Sweetcorn Fritters

These crispy and golden Sweetcorn Fritters are a simple, quick dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these savory fritters that are perfect as a side dish, snack, or even a light brunch. They are naturally vegetarian, pregnancy-friendly, and nut-free, making them suitable for a wide variety of diets.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Sweetcorn Fritters are the ideal comfort food with their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. The combination of sweetcorn and spring onions, combined with a slight kick from cayenne pepper, creates a deliciously satisfying snack or meal. They are easy to make, take only a few minutes to prepare, and are perfect for various occasions, whether it’s brunch, a light lunch, or a fun snack for little ones. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with many different dishes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 300g sweetcorn (tinned or frozen, defrosted if using frozen)

• 3 spring onions, very finely chopped

• 3 free-range eggs

• 30ml milk

• 75g plain flour

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the sweetcorn and chopped spring onions.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. Pour this mixture over the sweetcorn and onions and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Sift the flour and cayenne pepper into the mixture and stir until well combined.

4. Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. The oil should cover the base of the pan to allow for shallow frying.

5. Test the oil temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the pan. It should bubble immediately around the edges.

6. Using a small ladle or measuring cup, drop about 2 tablespoons of the batter into the pan for each fritter. Fry in batches of 4–5 at a time.

7. Cook the fritters for about 2 minutes on one side until light brown, then flip and cook for another minute on the other side.

8. Remove the fritters from the pan and place them on kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil. Keep them warm in a low oven while you fry the rest of the fritters.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 12 fritters

• Prep time: Less than 30 minutes

• Cook time: 10–30 minutes

Variations

• Cheese: Add some grated cheese to the batter for extra flavor and richness.

• Herbs: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the mixture.

• Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference, or add a dash of chili flakes for more heat.

• Add-ins: For a twist, you can incorporate finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or grated zucchini.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh corn instead of tinned or frozen?

Yes, fresh corn works great! Just remove the kernels from the cob and use them in place of tinned or frozen corn.

2. Can I make the fritters ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Fry the fritters just before serving.

3. Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?

Baking is possible, but they won’t be as crispy. Place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Are these fritters gluten-free?

To make gluten-free fritters, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour.

5. How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart?

Ensure that the batter is well-mixed and thick enough to hold together. If it seems too runny, add a little more flour to thicken it.

6. Can I freeze these fritters?

Yes, you can freeze cooked fritters for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or a skillet from frozen.

7. Can I add other vegetables to the fritters?

Definitely! Try adding finely grated zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers to the batter for extra flavor and nutrition.

8. How can I make the fritters spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper, or include chopped fresh chili peppers to the batter for an added kick.

9. How thick should the fritter batter be?

The batter should be thick enough to hold together but still drop easily from a spoon. If it’s too thin, add more flour.

10. Can I make these fritters vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or a vegan egg replacer, and use plant-based milk instead of dairy.

Conclusion

These Sweetcorn Fritters are a tasty, easy-to-make dish that works as a snack, appetizer, or main course. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a flavorful, crispy treat that the whole family will enjoy. Customize them to your taste and serve with your favorite sides or dips for a meal that’s both satisfying and versatile.