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Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe

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4.8 from 85 reviews

Deliciously crispy and cheesy, these Jalapeno Corn Nuggets are the perfect spicy snack or appetizer. Made with sharp cheddar, sweet corn kernels, and fiery jalapeños, these golden bite-sized nuggets are quickly fried to perfection, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Ideal for parties or a flavorful treat, they come together easily for a quick 13-minute recipe that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (122.5 g) whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Main Add-ins

  • 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, drained (about 1 1/2 cups kernels)
  • 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced

For Frying and Garnish

  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Stir together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of seasoning and leavening agents.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the large egg, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and fully integrated, ensuring a uniform batter base.
  3. Form Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the nuggets tender and light.
  4. Fold in Corn and Jalapeños: Gently fold the drained sweet corn kernels and finely diced jalapeños into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout without breaking the kernels.
  5. Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy pot and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), the optimal temperature for deep frying to achieve golden, crispy nuggets without greasiness.
  6. Fry Nuggets: In batches, drop 4-5 spoonfuls of the batter carefully into the hot oil. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes, until the nuggets turn golden brown and crispy. Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F by checking after each batch.
  7. Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried nuggets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Make sure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F to prevent soggy or overly greasy nuggets.
  • Seed the jalapeños carefully to control the spice level; leaving some seeds will increase heat.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the nuggets tender and prevent them from becoming dense.
  • If preferred, you can substitute sharp cheddar with a milder cheese for less pungency.
  • Serve with a cooling dip like ranch or sour cream to balance the heat from jalapeños.