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Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe

4.9 from 102 reviews

These Jalapeno Corn Nuggets are crispy, cheesy bites with a spicy kick, perfect as a snack or appetizer. Combining sweet corn, sharp cheddar, and fresh jalapeños, they are deep-fried to golden perfection for a deliciously crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful interior.

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

Others

  • 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. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, cheddar cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and sugar. Stir until well blended to evenly distribute flavors throughout the batter.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, whole milk, and melted butter until completely combined, creating a smooth mixture that will bind the batter.
  3. Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain a light batter texture.
  4. Add Corn and Jalapeños: Fold in the drained sweet corn kernels and finely diced jalapeños gently ensuring even distribution without breaking down the corn.
  5. Heat Oil: In a heavy pot over medium heat, heat vegetable oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is crucial for frying the nuggets evenly and achieving a crispy texture.
  6. Fry Nuggets: Working in batches, drop 4-5 spoonfuls of batter carefully into the hot oil. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes until the nuggets are golden brown, adjusting heat as necessary to maintain oil temperature.
  7. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried nuggets using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Be sure to monitor oil temperature closely to avoid greasy or undercooked nuggets.
  • You can adjust the amount of jalapeños for milder or spicier nuggets according to personal preference.
  • Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo for an extra flavor boost.
  • Leftover nuggets can be reheated in an air fryer to restore crispiness.

Keywords: jalapeno corn nuggets, fried corn nuggets, spicy corn appetizers, cheddar corn bites, deep fried snacks