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Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe

4.9 from 144 reviews

These Jalapeno Corn Nuggets are crispy, golden-fried bites bursting with sweet corn and a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños, combined with sharp cheddar cheese for a flavorful snack or appetizer.

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

Other Ingredients

  • 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, drained (about 1 ½ cups kernels)
  • 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • vegetable oil, for frying
  • parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, finely shredded cheddar cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar until evenly combined.
  2. Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the room temperature egg, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter until fully integrated.
  3. Mix wet with dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
  4. Fold in corn and jalapeños: Carefully fold in the drained sweet corn kernels and finely diced jalapeños, ensuring an even distribution without smashing the corn.
  5. Heat oil for frying: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot and heat over medium until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
  6. Fry the nuggets: Using a spoon, drop 4-5 spoonfuls of batter carefully into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F.
  7. Drain excess oil: With a slotted spoon, remove the cooked nuggets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the nuggets and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Be sure to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for even frying and crisp nuggets.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough nuggets.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
  • The batter can be scooped using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop for consistent nugget size.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture; leftovers can be reheated in an oven for crispiness.

Keywords: Jalapeno Corn Nuggets, Corn Fritters, Fried Corn Snacks, Spicy Corn Nuggets, Appetizer, Snack, Jalapeno Recipes