Crispy corn nuggets are delicious, flavorful, and just a little sweet. They’re surprisingly easy to make with canned corn, flour, and a few spices. You can enjoy these as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, and they pair perfectly with other comfort food.
Corn Nuggets
This delicious corn nuggets recipe is a seriously fun little appetizer! The batter is a little sweet and has a hint of garlic. The paprika in it is what gives it that gorgeous color and a bit of warmth. This simple homemade batter makes tender nuggets that are airy and fluff up so nicely.
Each nugget is packed full with corn niblets, which are sweet and add tons of texture. Then the outside develops a crunchy, golden shell as it fries in the oil.
If you’ve never had corn nuggets before, you’re in for a treat. I really love making these for people who have never had them before, because I think people don’t quite know what to expect when they eat them for the first time.
Everyone is always shocked at how tasty they are, and the bowl of fried corn nuggets always ends up empty at parties! They’re a super easy to make appetizer, and they even still taste yummy after they cool down and the crispiness goes away.
I love serving this snack with bang bang sauce, chipotle sauce, or some Alabama white sauce.
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil: This is the neutral flavored cooking oil we’re using to fry the nuggets. It has a high smoke point, which makes it great for frying food.
Flour: This creates the structure of the nuggets so that they can hold their shape while frying.
Baking Powder: This is a leavener that makes the nuggets perfectly light and fluffy.
Sugar: This adds just a bit of sweetness that enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
Salt, Garlic, and Paprika: Salt enhances all of the other flavors in this dish, garlic adds a savory element, and paprika adds a beautiful color as well as a bit of warmth.
Milk: This is the liquid we’re using to make the batter into the perfect consistency. Whole milk works best in this recipe. You can swap this for buttermilk for a little tang and to make the nuggets even more tender.
Egg: This adds structure to the nuggets and acts as a binder. Using a room temperature egg helps it mix into the batter better.
Shortening or Butter: These add richness to the batter. Butter will add more flavor, but shortening will create a crispier exterior. It’s up to you which is more important to you.
Corn Niblets: Canned drained sweet corn niblets are sweet, crispy, whole kernel corn that absolutely shines in this recipe.
Optional Add-Ins
I love adding a little bit of diced jalapenos or green onions for a spicy or savory twist. They both taste absolutely phenomenal in this recipe.
How To Make Corn Nuggets
Prep: Line a plate or shallow bowl with paper towels and set aside. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions.)
Heat Oil: Pour the oil into a large, heavy saucepan and heat until hot enough for frying, adjusting the heat as needed to keep it steady.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted shortening or butter until smooth.
Combine: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined.
Add the Corn: Fold in the drained corn niblets.
Fry: Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown on one side, flip, and continue cooking until evenly golden and cooked through.
Drain: Use a slotted metal spoon to transfer the corn nuggets to the paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce. See the recipe card below for the full written instructions, including ingredient amounts, cooking times, and helpful tips, etc.
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overmix: If you overmix, you’ll activate the gluten in the flour, which will make the nuggets tougher. Mixing until they’re just barely mixed will make them light and fluffy.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Adding too many nuggets to the oil at once will lower the temperature of the oil, which will make the nuggets soggy instead of crispy. It’s best to maintain the temperature of the oil and fry them in batches.
What Are Corn Nuggets Made Of?
They’re made of canned corn that’s been drained and mixed into a simple batter that’s perfect for frying. The batter is made from flour, milk, egg, baking powder, and seasonings.
Are Corn Nuggets A Southern Thing?
Corn nuggets are super popular in the Southern United States. You can normally find them at state fairs and diners.
Are Corn Nuggets The Same As Hush Puppies?
No, they’re not the same thing, even though they’re both popular in the South and are both look like fried balls. Corn nuggets have whole kernels of corn in them and a sweeter dough made from flour. Hush puppies are made with a savory cornmeal batter.
What Is The Secret To Sweet Corn Nuggets?
Adding just a bit of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn is how you get the perfect level of sweetness in sweet corn nuggets.
Can Corn Nuggets Be Baked Instead Of Fried?
Yes, even though they’re normally made by frying them, you can bake them or air fry them. I would recommend spraying them with a little bit of oil to help with browning though.
What Is Another Name For Corn Nuggets?
You might also come across corn nuggets labeled as either corn fritters or corn bites.
Storing And Freezing Instructions
Once the corn nuggets have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to help them crisp up. I wouldn’t recommend reheating them in the microwave because they’ll get a bit mushy.
Keep In Touch
I’d love to hear what you thought of this recipe in the comments or on Instagram! @KeyToMyLime #KeyToMyLime
Appetizer Recipes
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out all of our other appetizer recipes and side dish recipes. Some reader favorites are:
- Jalapeno Corn Dip Recipe
- Fried Corn Recipe
- Bisquick Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Jiffy Cornbread With Creamed Corn Recipe
- Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
BEST Corn Nuggets (Crispy and Delicious)
Crispy corn nuggets are delicious, flavorful, and just a little sweet. They’re a great comfort food appetizer, side dish, or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 Tablespoon shortening or butter (melted)
- 1 (11 ounce) can corn niblets (drained, whole kernel corn also works)
- Dipping sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Line a bowl or plate with a paper towel, and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the temp gets to around 350F, lower the heat a bit to maintain the temperature (between medium and medium-high).To a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk together.
- To a large mixing bowl, add the milk, egg, and shortening. Whisk together.Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and stir together. Once mixed, add the corn drained niblets to the batter, and fold in.
- Carefully drop about 10 spoonfuls of batter into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2 minutes, then carefully flip over using a metal utensil and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted metal spoon to remove the corn nuggets from the oil and transfer them to the paper towel-lined plate to absorb the excess oil. Continue with the rest of the batter until all the nuggets are cooked.
- Once all the corn nuggets are done, transfer them to a serving dish. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1/8Amount Per Serving: Calories: 362Total Fat: 30.8gCarbohydrates: 18.9gFiber: 1.3gSugar: 3.1gProtein: 4.1g
Nutrition information isn't always accurate.
If you’re ever looking for a recipe for corn nuggets, this is the one you have to try. It’s so crispy and delicious!
