Air Fryer Frozen Corn Nuggets: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Corn nuggets are a variation of the famous South American snack, corn fritters. They are usually deep-fried and have a crispy exterior with a tender interior. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can air fry corn nuggets to achieve the same delicious result. This method is also much quicker and easier than deep frying. Here's a simple recipe to help you make corn nuggets in an air fryer.

How to make the corn nugget batter

To make the corn nugget batter, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The exact quantities may vary depending on your personal preference and the number of servings, but here is a general guide:

• All-purpose flour: This provides structure to the nuggets and helps bind the ingredients together. You can use white flour or whole wheat flour. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Cornmeal: Use fine or medium-grind cornmeal for a smooth texture. You can also substitute cornflour or use more all-purpose flour if you don't have cornmeal.
• Baking powder: This is crucial for an extra crispy coating. It reacts with the oil to create tiny air bubbles, resulting in a crunchy texture.
• Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savoury flavours.
• Salt: Enhances the other flavours and brings out the taste of the corn.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together.
• Milk: Any type of milk will do. This helps to create a creamy texture and moisten the batter.
• Butter or Shortening: Melted butter or shortening adds richness and flavour to the batter. Shortening is preferred for deep frying as it has a higher smoke point.
• Corn Kernels: The star ingredient! Use fresh, canned, or frozen corn kernels. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before adding to the batter.

Now, let's get started on making the batter:

Step 1: Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well incorporated and you have a uniform mixture. Make sure there are no lumps in the dry mixture.

Step 2: Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized bowl, prepare the wet ingredients. Start by whisking the eggs until they are well beaten. Then, add the milk and melted butter or shortening. Continue whisking until you have a smooth, homogeneous mixture with no lumps.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Now, it's time to bring the dry and wet ingredients together. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring continuously as you pour. You can use a whisk or a spatula for this step. Mix until everything is combined, and you have a batter with a thick, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Add the Corn Kernels

Finally, it's time to add the star ingredient—the corn kernels! Fold the corn into the batter using a spatula or a large spoon. Mix until the corn kernels are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Your corn nugget batter is now ready for frying!

Tips for Adjusting the Batter:

• If the batter seems too thin or runny, add a little more flour or cornmeal to thicken it.
• Conversely, if the batter is too thick or dry, you can add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
• For a more savoury variation, you can add shredded cheese, sliced green onions, or spices like garlic powder and black pepper to the batter.
• If you prefer sweeter corn nuggets, you can increase the amount of sugar or add a touch of honey to the batter.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature. Most recipes suggest heating the air fryer to around 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C). This temperature range will help ensure your corn nuggets cook evenly and become crispy without burning.

For the timing, it is recommended to cook corn nuggets in the air fryer for approximately 10 minutes in total. However, this may vary slightly depending on the recipe and the size of your corn nuggets. For example, one recipe suggests cooking corn fritters for 7 minutes on one side, then an additional 6 to 7 minutes on the other side, for a total cook time of 13 to 14 minutes.

It is important to flip your corn nuggets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on both sides. Check on your nuggets regularly to prevent overcooking or burning.

If you are cooking frozen corn nuggets, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. One source suggests that frozen nuggets may take around 10 to 12 minutes to cook, depending on their size and thickness.

Additionally, it is worth noting that if you have thawed your frozen corn nuggets before air frying, the cooking time will be reduced by about half compared to cooking them straight from frozen.

Remember, every air fryer is different, and the cooking time may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer. It is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your corn nuggets while they are cooking to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

By following these temperature and timing guidelines, you'll be able to create delicious, crispy corn nuggets that are cooked to perfection!

How to store corn nuggets

Corn nuggets are best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight out of the fryer. However, if you have any leftovers, you can certainly store them for later.

Firstly, let the nuggets cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Stored this way, corn nuggets will last for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Place the nuggets in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your stored corn nuggets, you can reheat them in the oven, air fryer, or skillet. It's best to avoid reheating them in the microwave, as this will make them soggy.

How to reheat corn nuggets

Corn nuggets are a delicious snack, but what happens when you have leftovers? Here is a guide on how to reheat corn nuggets to keep them tasting great.

Firstly, it is important to note that corn nuggets should not be reheated in the microwave. This will make them soggy and ruin their signature crispy texture.

The best methods for reheating corn nuggets are the oven, air fryer, or skillet.

If you are using an oven, preheat it to 400˚F and place the nuggets on a lined baking sheet. Grease the sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and heat the nuggets for about 5-8 minutes.

For an air fryer, place the nuggets in the basket and air fry at 400˚F for 5-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

If you are using a skillet, simply reheat the nuggets over medium heat until they are warmed through.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to keep an eye on your nuggets to ensure they don't overcook or burn. Enjoy!

What to serve with corn nuggets

Corn nuggets are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

As a Side Dish

Corn nuggets can be served as a side dish to complement a variety of main courses. They go well with meats such as chicken, steak, or fish. You could also pair them with a wedge salad or add them to a plate of eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast.

As an Appetizer

Corn nuggets make a great appetizer or finger food for parties. Serve them on a platter alongside other bite-sized treats like mozzarella sticks, onion rings, bacon jalapeno poppers, or Air Fryer Dry-Rubbed Chicken Wings.

With Dipping Sauces

Corn nuggets are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of dipping sauces. Try offering sauces like ranch, bang bang sauce, aioli, sweet chili, BBQ sauce, or your personal favourites.

As a Topping

Get creative and use corn nuggets as a topping for soups or chili. Their crispy texture and corn flavour will add a delicious contrast to these dishes.

With a Main Course

Corn nuggets can be served as a simple snack alongside a main course. Pair them with dishes like grilled chicken, fish tacos, or a fresh salad. They also go well with various types of potatoes, including mashed potatoes, air fryer French fries, or stuffed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions