Description
Crispy on the outside and tender with a sweet, spicy kick inside, these Jalapeño Corn Nuggets make a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
1 large egg
2 jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg together, then pour into dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
- Gently fold in drained corn, diced jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese if using.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Test temperature by dropping a small spoonful of batter; it should sizzle and float.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil in batches, turning occasionally; fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Remove nuggets with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
Notes
To increase heat, add chopped green chilies or cayenne pepper to the batter.
For a healthier option, bake nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Mini nuggets make great bite-sized party snacks.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
For dairy-free, use almond milk instead of buttermilk and omit cheese.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Freezing instructions: freeze on baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bag; bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Frying (optional baking)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 nuggets
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
