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Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe

4.6 from 52 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the large egg, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter until fully combined.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Drain Nuggets: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried nuggets and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
  8. 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