Crispy Golden Corn Nuggets Recipe: A Playful Family Treat

Crispy golden corn nuggets bring a delightful crunch that transforms ordinary snack time into a memorable experience.

Kernels of sweet corn get blended with creamy ingredients for an irresistible bite.

Each morsel promises a burst of flavor that catches everyone’s attention.

Small hands and big appetites will love these bite-sized treasures straight from the kitchen.

Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, these nuggets work magic as an appetizer or side dish.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes, creating a crowd-pleasing treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Dive into this recipe and watch smiles light up around the table.

FAQs About Corn Nuggets

• Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen corn?

Yes, you can use fresh corn kernels. Just make sure to cut the kernels off the cob and ensure they are at room temperature before adding to the batter.

• What type of oil works best for frying?

Vegetable oil or canola oil are ideal for frying corn nuggets because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors that won’t overpower the corn taste.

• How can I make the corn nuggets extra crispy?

Pat the corn kernels dry before adding to the batter and ensure the oil is at the correct temperature of 350F. Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying, which helps maintain oil temperature and ensures crispiness.

Why Corn Nuggets Are a Crispy and Tasty Snack

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform simple ingredients into crispy, golden corn nuggets that burst with flavor in minutes.
• Kid-Approved Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect snack for picky eaters, family gatherings, and parties where everyone craves something crunchy and delicious.
• No-Fuss Cooking Adventure: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring basic kitchen skills and minimal preparation, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• Versatile Party Starter: Ideal appetizer that impresses guests, works great for game days, potlucks, and casual get-togethers with minimal cooking expertise needed.

Ingredients for Corn Nuggets

• Corn Kernels: Sweet corn that provides the primary flavor and texture of the nuggets.
• Cornmeal: Adds a crispy and authentic corn-based coating to the nuggets.
• Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a light, crispy exterior.

• Eggs, Milk: Combine to create a smooth batter that holds the nuggets together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the corn nugget mixture.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the corn nuggets with a balanced blend of spices.
• Baking Powder: Helps the nuggets achieve a light and airy texture when fried.

• Oil: Used for deep-frying the corn nuggets to create a golden and crispy exterior.

Step-By-Step Guide to Corn Nuggets

Step 1: Create Batter Base

• flour
• cornmeal
• grated Parmesan cheese
• baking powder
• garlic powder
• paprika
• salt
• black pepper

Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended and create a uniform mixture.

Step 2: Prepare Liquid Mixture

In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together eggs and milk until completely combined and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually pour the egg and milk mixture into the dry ingredient bowl. Stir carefully until a thick, consistent batter forms. The mixture should have a smooth texture without any lumps.

Step 4: Incorporate Corn Kernels

Gently fold the thawed corn kernels into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout. This will help create a delightful corn flavor in every nugget.

Step 5: Prepare Frying Station

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure precise temperature control for perfect frying.

Step 6: Drop and Fry Nuggets

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, carefully drop small portions of the corn batter into the hot oil. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and affect crispiness.

Step 7: Achieve Golden Perfection

Fry the corn nuggets in batches for 2-3 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden brown color and crispy exterior as indicators of doneness.

Step 8: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer the fried corn nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil and keeps the nuggets crisp.

Step 9: Repeat Frying Process

Continue frying the remaining batter in batches, maintaining consistent oil temperature and nugget size.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the hot corn nuggets immediately. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli for an extra flavor kick.

Pro Tips for Crispy Corn Nuggets

• Use fresh or frozen corn kernels for the best texture and flavor in your corn nuggets.
• Drain corn thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the batter soggy.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to ensure crispy, evenly cooked nuggets without burning.
• Add extra spices like cayenne or smoked paprika for a kick of heat and depth of flavor.
• Let nuggets rest on paper towels for a minute to absorb excess oil and keep them crispy before serving.

Variations to Spice Up Corn Nuggets

• Spicy Southwest Corn Nuggets: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a fiery kick.
• Cheesy Herb Corn Nuggets: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh herbs like chives and parsley for extra flavor.
• Mexican Street Corn Style: Incorporate cotija cheese, lime zest, and sprinkle with chili powder after frying for a street food-inspired version.
• Bacon Corn Nuggets: Fold in crispy crumbled bacon bits into the batter for a smoky, savory variation.

Best Pairings for Corn Nuggets

• Pair Zesty Ranch Dressing: Cool, creamy ranch dressing perfectly complements the crispy, golden corn nuggets, adding a tangy kick that balances the deep-fried goodness.
• Sip Cold Beer Pairing: Refreshing light lager or crisp pilsner cuts through the richness of the corn nuggets, creating a classic pub-style snacking experience that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Match Spicy Chipotle Sauce: Smoky, heat-packed chipotle sauce provides a bold contrast to the corn nuggets, delivering a punch of flavor that elevates the simple appetizer to a gourmet-level treat.

How to Store Corn Nuggets Properly

• Store leftover corn nuggets in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Arrange cooled nuggets on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Spread nuggets on a baking sheet, bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
• Place nuggets in air fryer basket, cook at 350F for 3-4 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original crispiness.

Corn Nuggets Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy corn nuggets bring Southern comfort straight to your plate with golden, crunchy exterior and creamy corn center. Quick comfort food perfection awaits you in this simple, irresistible snack that delivers pure deliciousness in every bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups corn kernels (frozen, thawed)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup milk
• Oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Blend dry ingredients thoroughly in a large mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of seasonings.
2. Whisk eggs and milk together in a separate container until smooth and fully integrated.
3. Pour liquid mixture into dry ingredients, stirring gently to create a consistent, thick batter without overmixing.
4. Incorporate thawed corn kernels evenly throughout the batter, maintaining a balanced texture.
5. Preheat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to precisely 350°F, monitoring temperature for optimal frying conditions.
6. Carefully drop small portions of corn batter into hot oil using a spoon or cookie scoop, maintaining adequate spacing between nuggets.
7. Fry nuggets for 2-3 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration and crispy exterior.
8. Remove nuggets with a slotted spoon, transferring to paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and preserve crispiness.
9. Continue frying remaining batter in consistent batches, adjusting heat as needed to maintain optimal oil temperature.
10. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by preferred dipping sauce for enhanced flavor experience.

Notes

• Adjust corn kernel size by chopping larger kernels for more uniform texture and easier frying.
• Ensure oil temperature stays consistent at 350F to prevent soggy or burnt nuggets, using a digital thermometer for precision.
• Add extra flavor variations by mixing herbs like chives or jalapeños directly into the batter for a personalized twist.
• Make these nuggets gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond or rice flour while maintaining the same measurement ratios.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg