Air fryer corn fritters are an irresistible recipe that just screams summer to me. Of course, you can use canned or frozen corn if you don’t have fresh on hand, and they’re just as delicious! It’s one of those recipes I remember fondly from my childhood and crave every season.
Take juicy corn kernels, blend them with some herbs and spices, and fry them up in a delicious, crispy fritter. Thanks to the air fryer, though, there’s no need to deep fry them and stand over a hot stove tending them!
I had some leftover corn after making my Air Fryer Frozen Corn on the Cob this week, so I stripped it off the cob and decided to make fritters.
You can scale the recipe up or down based on how much corn you’re trying to use up, and each batch only takes about 15 minutes to cook. Feel free to freeze cooked fritters for later – they heat up great in the air fryer or toaster oven!
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp paprika
1 Tbsp sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
2 cups sweet corn kernels
¼ cup chopped green or spring onions
⅛ cup chopped fresh parsley
Ingredient Notes and Tips
You can substitute baking mix (such as Bisquick) for the flour for a puffier fritter
Paprika can be swapped for chili powder or garlic powder if preferred
Use any corn you like. Canned, frozen, and freshly cooked all work well. Just make sure to defrost if frozen and drain well regardless
Any fresh herbs work well, so if you want to swap in coriander or something else for a different style, feel free, and you can add more if you like too!
Variations: Add a diced jalapeno to the mix for more heat, or add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy variation
How to Cook Corn Fritters in the Air Fryer
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients
Whisk together eggs and milk in a separate bowl until well blended
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk and egg mixture
Stir to thoroughly combine (the batter should be a thick pancake batter consistency)
Add the chopped onions, herbs, and corn, then fold into the batter
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has) and spray the basket with nonstick spray or line with parchment (I highly recommend parchment)
Scoop 1-2 Tablespoons of batter (depending on the size you’d like) out and drop into the air fryer basket, pressing slightly to flatten
Repeat until the basket is filled in a single layer, allowing some air space between for expansion
Cook on the air fry setting for 7 minutes at 375°F
Flip with a spatula and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, until desired level of browning is achieved
Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite sauce on top!
What to Serve With Corn Fritters
Chili
Ribs
BBQ chicken
Grilled shrimp
Pulled pork
Smoked sausage
Potato salad
Tomato salad
Green salad
Macaroni salad
Coleslaw
Bacon wrapped asparagus
Fruit salad
Chipotle aioli
Salsa
Bacon jam
There are a variety of great main dishes, sides, and toppings you can serve with corn fritters for the perfect bite!
Try your air fryer corn fritters with my Air Fryer Potato Salad, hearty Air Fryer Chili, amazing Air Fryer Kielbasa, or the equally delicious Air Fryer Smoked Sausage.
Recipe FAQs
Can You Make Corn Fritters in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make corn fritters in an air fryer. The key is to keep a thick batter to allow them to hold their shape.
Parchment paper or nonstick foil in the bottom of your air fryer basket will make it much easier to manage the batter until it cooks.
How Long to Cook Corn Fritters in an Air Fryer?
Typically, you cook corn fritters in an air fryer for 14-16 minutes. The actual time will vary slightly based on your air fryer and the size of your fritters.
If you desire a deeper level of browning, add additional time in small increments until your desired shade is achieved.
How Long to Cook Frozen Corn Fritters in the Air Fryer?
To cook frozen corn fritters in the air fryer, you want to cook them for about 15-17 minutes on average. This will depend on your specific air fryer’s power level.
While the time is about the same as a fresh corn fritter, the difference is cooking batter versus defrosting and toasting. It’s a different process even though it’s similar in terms of time.
Why Are My Corn Fritters Falling Apart?
If your corn fritters are falling apart, this indicates there is too much moisture present. Make sure to thoroughly drain and dry your corn.
Also make sure not to add too much liquid in relation to the dry ingredients. Adding some extra flour can help to firm up your batter if you’re experiencing problems.
