Description
Crispy and flavorful Jalapeno Corn Nuggets are a perfect snack or appetizer featuring a golden-fried batter packed with sweet corn, sharp cheddar cheese, and spicy jalapeños. These bite-sized nuggets combine creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy kick and a crunchy exterior, ideal for serving at parties or as a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter 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
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, drained (about 1 ½ cups kernels)
- 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine cheese with dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, sharp cheddar cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar until evenly combined.
- Whisk egg, milk, and butter: In a separate bowl, whisk the large egg, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Pour wet mixture into dry: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to ensure a tender batter.
- Fold in corn and jalapeños: Carefully fold in the drained sweet corn kernels and finely diced jalapeños until evenly distributed in the batter.
- Heat oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy pot or deep pan and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying.
- Drop batter into hot oil and fry: Using a spoon, drop 4-5 spoonfuls of batter at a time into the hot oil. Fry the nuggets until they turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F between batches for perfect frying.
- Remove nuggets from oil: Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the fried nuggets from the oil and transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the nuggets and serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to prevent soggy or burnt nuggets.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the nuggets light and tender.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
- Drain excess oil thoroughly to keep the nuggets crispy and less greasy.
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
