deep fried corn nuggets recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
deep fried corn nuggets recipe
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The Best deep fried corn nuggets recipe

I’ve been making deep-fried corn nuggets for my family for years, and they’re always a hit. The recipe originated from my grandmother, who used to make them for our family gatherings when I was a kid.

She would mix together cornmeal, flour, eggs, and spices to create a crispy and flavorful coating for the corn. The taste is unlike anything else – it’s sweet, savory, and crunchy all at once.

When I’m in charge of making dinner, my kids always ask for these nuggets, and I’m happy to oblige. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a side dish for a special occasion.

Not only are they delicious, but they’re also relatively healthy compared to other fried foods. My kids love helping me make them by dipping the corn into the batter and frying them up in the skillet.

It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen and teach them about where their food comes from.

Deep Fried Corn Nuggets

Deep Fried Corn Nuggets

4.9 from 610 votes

Crispy golden corn nuggets made from a sweet corn batter, deep fried until crunchy on the outside and tender inside. These bite-sized treats are perfect as an appetizer or snack, served with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Corn Nuggets

2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Oil for deep frying (such as vegetable or canola)

For the Dipping Sauce (optional)

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, flour, cornmeal, egg, milk, sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2Stir until a thick batter forms and all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3The batter should hold together when scooped; if too dry, add a teaspoon more milk.
4Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
5Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature, which is crucial for a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
6Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, carefully drop rounded tablespoons of the corn batter into the hot oil.
7Fry in batches of 6 to 8 nuggets, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, which would lower the oil temperature.
8Fry the nuggets for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they are deep golden brown and crispy on all sides.
9Remove them from the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
10In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, hot sauce, lime juice, and garlic powder to make the dipping sauce.
11Serve the warm corn nuggets immediately with the sauce on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
Slotted spoon or spider skimmer
Paper towels
Baking sheet
Small bowl (for sauce)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 420mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For extra crunch, add 2 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese to the batter. If using fresh corn, blanch the kernels in boiling water for 2 minutes and drain well before mixing. Serve with ranch dressing or honey mustard as alternatives.

Watch Video Of How Deep Fried Corn Nuggets Works

Deep-fried corn nuggets are always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight meal.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a side dish or add some protein like chicken or beef for a complete meal.

When storing leftover nuggets, be sure to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Fried Corn Nuggets

Q1: What is the secret to making crispy deep-fried corn nuggets?

The secret to making crispy deep-fried corn nuggets is all about the batter mixture. You want to make sure it’s not too thick or too thin – if it’s too thick, it will be hard to coat the corn evenly, and if it’s too thin, it will fall apart when you fry it.

Q2: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen corn instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with paper towels before using it. Frozen corn can be just as good as fresh when it comes to making these nuggets.

Q3: How do I store leftover deep-fried corn nuggets?

You can store leftover deep-fried corn nuggets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can also freeze them – just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer.

Q4: Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake these nuggets instead of frying them. To do this, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt before baking for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.

Q5: Are deep-fried corn nuggets suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, deep-fried corn nuggets are suitable for vegetarians. This recipe does not contain any meat or animal by-products – just wholesome ingredients like cornmeal, flour, eggs, and spices.

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