Description
These Corn Nuggets are a crispy, cheesy, and irresistible snack made with sweet corn and cheddar cheese, all fried to golden perfection. Whether you pan-fry, air fry, or bake them, they’re the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Easy to make in under 30 minutes, these cheesy corn nuggets are great for parties, as a snack, or even a side dish! The crispy exterior combined with the gooey cheese inside makes them a crowd favorite that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Nuggets:
2 cups corn kernels, divided (thawed if frozen, drained if canned)
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg (or flax egg)
1/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or vegan cheddar)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Pan Frying:
2 cups avocado oil (adjust based on pan size)
Instructions
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Prepare the Corn Mixture: In a food processor or blender, puree 1 cup of corn until mostly smooth. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining 1 cup of corn, flour, baking powder, breadcrumbs, egg, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be thick but scoopable.
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Heat the Oil: Heat 1½ to 2 inches of avocado oil in a deep pot to 360°F (182°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
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Form the Nuggets: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form balls of the corn mixture and gently flatten them into discs about 1 inch thick.
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Fry the Nuggets: Fry the nuggets in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan. After frying, transfer the nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, sriracha mayo, or ketchup.
Notes
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at a consistent 360°F (182°C) for even frying.
- Batch Frying: Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause uneven cooking.
- Dipping Sauces: These nuggets are perfect with ranch, garlic butter, sriracha mayo, or tzatziki.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
