the Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add enough vegetable oil to generously coat the bottom of the skillet. Allow the oil to heat up until shimmering.
Cook the Fritters
Using 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter, carefully drop portions of the batter into the hot skillet. Flatten each portion slightly with the back of the spoon or spatula to form patties.
Fry Until Golden
Cook the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
Work in Batches
Fry the fritters in batches using the remaining batter. Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve
Serve warm with your favorite sauce or dip for a delicious snack or side dish.

Notes

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure crispy fritters and prevent them from becoming greasy.
Frozen corn must be fully thawed and patted dry before using to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
You can substitute cheddar cheese with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.
To reheat leftovers, place fritters in the oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fritter
Calories: 180kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 50mg