Air-Frying Corn Fritters: A Healthy Frying Alternative?

Corn fritters are a delicious snack, appetiser, or side dish that can be made in an air fryer. They are essentially fried corn cakes with a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet and savoury interior. The corn fritter batter typically includes eggs, milk, and flour, with corn kernels as the star ingredient. The fritters can be served plain or with a variety of dips and sauces, such as sour cream, salsa, or aioli.

Air-frying corn fritters is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires little to no oil, resulting in a lower-calorie treat. The air fryer also makes the cooking process easier, as it ensures even cooking and requires less clean-up compared to traditional frying methods.

You can experiment with different ingredients to customise your corn fritters, such as adding cheese, bacon, or green onions for extra flavour and texture. Whether you use fresh, canned, or frozen corn, just remember to drain any excess liquid to prevent soggy fritters.

So, if you're looking for a tasty and easy-to-make snack, give air-fried corn fritters a try!

Corn fritter ingredients

Corn fritters are a delicious snack, appetiser, or side dish that can be made in an air fryer. They are crispy and full of flavour, showcasing the sweetness and texture of corn kernels. While corn is the star of the dish, there are several other ingredients that come together to make these tasty fritters.

The base of a corn fritter is made from a batter of eggs, flour, and milk. Eggs act as a binder to help the fritters hold their shape, while milk creates a rich and satisfying texture. Whole milk is typically used, but lower-fat options can be substituted. The flour provides the structure for the fritter, with all-purpose flour being the most common choice.

To enhance the flavour and texture of the fritters, various ingredients can be added to the batter. Corn kernels are the star ingredient, and you can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn. Fresh corn, especially when in season, can enhance the overall flavour. If using canned corn, be sure to drain it well, as extra liquid can change the texture of the fritters. For a sweeter fritter, you can add a small amount of sugar to the batter. A touch of baking powder will also help give the fritters a light and fluffy texture.

To add some savoury notes to the fritters, you can include ingredients like cheese, green onions, and spices. Finely shredded mild cheddar cheese adds a savoury element and helps bind the fritters together. For a stronger flavour, you can use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese. Green onions provide a fresh and savoury taste, but you can substitute them with white or yellow onions if preferred. A pinch of salt and pepper will also enhance the savouriness of the fritters.

Once you've gathered your ingredients, simply mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Then, combine them, adding in the corn kernels and any additional mix-ins. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into an air fryer or skillet with hot oil, and cook until golden brown. Serve your corn fritters hot with your favourite dipping sauce, or enjoy them plain!

How to make corn fritters in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Flour
• Eggs
• Milk (optional)
• Baking powder
• Salt and pepper
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack)
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Sour cream, mayonnaise, or Greek yoghurt
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Onion powder (optional)
• Green onions (optional)

Method

• Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and any spices) in a large bowl.
• Mix in the eggs and milk (if using) until you have a smooth, thick batter.
• Add in the corn, cheese, and any other additional ingredients such as green onions.
• Mix until everything is well combined. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more milk or water. If it's too wet, add a bit more flour.
• Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into balls, then flatten them into small, thick pancakes.
• Place the fritters in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook in batches.
• Cook at 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• If using fresh corn, consider grilling or roasting the kernels beforehand to enhance their flavor and sweetness.
• Make sure to drain any excess liquid from canned or frozen corn before adding it to the batter to prevent soggy fritters.
• For gluten-free corn fritters, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to suit your taste preferences.
• You can also add other ingredients such as bacon or jalapeños for a spicy kick.

How to store and reheat corn fritters

Storing corn fritters

Corn fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 days. When storing them, separate the layers with parchment or wax paper so they don’t stick together. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating corn fritters

Corn fritters can be reheated in the microwave, air fryer, oven, or in a skillet over medium-low heat. Reheating in the microwave will cause the fritters to lose their crispiness, so this method is not recommended. If frozen, let the fritters thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What to serve with corn fritters

Corn fritters are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas on what to serve with corn fritters:

Dips and Sauces

Corn fritters can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. Some popular options include:

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Avocado slices
• Chutney
• Sweet chilli sauce
• Minted yogurt
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Spicy mayo dip
• Aioli
• Cheese dip
• Spicy nacho cheese dip

Proteins

Corn fritters also go well with various proteins, such as:

• Baked BBQ chicken thighs
• Smoky grilled salmon
• Bacon
• Sausage
• Grilled chicken
• Barbecue ribs
• Fish
• Fried shrimp skewers

Salads and Vegetables

For a lighter option, corn fritters can be served with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Some specific examples include:

• Green leafy veggies
• Tomato
• Cucumber
• Herbs
• Sprouts
• Avocado and corn salad
• Lime and cilantro rice
• Black bean salad
• Coleslaw
• Butter garlic green beans

Other Sides

Corn fritters can also be paired with other side dishes, such as:

• Sweet potato fries
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Mozzarella sticks
• Bacon-wrapped asparagus
• Pineapple salsa
• Salad Nicoise

As a Part of a Larger Dish

Corn fritters can also be incorporated into larger dishes, such as:

• Grain bowls
• BLT stacks with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and bacon
• Avocado fritter stacks with smashed avocado or guacamole between the fritters
• Hawaiian sliders

As a Main Course

Corn fritters can also be served as a main course, especially for breakfast or brunch. They can be served with:

• Scrambled eggs
• Bacon
• Sausage
• Fresh fruit
• Poached or fried eggs

How to prevent corn fritters from becoming soggy

To prevent corn fritters from becoming soggy, there are several steps you can take during preparation and cooking:

Firstly, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the fritters to the pan. If the oil isn't hot enough, the fritters will absorb it and become soggy. It is also important not to overcrowd the pan, so cook the fritters in batches if necessary. If you are using an air fryer, ensure you leave space between each fritter so they cook evenly.

The consistency of the batter is also key to preventing sogginess. If the batter is too runny, add a touch of extra flour. If it is too thick, add a small amount of water. It is also important not to use too much batter, as this will affect crispiness. When mixing the batter, only add enough to hold the corn together.

If you are using corn with a high water content, dredge the corn in a thin layer of flour before adding it to the batter. This will help to prevent sogginess. Fresh corn is best for flavour and crispiness, but canned or frozen corn can be used if it is drained and dried thoroughly first.

Finally, to ensure your fritters don't become soggy, let the batter rest in the fridge before cooking. This will allow the gluten in the batter to relax, resulting in a nicer texture once cooked.

Frequently asked questions