Hot Air Fryer Magic: Corn Fritters

Corn fritters are a delicious snack or side dish that can be made in an air fryer. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a natural sweetness and texture from the corn kernels. The air fryer allows you to achieve a similar crispy texture to deep frying, without the oil. You can experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to make them spicy, cheesy, or even vegan. They can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sour cream, salsa, or aioli, and are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.

How to make corn fritters in an air fryer

Ingredients

You can use a variety of ingredients to make corn fritters, but here is a basic list:

• Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Flour (all-purpose, chickpea, or rice)
• Eggs
• Milk
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack)
• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.)
• Oil or cooking spray

You can also add other ingredients like green onions, jalapenos, or bacon for extra flavour.

Method

• Start by prepping your corn. If you are using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. If you are using frozen corn, thaw it and drain any excess liquid. For canned corn, make sure to drain and pat dry.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, flour, eggs, milk, cheese, and spices. Mix until you have a thick batter.
• If your batter is too dry, you can add a little oil or water. If it is too wet, add a little more flour.
• Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
• Form the batter into small patties or balls. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Set the air fryer to between 380-400 °F and cook for 10-14 minutes. Flip the fritters halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Once the fritters are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips

• You can make corn fritters ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.
• Corn fritters are best served hot and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
• They pair well with dipping sauces like sour cream, salsa, aioli, or a smokey sour cream sauce made with sour cream, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• You can also freeze cooked corn fritters for up to 2-3 months and reheat them in the air fryer, oven, or microwave when you are ready to eat them.

What ingredients do I need to make corn fritters?

Corn fritters are a delicious snack or side dish that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make crispy and flavourful corn fritters:

• Corn: You can use fresh corn, straight off the cob, or canned corn. If using canned corn, ensure that you drain off all the liquid and pat it dry. You will need about 3 cups of kernels.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is typically used in corn fritter recipes. You will need around 1 cup of flour.
• Baking Powder: This helps the fritters rise and become light and fluffy. About 1 teaspoon of baking powder should be sufficient.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder in the batter, helping the fritters hold their shape. You will need 1 or 2 large eggs, depending on the recipe.
• Milk: Using whole milk creates a richer and more satisfying corn fritter. However, lower-fat options can also be used. You will need about 1/2 cup of milk.
• Cheese: Finely shredded mild cheddar cheese adds a savory element to the fritters and helps bind them together. You can use about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
• Spices: You can add salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to taste. These spices enhance the flavour of the fritters.
• Oil: Vegetable or cooking oil is used for frying the fritters.
• Dipping Sauce: Corn fritters are often served with a dipping sauce such as sour cream, salsa, aioli, or ranch dressing.

You can also add other ingredients to customise your corn fritters, such as green onions, jalapenos, or bacon bits.

How long do I need to cook corn fritters in an air fryer?

Corn fritters are a delicious snack, appetiser, or side dish that can be made in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the specific recipe you are following, but generally, corn fritters will take around 10-20 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

• One recipe suggests cooking corn fritters in an air fryer for 14 minutes at 390°F, flipping them halfway through.
• Another recipe recommends cooking corn fritters in an air fryer for 10 minutes, and then flipping them over for an additional 5 minutes.
• A further recipe suggests cooking corn fritters in an air fryer for 12-14 minutes at 380°F, flipping them after 7 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• A final recipe recommends cooking corn fritters in an air fryer for 12-15 minutes at 200°C, turning them after 8 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the size of the fritters. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your corn fritters while they are cooking to ensure they do not overcook or burn.

What are the best dips for corn fritters?

Corn fritters are highly versatile and can be served as a snack, appetiser, side dish, or even a main course. They can be paired with a variety of dips and sauces to enhance their flavour. Here are some of the best dips to serve with corn fritters:

Sour Cream

Perhaps the most popular choice, sour cream is a classic pairing for corn fritters. Its tanginess and creaminess balance the sweetness and crispiness of the fritters. It can be served plain or seasoned with spices like garlic or chives to add extra flavour.

Salsa

Salsa, a fresh and flavourful dip made from tomatoes, onions, chillies, and cilantro, is another excellent choice for corn fritters. It adds a burst of freshness and a mild spiciness that complements the fritters. You can also blend salsa with mayonnaise to create a salsa aioli dip, offering a unique combination of flavours.

Aioli

Aioli, a garlic-infused mayonnaise, is a perfect dip for corn fritters if you're looking for something creamy with a kick of garlic. For an extra punch of flavour, you can make spicy honey aioli by adding a touch of honey.

Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing

This dressing combines the creaminess of avocado with the freshness of cilantro and the tangy zip of lime. It's a great choice if you want to add a touch of green to your fritters and enjoy the combination of creamy and tangy flavours.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a well-loved dip for many fried foods, and corn fritters are no exception. Its creamy texture and savoury flavour make it a perfect pairing. For a spicier option, you can try jalapeno ranch or chipotle ranch, which will add a nice kick to your fritters.

Honey Mustard

Honey mustard offers a sweet and tangy flavour that goes well with the crispiness of corn fritters. It's a good choice if you're looking for something a little different from the usual dips.

Spicy Dips

If you like your fritters with a kick, there are several spicy dips you can try. These include hot honey, hot sauce, spicy bean dip, or even a chipotle-lime cream made by combining sour cream or mayonnaise with chipotle peppers and lime juice.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

Sweet chilli sauce is a perfect choice if you want a balance of sweet and spicy. It adds a glossy sheen to your fritters and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki, a Greek yoghurt-based dip with cucumber and garlic, is a refreshing option for corn fritters. It's especially good if you're serving the fritters as a side dish or appetiser during the summer months.

Greek Yogurt Herb Dressing

A Greek yogurt-based dip with herbs like dill, basil, or parsley can be a delicious and healthy option. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for extra tanginess.

BBQ Sauce

A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce can be a great dip for corn fritters, especially if you're looking for something a little heartier. It adds a smoky flavour that pairs well with the sweetness of the corn.

Cheese Sauce

For a decadent and indulgent option, a warm cheese sauce can be a perfect pairing for corn fritters. It's an excellent choice if you want to make the fritters a more substantial part of the meal.

These are just a few ideas, but feel free to get creative and experiment with your own favourite dips and sauces! The versatility of corn fritters means you can customise your dipping experience to your taste preferences.

Can I make corn fritters without an air fryer?

Yes, you can make corn fritters without an air fryer. Corn fritters can be made on a stovetop by frying them in a pot or skillet with oil. The oil should be heated to 365 degrees Fahrenheit before the fritter batter is added.

To make the batter, you will need to combine corn, flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, and any additional ingredients of your choice (such as cheese, bacon, jalapenos, or sugar). You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn for this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon of melted shortening or butter
• 1 can of whole kernel corn, drained
• Oil for frying (enough to fill your pot or skillet to a depth of about 3 cups)

Instructions:

• Gather all your ingredients and heat your oil to 365°F (185°C) in a heavy pot or deep fryer.
• Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl.
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg, milk, and melted shortening or butter together.
• Stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture until combined.
• Stir in the drained corn.
• Working in batches, drop spoonfuls of the fritter batter into the hot oil.
• Fry the fritters until they are golden brown.
• Remove the fritters from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
• Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce or a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

You can also bake corn fritters in the oven if you prefer not to fry them. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop the fritter batter onto the lined baking sheet, flattening the tops. Spray the parchment paper and the tops of the fritters with cooking spray, and bake for 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Frequently asked questions