Sweet corn and jalapeño fritters are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making for a delightful appetizer or snack. These fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the sweetness of corn balanced beautifully by the heat of jalapeños. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce. Here’s how to make them!


Ingredients

For the Fritters:

1 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels (thawed if using frozen)
1/2 cup jalapeño peppers, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
1/2 cup chopped green onions or scallions
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
1 large egg
3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp vinegar added)
Vegetable oil for frying (about 1-2 cups)


For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):

1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).


Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until well combined.


Combine All Ingredients: Add the corn, jalapeños, and green onions to the dry ingredients, then pour in the wet ingredients. Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick.


Step 2: Heat the Oil

Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and bubble.


Step 3: Fry the Fritters

Drop the Batter: Using a spoon or scoop, drop 2-3 tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil for each fritter. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon.


Cook Until Golden: Fry the fritters in batches, about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.


Drain on Paper Towels: Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.


Step 4: Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.


Step 5: Serve

Serve Hot: Serve the fritters hot, accompanied by the dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.


Tips

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your spice preference. For milder fritters, deseed and remove the membrane of the jalapeños.

Corn: Fresh corn can be used when in season, but frozen sweet corn is a great alternative all year round.

Serving Suggestions: These fritters make a great addition to a brunch menu, and they can also be served as a side dish for grilled meats or tacos.


Final Thoughts

Sweet corn and jalapeño fritters are a fun and flavorful dish that's sure to please a crowd. Their crispy exterior and creamy interior, combined with the punch from the jalapeños, make them irresistible. Enjoy these tasty fritters as a snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to your favorite meal!