Crispy Corn Nuggets Recipe

Crispy Golden Corn Nuggets Recipe: Bite-sized Joy in Minutes!

Golden and irresistible, these corn nuggets dance with a crispy coating that promises pure delight.

Southern-style corn nuggets capture the essence of comfort food in every delectable bite.

Kernels of sweet corn nestled inside a perfectly seasoned breading create a crowd-pleasing appetizer that vanishes within minutes.

The recipe blends simplicity with incredible flavor, making it a go-to snack for any gathering.

Crisp edges give way to a creamy, soft interior that melts in your mouth.

Each nugget brings a burst of corn sweetness wrapped in a crunchy exterior.

Get ready to become the hero of your next meal with these addictive bites that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 195 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Corn Nuggets Recipe

For Dry Base:
  • Flour: Provides structure and binds ingredients together, choose all-purpose for best texture.
  • Baking Powder: Creates light and airy texture, ensure it's fresh for maximum rise.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
  • Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth, freshly ground offers more robust taste.
  • Sugar: Balances savory notes and helps with golden browning.
For Wet Binders:
  • Milk: Creates smooth consistency and adds richness, whole milk recommended for creamier result.
  • Egg: Helps bind ingredients and provides structural integrity, room temperature egg integrates better.
For Corn Component:
  • Corn Kernels: Delivers sweet bursts of flavor, fresh or frozen corn works perfectly, drain well if using canned.
For Frying Essentials:
  • Cooking Oil: Enables crispy exterior, vegetable or canola oil ideal for high-temperature frying.
For Optional Dipping:
  • Ranch Dressing: Classic tangy companion.
  • Honey Mustard: Sweet and zesty complement.
  • Ketchup: Traditional dipping sauce with familiar flavor.

Tools To Fry Corn Nuggets Recipe Crisp

  • Large bowl: Perfect for mixing dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients without lumps.
  • Skillet or deep fryer: Crucial for achieving crispy, golden corn nuggets.
  • Slotted spoon: Helps remove nuggets from hot oil safely and drain excess oil.
  • Small ice cream scoop or spoon: Great for creating uniform nugget sizes.
  • Paper towels: Needed to absorb extra oil after frying.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Steps To Cook Corn Nuggets Recipe Fast

  • Create Creamy Corn Mixture

Whip up a delightful blend by mixing flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and sugar in a bowl. Crack an egg into milk and whisk together, then gently fold into dry ingredients until smooth. Softly mash some corn kernels to add extra richness before stirring them into the batter.

  • Sizzle Golden Nuggets

Heat oil in a deep skillet until it reaches a perfect frying temperature. Carefully drop spoonfuls of corn batter into the bubbling oil, working in small batches to keep them crisp. Rotate the nuggets to ensure an even, golden-brown exterior, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they’re crunchy and irresistible.

  • Plate and Savor

Transfer the piping hot corn nuggets onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Arrange on a serving plate and pair with your favorite dipping sauce – ranch, honey mustard, or classic ketchup work wonderfully. Enjoy these crispy, creamy bites while they’re fresh and warm.

Tasty Tips For Corn Nuggets Recipe Flavor

  • Batter Consistency Magic: Add a splash of buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra tangy, tender nuggets that melt in your mouth with incredible richness.
  • Crispy Coating Upgrade: Mix some cornmeal into the flour for an extra crunchy exterior that provides delightful texture and golden-brown crispiness.
  • Spice Lover's Twist: Sprinkle cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or garlic powder into the batter to create a zesty kick that transforms these nuggets from simple to spectacular.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your baking powder is certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly corn nuggets that taste just as amazing.
  • Healthier Baking Hack: For a lighter version, use an air fryer at 375F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, which reduces oil content while maintaining that irresistible crispy exterior.

Serving Corn Nuggets Recipe Golden And Warm

  • Picnic Party Platter: Arrange corn nuggets on a colorful wooden board with various dipping sauces, creating an eye-catching spread perfect for outdoor gatherings and casual get-togethers.
  • Appetizer Extravaganza: Serve these crispy bites as a crowd-pleasing starter during game nights, movie marathons, or family celebrations, accompanied by zesty homemade sauces.
  • Comfort Food Combo: Pair corn nuggets with classic southern sides like coleslaw, pulled pork, or mac and cheese for a hearty meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.
  • Breakfast Surprise: Transform these nuggets into a morning treat by serving alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a decadent breakfast experience.

How To Store Corn Nuggets Recipe Smartly

  • Quick Chill Technique: Cool corn nuggets on a wire rack to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms. Airflow helps retain that delightful crunch.
  • Fridge Storage Strategy: Seal cooled nuggets in airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Arrange nuggets on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags. These tasty bites can last up to 2 months when properly stored.
  • Reheating Magic: Revive refrigerated or frozen nuggets in a preheated oven at 375F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave to keep the exterior crispy and texture perfect.
Print
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Crispy Corn Nuggets Recipe

Crispy Corn Nuggets Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Southern corn nuggets blend creamy corn and crispy breading into a beloved comfort dish. Golden-brown bites deliver irresistible flavor that connects home cooks with traditional Southern cuisine.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Batter Preparation: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Gradually blend milk and egg until smooth, eliminating any potential lumps.
  2. Corn Integration: Fold corn kernels into the batter, strategically crushing a portion to enhance texture and flavor distribution. Ensure even incorporation of corn throughout the mixture.
  3. Oil Preparation: Heat oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet to 350F, maintaining a consistent temperature for perfect frying conditions.
  4. Frying Technique: Carefully drop batter portions into hot oil, spacing nuggets to prevent overcrowding. Rotate periodically to achieve an evenly golden-brown exterior, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes.
  5. Finishing Touch: Remove nuggets using a slotted spoon, transferring to paper towels to drain excess oil. This step guarantees a crisp, delectable texture and removes unnecessary grease.
  6. Serving Suggestion: Plate the hot corn nuggets immediately, accompanied by complementary dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or ketchup for a delightful appetizer experience.

Notes

  • Crush Corn Kernels Strategically: Lightly mash some kernels to create varied textures and enhance the overall mouthfeel of the nuggets, delivering a more complex corn experience.
  • Control Oil Temperature Precisely: Maintain oil at exactly 350F using a reliable thermometer to prevent soggy or burnt nuggets, ensuring consistent golden-brown perfection every time.
  • Drain Excess Oil Thoroughly: Use multiple layers of paper towels and let nuggets rest for a minute to remove excess grease, preserving the crispy exterior and preventing sogginess.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Experiment with gluten-free flour blends or use cornmeal for a crispier alternative, and consider plant-based milk and egg substitutes to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 195
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 19 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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