Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Jalapeno Corn Nuggets combine sweet corn, sharp cheddar cheese, and spicy jalapeños in a lightly seasoned batter, deep-fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for sharing as appetizers or enjoying as a tasty treat.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20-24 nuggets 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Additional Ingredients
- 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, drained (about 1 ½ cups kernels)
- 2 medium jalapeños, seeded, finely diced
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Parsley, for garnish
- Combine Cheese with Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, sharp cheddar cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and sugar until well combined.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the large egg, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter until fully combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a light batter.
- Fold in Corn and Jalapeños: Gently fold in the drained sweet corn kernels and finely diced jalapeños into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking the corn too much.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy pot and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), which is optimal for deep frying.
- Fry Nuggets in Batches: Using a spoon, drop 4-5 spoonfuls of the batter carefully into the hot oil. Fry the nuggets for 2-3 minutes per batch or until they turn golden brown and crispy, maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F between batches.
- Drain Nuggets: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried nuggets and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the nuggets and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Seed jalapeños to reduce spiciness, or leave seeds in for extra heat.
- Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the nuggets light and tender.
- Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or spicy mayo for added flavor.
- Use fresh corn kernels if canned corn is unavailable, and drain well before using.
Keywords: Jalapeno Corn Nuggets, Fried Corn Nuggets, Spicy Corn Fritters, Appetizer, Snack