Best Southern Fried Corn Fritters are an easy classic you will love!
You just need a handful of pantry staples: canned corn, flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk, an egg, and a bit of shortening. This recipe makes about a dozen fritters.
They’re perfect as a side for dinner, or honestly, just as a quick hot snack. If you’ve got a deep fryer, you’ll get golden fritters every time. But a heavy pot with a thermometer? That works just fine too.
Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl. Blend the wet ones in another, then stir in the corn.
Heat up some oil, drop spoonfuls of batter in, and fry until they turn golden. Let them drain on paper towels for a minute. That’s really all there is to it.
They’re best right out of the fryer, but you can keep them warm if you’re juggling other dishes.
This classic Southern recipe is easy to pick up and honestly kind of fun to eat. Whether you’re serving family dinner or just craving something crunchy, these fritters hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Corn Fritters
Simple Ingredients
You only need common pantry items and a can of corn.
Quick to Make
These fritters come together fast, so you don’t spend much time in the kitchen.
Family Friendly
Kids and adults both want seconds.
Versatile Side
Works as a snack, appetizer, or side dish with your favorite meals.
Tips and Tricks
Frying
Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will be greasy. If it’s too hot, they can burn on the outside before the inside is cooked.
Batter Consistency
If the batter is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more flour.
Even Cooking
Drop spoonfuls of batter that are the same size so the fritters cook evenly.
Ingredient Substitutions
Fresh or Frozen Corn
You can use the same amount of fresh or thawed frozen corn if you don’t have canned corn.
Butter for Shortening
Melted butter can be used in place of shortening.
Gluten-Free Flour
A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used instead of regular flour.
Serving Suggestions
With Dips
Serve with ranch, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Next to BBQ
Great with barbecue, grilled chicken, or fish.
For Brunch
Add to a brunch spread with scrambled eggs and fruit.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and crisp, about 10 minutes.
For a quicker option, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes. Fritters are best when eaten fresh.
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Best Fried Corn Fritters
Equipment
- Tablespoon
Ingredients
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp sugar
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp shortening melted
- 1 can (12oz) whole kernel corn drained
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Beat together egg, milk, and melted shortening; stir into flour mixture. Mix in the corn kernels.
- Drop fritter batter by spoonfuls into the hot oil, and fry until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Notes
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and crisp, about 10 minutes. For a quicker option, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes. Fritters are best when eaten fresh.Nutrition
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