Introduction
Quick and Easy Pan Fried Corn Fritters are the kind of recipe that make you wonder why you haven’t been making them your whole life. Crispy on the outside, tender and slightly sweet on the inside, these fritters take fresh corn and turn it into something that feels both rustic and indulgent. They’re quick to whip up, delicious as a side dish, and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or even a light meal with a salad.
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I remember the first time I made corn fritters: it was in the middle of summer, and my neighbor had dropped off a bag full of just-picked corn from her garden. I didn’t want it to go to waste, and boiling or grilling it felt too ordinary. I tried turning it into fritters, and the results were magical—the sweet corn caramelized slightly as it fried, creating a savory-sweet flavor that paired perfectly with sour cream and hot sauce. Ever since, corn fritters have been my go-to for summer gatherings and quick weeknight dinners.
The beauty of corn fritters is that they’re adaptable. You can use fresh, frozen, or even canned corn, and the recipe comes together in minutes. Pair them with a hearty dish like Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings or serve them as a snack alongside dips for game night.
Ingredients – Quick and Easy Pan Fried Corn Fritters
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2 cups fresh corn kernels
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ cup milk
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1 large egg
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions – Quick and Easy Pan Fried Corn Fritters
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Prepare the Batter
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In a large bowl, mix corn kernels, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
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Combine & Mix
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Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
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Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
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Heat Oil
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Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Fry the Fritters
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Drop spoonfuls of batter into the skillet.
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Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
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Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
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Drain & Serve
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Transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
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Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, or your favorite dip.
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Tips & Variations
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Cheesy fritters: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.
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Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Veggie-packed: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or scallions.
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Herby twist: Add fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives for brightness.
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Pairing idea: Enjoy alongside Creamy Mushroom Soup for a comforting combo.
Storage
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze cooked fritters for up to 2 months; reheat in oven or air fryer.
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Reheat: Warm in skillet or oven for crispiness.
Time & Yield
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Yield: 10–12 fritters
Tools Used
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Large mixing bowl
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Whisk
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Skillet or frying pan
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Spatula
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Paper towels
FAQs about Quick and Easy Pan Fried Corn Fritters
1. Can I use canned or frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
Yes! You can substitute fresh corn with canned (well-drained) or frozen corn (thawed and patted dry). The flavor is slightly different, but the fritters will still turn out delicious.
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2. How do I keep my corn fritters from falling apart?
Make sure the batter isn’t too thin. If it feels runny, add a little extra flour. Also, don’t flip the fritters too early—let one side crisp up before turning.
3. What sauces go well with corn fritters?
These fritters pair wonderfully with sour cream, ranch dip, salsa, or even a spicy aioli. For a sweet twist, you can drizzle them with honey.
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4. Can I make corn fritters ahead of time?
Yes. Fry them as usual, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to bring back their crispy texture.
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Final Thoughts
These Quick and Easy Pan Fried Corn Fritters are proof that simple ingredients can turn into something spectacular. Crispy, golden, and bursting with the sweetness of corn, they’re the perfect addition to your recipe collection.
Whether you serve them as a snack, a side dish, or even a light main meal, they’ll always impress. They’re quick enough for weeknights but special enough for entertaining.
For even more inspiration on how to use corn in creative ways, check out AllRecipes for dozens of fresh ideas.

Quick and Easy Pan Fried Corn Fritters
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix corn, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Heat oil in skillet.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter, flatten slightly, and fry 2–3 mins per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Notes