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Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe

4.9 from 221 reviews

These Jalapeno Corn Nuggets are crispy, golden-fried bites packed with sweet corn, sharp cheddar cheese, and spicy jalapeños. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they combine creamy, cheesy flavors with a crunchy exterior and a slight kick of heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, drained (about 1 ½ cups kernels)
  • 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced

For Frying and Garnish

  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine cheese with dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, sharp cheddar cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar until well combined.
  2. Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the large egg, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter until fully blended.
  3. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
  4. Fold in corn and jalapeños: Carefully fold in the drained sweet corn kernels and finely diced jalapeños to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
  5. Heat oil for frying: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy pot and heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
  6. Fry the nuggets: Working in small batches, drop 4-5 spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes or until the nuggets turn golden brown. Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F between batches.
  7. Drain excess oil: Remove the fried nuggets using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the hot nuggets and serve immediately to enjoy their crispy texture and bold flavors.

Notes

  • Ensure the oil temperature is maintained around 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked nuggets.
  • You can adjust the amount of jalapeños depending on your spice preference.
  • For a milder version, remove all the seeds from the jalapeños or substitute with a milder pepper.
  • Use fresh corn kernels if canned is not preferred; just make sure they are well drained.
  • Serve these nuggets with a dipping sauce like ranch or a spicy mayo for extra flavor.

Keywords: jalapeno corn nuggets, fried corn nuggets, spicy corn fritters, cheesy corn bites, appetizer recipe