Description
These Jalapeño Corn Nuggets are crispy, cheesy, and packed with fresh corn and jalapeños, perfect as a spicy appetizer or snack. Coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection, they deliver a delightful blend of textures and flavors with a creamy, cheesy center and a nice kick from the jalapeños.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed if frozen
- 2 jalapeños, finely diced with seeds removed for less heat
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
Coating and Frying
- 1 cup breadcrumbs for coating
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep at 350°F)
Instructions
- Prepare the corn mixture: In a bowl, combine the corn kernels, finely diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly blended.
- Combine mixtures: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the corn and cheese mixture. Stir to incorporate everything evenly.
- Add wet ingredients and form batter: Mix in the beaten egg and milk into the combined mixture. Stir until a thick batter forms that holds together well when scooped.
- Chill the batter: Refrigerate the batter for 20 to 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to shape.
- Shape the nuggets: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the batter and shape them into small nuggets.
- Coat with breadcrumbs: Roll each shaped nugget thoroughly in breadcrumbs to ensure an even coating for crispiness.
- Heat oil and fry: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the nuggets in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Transfer the fried nuggets to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with ranch dressing or spicy mayo for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in.
- You can freeze shaped nuggets before frying for easy make-ahead snacks.
- For a lighter version, air-fry the nuggets at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes instead of deep frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