Does Baking Soda Make Fritters Crispy?
Baking soda isn’t solely responsible, but yes it does help make fritters crispy. The expansion and aeration caused by the bubbles allows the frying process to make the batter crispier.
It’s equally important to use oil and a hot cooking method, and ensure that there is not too much moisture in your fritter to ensure that it gets crispy.
What Flour is Best For Fritters?
All purpose flour in combination with baking powder is considered best for fritters. However, you may also use self rising flour or baking mix such as Bisquick and skip the baking powder.
Other flours and cornmeal may also be used for gluten free preparations, but the texture will change slightly.
Recipe Pro Tips
I prefer parchment paper over nonstick spray because inevitably some of the corn or batter gets caught in the grate otherwise. My Ninja Dual Zone air fryer has a divot in the center of the basket as well, so this allows me to use that space that I otherwise could not. However, if you don’t have parchment, nonstick foil works or you can just use spray and carefully pry them up when flipping
This recipe makes about 18 corn fritters when you use 2 Tablespoons of batter per fritter
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover corn fritters in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months
To reheat, place corn fritters in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F, or in the toaster oven for about 5 minutes at 350°F. You can also microwave them for about 45 seconds, but they’ll get soggy
These air fryer corn fritters are one of my favorite things about summer. I love using fresh corn, but they’re great with canned and frozen as well. Of course, that means you can really enjoy them year round!
However, I think they’re best enjoyed on warm summer nights or as part of your backyard barbecue feast.
They’re so easy to make, and thanks to the air fryer, there’s no need for tons of oil and standing over a hot stove to tend them.
If you’re looking for a shortcut to avoid making homemade, though, I recommend Frozen Hush Puppies in the Air Fryer instead. They’re a cornmeal and onion type fritter that’s ready in under 10 minutes with no prep required.
Easy Air Fryer Corn Fritters
These easy air fryer corn fritters are the perfect use for summer sweet corn! They make a perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients
1 Cup all purpose flour, 1 Tsp baking powder, 1 Tsp salt, ½ Tsp paprika, 1 Tbsp sugar
Whisk together eggs and milk in a separate bowl until well blended
2 Large eggs, ½ Cup milk
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk and egg mixture
Stir to thoroughly combine (the batter should be a thick pancake batter consistency)
Add the chopped onions, herbs, and corn, then fold into the batter
2 Cups sweet corn kernels, ¼ Cup chopped green onions, ⅛ Cup chopped parsley
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has) and spray the basket with nonstick spray or line with parchment (I highly recommend parchment)
Scoop 1-2 Tablespoons of batter (depending on the size you’d like) out and drop into the air fryer basket, pressing slightly to flatten
Repeat until the basket is filled in a single layer, allowing some air space between for expansion
Cook on the air fry setting for 7 minutes at 375°F
Flip with a spatula and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, until desired level of browning is achieved
Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite sauce on top!
Notes
You can substitute baking mix (such as Bisquick) for the flour for a puffier fritter
Paprika can be swapped for chili powder or garlic powder if preferred
Use any sweetcorn you like. Canned, frozen, and freshly cooked all work well. Just make sure to defrost if frozen and drain well regardless
Any fresh herbs work well, so if you want to swap in coriander or something else for a different style, feel free, and you can add more if you like too!
Variations: Add a diced jalapeno to the mix for more heat, or add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy variation
I prefer parchment paper over nonstick spray because inevitably some of the corn or batter gets caught in the grate otherwise. My Ninja Dual Zone air fryer has a divot in the center of the basket as well, so this allows me to use that space that I otherwise could not. However, if you don’t have parchment, nonstick foil works or you can just use spray and carefully pry them up when flipping
This recipe makes about 18 corn fritters when you use 2 Tablespoons of batter per fritter
Store leftover corn fritters in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months
To reheat, place corn fritters in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F, or in the toaster oven for about 5 minutes at 350°F. You can also microwave them for about 45 seconds, but they’ll get soggy
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
