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Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe

4.7 from 102 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Jalapeno Corn Nuggets are a perfect snack or side dish featuring a golden-fried batter packed with sweet corn, spicy jalapeños, and sharp cheddar cheese. These bite-sized nuggets are easy to make and offer a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, drained (about 1 ½ cups kernels)
  • 2 medium jalapeños, seeded, finely diced
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients and cheese: In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar until well combined.
  2. Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the large egg, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter until fully incorporated.
  3. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter as this will affect texture.
  4. Fold in corn and jalapeños: Gently fold in the drained sweet corn kernels and finely diced jalapeños until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  5. Heat vegetable oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
  6. Fry the nuggets: Working in batches, drop 4-5 spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry the nuggets for about 2-3 minutes per batch, or until they become golden brown. Monitor the oil temperature after each batch and adjust heat as needed to maintain 350°F.
  7. Remove and drain: Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the fried nuggets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the nuggets for garnish and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Ensure the oil stays at 350°F for optimal frying results and to avoid greasy nuggets.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the nuggets light and tender.
  • You can adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
  • Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
  • Leftover nuggets can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to retain crispness.

Keywords: jalapeno corn nuggets, fried corn nuggets, jalapeno snacks, cheesy corn bites, spicy corn fritters