Quick Fried Corn Nuggets Recipe: Golden Gems for Snack Time

Golden, crispy corn nuggets blend southern comfort with irresistible crunch that promises pure snacking delight.

These bite-sized morsels of cheesy corn goodness have become a crowd-pleasing favorite at gatherings and game nights.

Packed with sweet corn kernels and a perfect balance of seasoning, this corn nuggets recipe delivers a satisfying texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.

The combination of simple ingredients creates a magical appetizer that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Creamy on the inside and beautifully golden on the outside, these nuggets offer a playful twist on traditional corn dishes.

Each crispy bite carries the warmth of home-cooked comfort, making them an instant hit for any occasion.

Let’s find out this easy recipe and watch these nuggets disappear faster than you can fry them up.

How to Cook Crispy Corn Nuggets

• Corn Mixture Preparation

Blend creamed corn and whole kernel corn in a spacious mixing bowl. Sprinkle cornmeal throughout the mixture, stirring until everything melds together smoothly. Season with delicate pinches of salt and pepper to enhance the natural corn sweetness.

• Nugget Shaping

Craft small rounded clusters using gentle hand movements. Aim for bite-sized morsels that promise delightful crunch and texture. Arrange these delicate formations on a clean surface prepared with parchment paper.

• Frying Adventure

Warm cooking oil in a deep skillet until it shimmers with anticipation. Carefully slide corn clouds into the sizzling liquid, allowing each piece to transform into a crispy golden treasure. Rotate nuggets periodically to ensure even browning and maximum crispiness.

• Draining and Serving

Rescue the golden nuggets using a perforated spoon, letting excess oil drip away. Transfer these crunchy delights onto absorbent paper towels. Plate the corn clouds while they’re piping hot, ready to be dunked into tangy sauces that complement their rich flavor.

Flavor Additions for Corn Nuggets

• Spice up your corn nuggets with these tasty tips and creative twists!
• Mix shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the corn mixture for an extra-melty, tangy bite that adds irresistible richness to each nugget.
• Sprinkle in fresh chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or cilantro to bring a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the crispy exterior and adds complexity.
• Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the corn mixture for those who love a fiery twist. Start with a small amount and adjust to your heat tolerance.
• Swap regular cornmeal with gluten-free cornmeal to make these nuggets accessible for people with gluten sensitivities. The texture remains wonderfully crispy and delicious.
• Prepare the corn nugget mixture in advance and freeze uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer bag for quick frying whenever a craving hits – perfect for unexpected guests or lazy weekend snacking.

Plating and Serving Corn Nuggets

• Ranch Rendezvous: Creamy ranch dressing offers a cool, tangy contrast to the crispy, warm corn nuggets, creating a classic dipping experience that everyone loves.
• Honey Mustard Magic: Sweet and zesty honey mustard sauce brings a perfect balance of flavors, adding a delightful kick that makes these nuggets irresistibly addictive.
• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the golden corn nuggets on a large wooden board with small dipping sauce bowls, creating an eye-catching appetizer spread that's sure to impress guests at game nights or casual gatherings.
• Picnic and Potluck Star: Pack these nuggets in a portable container with sealed sauce packets for an easy-to-transport snack that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at outdoor events and summer get-togethers.

Storage and Reheating for Corn Nuggets

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover corn nuggets in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Wrap them individually in aluminum foil to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Reheat Magic: Restore the crunch by warming nuggets in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture and maintain original crispy exterior.
• Freezer Friendly Trick: Freeze uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Packed Lunch Solution: Pack cooled nuggets in compartmentalized lunch containers with separate dipping sauce sections. Keep them at room temperature for up to 2 hours or use an insulated lunch bag with ice packs for longer freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Classic Corn Nuggets

• Whole Kernel Corn: Adds delightful texture and sweet corn kernels that create bursts of flavor throughout the nuggets.
• Creamed Corn: Provides rich, smooth binding and extra corn intensity to enhance the overall taste profile.

• Yellow Cornmeal: Creates crispy golden exterior with authentic corn-forward crunch, selecting fresh stone-ground varieties for maximum flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Elevates and balances the natural sweetness of corn with perfect seasoning depth.

• Cooking Oil: Essential for achieving beautifully golden-brown, perfectly crisp exterior with even heat distribution, choosing neutral oils like vegetable or canola for consistent frying results.

Tools You’ll Need for Corn Nuggets

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining corn and cornmeal with seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring ingredients until well mixed.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent nuggets from sticking during preparation.
• Skillet or Deep Fryer: Crucial for achieving that golden crispy exterior.
• Slotted Spoon: Great for safely removing nuggets from hot oil.
• Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for accurate cornmeal measurement.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping nuggets while frying.

Crispy Corn Nuggets Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern corn nuggets blend creamy corn with crispy breading for a mouthwatering appetizer. Golden-brown morsels offer irresistible crunch that beckons you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup (60 grams) yellow cornmeal
• 1 can (11 oz / 311 g) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (11 oz / 311 g) creamed corn
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• oil for frying (amount as needed)

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Instructions

1. Mixture Preparation: Blend creamed corn, whole kernel corn, and yellow cornmeal in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, creating a consistent, dense mixture.
2. Nugget Formation: Mold uniform nuggets using hands or a small scoop. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping them separated to prevent sticking.
3. Oil Heating and Frying: Heat vegetable or canola oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or fryer. Carefully submerge nuggets in small batches, maintaining space between each piece for even cooking.
4. Cooking and Browning: Rotate nuggets every minute, ensuring a golden-brown exterior. Fry for 3-5 minutes until crisp and evenly colored, adjusting time based on nugget size.
5. Draining and Serving: Remove nuggets with a perforated spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels. Transfer to a warm platter and serve with ranch, honey mustard, chipotle aioli, or ketchup for dipping.

Notes

• Ingredient Precision: Drain whole kernel corn completely to prevent soggy nuggets and maintain crisp texture.
• Temperature Control: Maintain oil at exactly 350°F for perfect golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking.
• Batch Cooking Strategy: Fry small quantities to preserve oil temperature and ensure even, consistent browning.
• Draining Technique: Use paper towels immediately after frying to absorb excess oil and preserve crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg