Air Fryer Corn Fritters
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Air Fryer Corn Fritters are my go-to when I want a sweet and savory corn finger food without the mess of pan frying. Crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside, with sweet corn kernels, little pops of green onion, and fresh flavor in every single bite. They disappear off the plate before you even have a chance to sit down.
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I make these for summer cookouts, game day spreads, and potlucks, and they’re always a hit with the whole family. The air fryer gets them done quickly and with less cleanup than pan frying, which is reason enough to make them again and again. If you happen to have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer before serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Corn Fritters with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Making these gluten-free corn fritters at home is easier than you’d think, and the results are so good you’ll want to make a double batch.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl until everything is evenly combined. I use a large glass mixing bowl here because it gives me plenty of room to work without flour flying everywhere.
If you want to build in a little spicy kick from the start, this is a great place to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic powder, too. Using a wide bowl also makes folding in the corn a lot easier later on.
Make the Batter
Pour in the milk, melted butter, and egg, and stir until a smooth batter forms with no dry streaks. Then fold in the drained kernel sweet corn and chopped green onions until evenly distributed.
If you’re using thawed corn kernels instead of canned, just pat them dry first to remove any excess moisture before adding them to the fritter batter. Don’t overmix at this stage, a few gentle folds are all you need to keep the fritters light and tender.
You can also stir in a handful of shredded cheese, fresh chives, or minced garlic here for extra flavor. If you need a gluten-free version, chickpea flour works really well as a swap for all-purpose flour.
Prep the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the fritters so they hit a hot surface right away and start crisping up immediately. A basket-style air fryer is ideal here because its perforated base allows hot air to circulate around the fritters for a perfectly crispy finish.
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or give it a light coat of cooking spray for easy cleanup and to stop the fritters from sticking. I always use this silicone air fryer liner, which is a fantastic reusable alternative that makes cleanup easy, as it prevents sticking and works just as well.
Use a cookie scoop to portion the thick batter into about 2 tablespoons each onto the parchment, then gently shape them into small patties for even sizing.
Add Oil and Air Fry
Lightly brush or spray the tops of the fritters with vegetable oil or cooking spray for a golden-brown finish. A good kitchen oil sprayer gives you an even, light coat without overdoing it.
Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping the fritters halfway through, until golden and crisp on the outside.
Drain and Batch Cook
Carefully remove the fritters and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or a cooling rack to absorb any excess moisture or oil. A silicone-tipped tongs set makes lifting the fritters out of the basket easy without tearing them or burning your fingers.
Repeat the process in batches until all the batter is used up.
Serve
Serve the Air Fryer Corn Fritters warm with sour cream, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible snack or side dish. Enjoy!
If you’re taking these to a potluck or gathering, layer them in an insulated casserole carrier between sheets of paper towels to keep them warm and prevent sogginess, and to maintain the crispy texture during transport.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole kernel corn drained
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, Salt and black pepper
- Add the milk, melted butter, and egg, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Fold in the drained corn and chopped green onions until evenly mixed.1 cup whole kernel corn, ½ cup milk, 1 large egg, ¼ cup chopped green onions, 2 tablespoons butter
- Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Drop spoonfuls of the batter (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the parchment, shaping into small patties.
- Lightly brush or spray the tops of the fritters with oil or melted butter for a golden finish. Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and crisp on the outside.Vegetable oil
- Carefully remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess moisture or oil. Repeat in batches until all the batter is used.
- Serve warm with sour cream, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible snack or side!
Notes
- Drain the corn well: Excess liquid from canned corn can make your batter too loose, so press the drained corn gently with a paper towel before adding it to the batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Once you add the wet ingredients and fold in the corn, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making the fritters dense and chewy rather than light.
- Shape them evenly: Keeping the patties a consistent size, about 2 tablespoons of batter each, helps them cook at the same rate so you don’t end up with some overdone and some underdone in the same batch.
- Brush with oil for the best crust: Don’t skip the oil on top before air frying. Even a light coat makes a big difference in achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- Cook in batches: Avoid crowding the air fryer basket. Fritters need space around them so the hot air can circulate and crisp them properly.
- Flash freeze before storing: If you’re freezing leftovers, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour before transferring to a container so they don’t stick together, and you can grab just one or two at a time.
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
Let the fritters cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Glass food storage containers are great for this because they stack neatly and keep the fritters from getting crushed.
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes, and they’ll crisp right back up like fresh. For longer storage, freeze the fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes, and they’ll come out golden and crispy all over again.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Corn Fritters
They’re incredibly versatile and pair well with just about anything you’re already making. They go perfectly alongside a simple green salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or a platter of roasted vegetables for a light and satisfying meal. I also love serving them with coleslaw or a fresh cucumber salad when I’m putting together a spread for friends.
For dipping, sour cream and spicy mayo are the obvious favorites, but a smoky chipotle sauce or a tangy yogurt dip works just as well. If you’re serving them as part of a brunch table, a drizzle of hot honey on top takes them to an unexpected and really delicious place.
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