Southern Corn Fritters Recipe

Corn fritters with cornmeal are a classic Southern side. They are perfect for summer barbecues or any get-together. You can whip up these cornbread-style fritters in minutes using fresh corn off the cob or well-drained canned corn. They come together with just five simple ingredients and fry up with crispy edges and a tender center. They are an easy, nostalgic addition to any meal.

Crispy Corn Fritters

Y’all will love this recipe for corn fritters using canned corn because it’s so easy to whip up in about five minutes, plus ten more to fry them.

This is a bona fide recipe that has been on Southern tables for generations. The easy recipe doesn’t take much effort, and they are the perfect side for any meal.

The edges get crispy as they cook for the perfect dipping side dish. Plus, the recipe is super inexpensive and versatile.

If you get on Pinterest, you can see a huge variety of ways to make the fritters, from adding cilantro, onions, jalapeños, and so much more.

You can even add a little sugar to them for a sweet treat. You can also make them gluten-free, egg-free, or just about any way you’d like to.

This is one of my favorite recipes. The truth is, I will eat corn any way I can get it. I love the stuff.

My grandparents raised corn on their farm in Tennessee, and my grandmother had it at almost every meal.

As a youngin’, I once ate twelve ears in one sitting. Yep, twelve full ears of corn. The only bad part is that I didn’t have room for pie after.

What Are Corn Fritters Made Of?

Corn fritters are made with corn, cornmeal, flour, egg, and Parmesan—with salt/pepper for seasoning (and oil for frying, but not counted in the five).

What Ingredients Are Needed For Corn Fritters?

• Corn: You can use fresh corn on the cob (just cut it right off), but when I’m in a hurry, I grab canned corn—it’s quick, easy, and still tastes great. Frozen corn works too; just thaw it first and drain it really well.
• Cornmeal, flour, and egg: This is what gives the fritters that cornbread-style texture and helps them hold together while they fry.
• Parmesan cheese: Don’t skip it—Parmesan adds a little extra flavor and helps the outside get nice and golden with crispy edges.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning is all you need.
• Oil for frying: You’ll need oil in the skillet for frying, but I don’t count that as one of the “five ingredients” since it’s just for cooking.

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed below in the recipe card.

Step-By-Step Instructions

First, add the whole kernel corn to a medium-large bowl.

I used canned corn because I was in a bit of a hurry, and this is a great recipe for corn fritters using canned corn.

You’ll need two cups of corn for this recipe, and it requires about 1-1/2 cans of yellow corn.

You can use yellow or white corn, and if you’d like them to be super fresh, you can scrape it right off the cob.

It will take several cooked ears to get enough corn to equal two cups.

Second, add the beaten egg to the bowl.

The egg is one of the ingredients that will help hold the fritters together while frying.

Next, you’re going to add the yellow cornmeal to the bowl.

I did not use self-rising cornmeal for the recipe.

Now, add the all-purpose flour.

The cornmeal, egg, and all-purpose flour hold everything together while frying.

If it still seems too dry, add another egg to the mixture.

Next, add the grated parmesan cheese to the bowl.

You don’t have to add the cheese, but it does give it a lot of flavor.

I used store-bought pre-grated parmesan cheese. I didn’t want to spend a lot of time grating the parmesan, so I opted for the easy route, but still just as tasty.

Finally, add a pinch of salt and pepper and mix well.

If you’d like to add other ingredients, now is the time.

Cooking the Fritters

Heat oil in a frying pan on medium heat. I used enough oil to fill about 1/4 inch of the pan. (I used my big cast iron skillet for this recipe, but any skillet will work fine).

Spoon out some of the corn fritter mixture into your hand and create a ball before putting it in the frying pan. That way, you will be able to keep it together.

Once you get it into the hot oil, take the back of a spoon and press it down with ease so it doesn’t fall apart.

Allow the corn fritters to cook for about five to six minutes on one side or until they are golden brown.

Don’t be tempted to check before that time because the fritters might fall apart if you try to turn them over too soon – speaking from experience here.

Flip the fritters over and allow them to cook until they are golden brown and crispy all over.

Bacon drippings add a ton of flavor to corn fritters. Add a little to the oil if you’d like to.

After they cook, place them on paper towels to drain off the grease and set aside until you’re ready to eat them.

They have such a delicious, crispy exterior after frying them. (Just be careful of the hot grease).

You can add a little butter on top and let it melt.

I like to sprinkle a little bit of dried parsley on them if I have some in the cabinet. It just adds a bit of color.

Optional Ingredients for this Southern Favorite:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Jalapeños
• Shredded carrots
• Green onions

Can You Bake Corn Fritters?

Yes! You can definitely bake them, and this is how I would do it: Great question! If you wanted to bake corn fritters instead of frying them, here’s what I’d do: Turn the oven on to 375 degrees and line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop the fritters on the baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you want them extra crispy, broil them for the last minute.

How Do You Reheat Corn Fritters?

Corn fritters are best reheated in the toaster oven. That way, they will be nice and crispy again when done. You can pop them in the microwave, but they will not be crispy anymore and might be tough to bite into.

What Can You Dip Corn Fritters In?

Corn fritters are best with something creamy to balance the crispy edges, but they’re also delicious with a little spice or a touch of sweetness.

• Sour cream (plain or mixed with a little hot sauce)
• Mayo (easy and classic)
• Spicy aioli (store-bought or homemade)
• Honey mustard (sweet and tangy)
• Maple syrup (so good if you like that sweet-and-savory combo)

Can Fritters Be Frozen?

Yes, you can freeze fritters. Just be sure to wrap them in an airtight container. You can defrost them by setting them on the counter for an hour or so and then heating them up in the toaster oven before serving.

Southern Corn Fritters Recipe

4.55 from 37 votes

Julie Pollitt

Corn Fritters with cornmeal are a great southern side dish for summer barbecues, as well as any gathering. The fritters are easy to make using corn on the cob or corn right out of the can. This simple recipe only uses five ingredients for a quick and easy addition to a meal that everyone will love.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Recipes

Cuisine Southern

Servings 8 fritters

Calories 114 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups whole kernel corn
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• pinch of salt and pepper
• vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

 

• Begin heating the vegetable oil in a frying pan on medium heat.
• Add the corn, cornmeal, flour, egg, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to a medium-sized bowl.
• Mix together and press into a ball in your hand to create a fritter.
• Add to the hot vegetable oil and press down easily with your spoon or spatula to make a patty.
• Fry on each side for five to six minutes or until the fritters are golden brown and crispy on each side.
• Remove from skillet and place on a paper town to drain the oil.

Video

Notes

Bacon grease is an option for making fried cornbread fritters. It will add a lot of flavor.

You can use a slotted spoon to lift the fritters out of the frying pan.

For this recipe, I used a cast-iron skillet. But you can use your favorite skillet.

You can use fresh corn, but I used canned corn to save time.

Nutrition

Serving: 1fritterCalories: 114kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 133mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g

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