Golden Corn Fritters are a delightful blend of crispy edges and tender, flavorful centers, making them an irresistible snack or side dish. With a perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes, they’re a wonderful way to celebrate fresh corn season or to enjoy the comfort of a warm, homemade treat.
All-purpose flour forms the base structure of the fritters, giving them body and a light, fluffy texture. Cornmeal adds a delightful crunch and enhances the corn flavor. A touch of granulated sugar balances the savoriness, while baking powder ensures a light lift as they fry. Salt and black pepper bring out the flavors, without overpowering. Whole milk keeps the batter creamy and rich, and eggs bind everything together beautifully. Unsalted butter, melted and mixed in, adds a subtle richness. The star of the show, corn kernels, provides bursts of sweetness and texture. Finally, chopped scallions introduce a mild oniony freshness, complementing the corn perfectly.
Golden Corn Fritters pair beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce like a zesty lime aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside a crisp green salad or as a side to grilled meats or fish, adding a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Begin by setting up your workspace. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, and melted butter until they're well combined. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir them together until just combined — overmixing can lead to dense fritters.
Fold in the corn kernels and scallions next. Be gentle; you want those bright kernels to stay intact for little pops of sweetness in every bite.
Now, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough that a small drop of batter sizzles upon contact. Once it's ready, drop spoonfuls of batter into the skillet, using the back of your spoon to flatten them slightly.
Cook the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a beautiful golden brown color. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them warm, perhaps with a dipping sauce of your choice.