Easy Southern Corn Nuggets Recipe

Quick and easy corn nuggets made with just a few simple ingredients. They are ready in 20 minutes or less.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Corn Nuggets

Servings: Nuggets

Author: Izzy

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal fine
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1 ½ cups corn cornels fresh, canned or frozen (make sure to thaw them completely if using frozen ones)
vegetable oil for frying

Add 2 inches of oil to a deep fryer or medium saucepan. Preheat to 350˚F. I recommend using a deep-fryer thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
Meanwhile, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large bowl using a whisk.
In a separate medium-sized bowl, stir in the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Whisk until combined.
Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture. Mix until combined.
Fold in the corn, and mix until well combined using a spatula.
When the oil is hot, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of batter using a cookie dough scoop or measuring spoon and drop it into the oil. (You can use another spoon to help push the batter into the oil). Don’t overcrowd the pan and cook in batches.
Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown, flipping half way through so that the nuggets can get cooked evenly. Make sure the oil stays between 300-350˚F.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the corn nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat for the remaining batter.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Storage: These corn nuggets are best served fresh and hot. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtright container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 400˚F for about 5-8 minutes.
If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute cornflour or more all-purpose flour.
Air Fryer Method: Line a baking sheet with parchment. Place spoonfuls of batter on it. Then air fry at 400˚F for about 5-8 minutes.
Make them ahead: You can freeze uncooked corn nuggets by freezing the shaped nuggets on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can fry them straight from frozen once you are ready.