Air Fryer Frozen Corn Nuggets: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Corn nuggets are a popular snack, often served as a side dish or appetizer. They are made from a mixture of cornmeal, eggs, milk, and other ingredients, formed into small nuggets, and fried until crispy. You can also make them in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods as they require only a small amount of oil. The cooking time for corn nuggets in an air fryer is typically between 5 and 12 minutes, depending on the size and type of corn nugget.

How to make corn nuggets from scratch

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Oil for frying
• Salt to taste

Method

• Combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix well.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk and apple cider vinegar.
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until well combined.
• Using a tablespoon, form small balls with the mixture and gently flatten them into nugget shapes.
• Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F/180°C.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the nuggets in the basket, leaving some space between each nugget.
• Spray the nuggets with cooking spray.
• Air fry the nuggets at 400°F/200°C for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Once done, remove the nuggets from the air fryer and serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips

• Use fresh or frozen corn kernels, but make sure to thaw them completely before starting the recipe.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect the cooking time and texture of the nuggets.
• Serve the nuggets immediately after cooking, as they will lose their crispness if left to sit too long.

How to store and reheat corn nuggets

To store corn nuggets, you should let them cool completely to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or plastic bag. You can then store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Corn nuggets are freezer-friendly and great for meal planning and prep. To freeze corn nuggets, you should let them cool completely to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or plastic bag. You can keep the nuggets in the freezer for up to two to three months. If you are freezing them, make sure to lay them flat in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.

When you are ready to enjoy them, simply reheat them in the oven, air fryer, or skillet. Do not reheat them in the microwave, as they will become soggy.

The difference between corn nuggets and corn fritters

To cook frozen corn nuggets in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F and cook for 10 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through.

Now, here's the difference between corn nuggets and corn fritters:

Corn nuggets are a variation of the famous South American snack, corn fritters. The primary ingredient in both is sweet corn, but the flavours differ. Corn fritters are almost always sweet and come in a thin, flat shape. They are also pan-fried. Nuggets, on the other hand, are deep-fried and can be seasoned in a variety of ways—spicy, sweet, or filled with mozzarella cheese.

Corn fritters are made with flour rather than cornmeal and are lighter and puffier. They are usually made without cornmeal, but have drained corn kernels or creamed corn mixed into the batter. Corn nuggets, on the other hand, are made with a mixture of cornmeal, eggs, milk, and other ingredients, formed into small nuggets, and fried until crispy.

Corn fritters are typically served as a side dish or dessert, while corn nuggets are often served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

How to serve corn nuggets

Corn nuggets are a delicious snack, side dish, or appetizer that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Dipping Sauces

Corn nuggets go well with a variety of dipping sauces. You can offer a selection of sauces such as ranch, bang bang sauce, aioli, sweet chili, BBQ sauce, or your personal favorites. These sauces add extra flavor and moisture to the nuggets, enhancing their taste.

Side Dish

Corn nuggets make a great side dish to accompany a variety of proteins and vegetables. Serve them alongside meats like chicken, steak, or fish. They also pair well with potatoes, including mashed potatoes, air fryer French fries, or stuffed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve them over a salad such as coleslaw, spinach salad, or broccoli salad.

Appetizer

Corn nuggets are perfect as an appetizer or finger food for a party or gathering. Arrange them on a platter with other bite-sized treats like mozzarella sticks, onion rings, bacon jalapeno poppers, or vegan chicken wings. They can be a tasty and satisfying start to a meal or a standalone snack.

Breakfast

Add a few corn nuggets to your breakfast plate alongside eggs and bacon for a heartier morning meal. The sweet and savory combination of flavors can be a delightful way to start your day.

Creative Add-ons

Sprinkle corn nuggets with Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick of flavor. You can also add them to a wrap or sandwich with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and your favorite sauce for a more substantial meal. They can be a tasty addition to a salad or grain bowl, providing texture and flavor.

How to make corn nuggets in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Rice flour (or white/wheat flour)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic cloves
• Green chilli
• Cornmeal
• Water
• Oil, for greasing

Method:

• Defrost frozen corn kernels in the microwave until they reach room temperature.
• Squeeze out any excess water from the kernels.
• Add 1 cup of corn kernels to a blender and make a paste.
• In a large bowl, mix the corn paste, ½ cup of reserved corn, and all spices.
• If needed, add a few tablespoons of water to make a dough-like consistency.
• Grease your hands with oil and divide the dough into 10-12 equal pieces, forming nugget-shaped patties.
• Place the patties on a piece of foil.
• Preheat the air fryer to 360°F.
• Place the corn nuggets in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving space between each nugget.
• Cook for 5-8 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• For a crispier texture, lightly coat the nuggets with cooking spray or a small amount of oil before cooking.
• Shake the basket occasionally during cooking to ensure even browning.
• Frozen or fresh corn tends to have the best flavour, but canned corn can also be used.
• If using wheat or white flour instead of rice flour, you may need to adjust the quantity.

Frequently asked questions