Quick and Easy Pan-Fried Corn Fritters

These Quick and Easy Pan-Fried Corn Fritters are a flavorful, golden-crisp side dish loaded with sweet corn, melted cheese, and a touch of heat from jalapeño. Fresh cilantro, green onion, and lime add brightness, making each fritter burst with savory, zesty flavor. They come together fast and fry beautifully in a skillet, making them perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or as a fun appetizer. Serve them warm and watch them disappear just as quickly as you cook them.

Ingredients

• 3 cups corn (from 2 cans whole kernel corn), drained
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1 jalapeño, diced and deseeded
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Combine corn, cilantro, green onion, jalapeño, and lime juice in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
3. Stir dry ingredients into the corn mixture.
4. Fold in eggs, milk, and cheese until fully combined.
5. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
6. Scoop batter (using a medium ice cream scoop) into the pan and gently flatten with a spatula.
7. Cook 3–5 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
8. Transfer fritters to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and an extra squeeze of lime before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 18 fritters

Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches so each fritter gets a perfect crisp.
• Keep cooked fritters warm in a low oven (200°F) while finishing the rest.

FAQ

Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes—fresh kernels or thawed frozen corn work great.

Can I make them spicier?
Leave in some jalapeño seeds or add a pinch of cayenne.

Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?
Yes—bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, though they’ll be less crispy.

Do they store well?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispness.

What dips pair well with them?
Try sour cream, chipotle mayo, avocado crema, or salsa verde.