Dessert

Corn Nuggets Recipe

Name: Corn Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups neutral oil (for frying); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 3/4 teaspoon sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup low-fat milk; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1 can light sweet corn (15 ounces), drained; Preferred dipping sauce

ByMariam Harutyunyan September 16, 2026September 16, 2026

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Introduction

Corn nuggets are a delightful and crispy snack that combines sweet corn with a light, fluffy batter. Perfect as an appetizer or party treat, these bite-sized fritters are easy to make and irresistible to both kids and adults.

The image shows several golden, crispy corn fritters stacked casually on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Each fritter is irregularly shaped with a bumpy texture, and bits of yellow corn are visible within the light, airy batter. One fritter in the center has a bite taken out, showing its soft inside packed with corn kernels. On the right side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with thick, deep red salsa that has a smooth and slightly chunky texture. The colors contrast nicely, with the warm yellow of the fritters complementing the rich red salsa. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups neutral oil (for frying)
1 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

3/4 teaspoon sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup low-fat milk

1 tablespoon melted butter
1 can light sweet corn (15 ounces), drained
Preferred dipping sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the oil until it reaches 350°F.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar until evenly combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the egg, low-fat milk, and melted butter until smooth.

Step 4: Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then gently fold in the drained corn.
Step 5: Use a spoon to drop small mounds of the batter carefully into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning if needed, until golden brown.
Step 6: Remove the nuggets with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 7: Let the corn nuggets cool for a few minutes before serving with your preferred dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh corn kernels instead of canned for a fresher flavor and crunch.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the batter for a spicy kick.

Try dipping the nuggets in ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy nuggets.

Storage

Store leftover corn nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to help them stay crisp. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows small golden-brown fried corn fritters with a rough, crispy texture and visible corn kernels inside. In the center, a woman's hand is dipping one fritter into a red chunky tomato sauce inside a white bowl. The fritters are piled around the bowl on a white marbled surface, with their uneven shapes and crunchy edges clearly visible. The sauce coats the bottom part of the fritter in the woman's hand. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake corn nuggets instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Baking yields a lighter version but may be less crispy than frying.

What is the best oil to use for frying corn nuggets?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best for frying corn nuggets to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.