Description
These Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Fritters with Chipotle Aioli are crispy, golden bites packed with sweet corn, spicy jalapeños, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they’re served with a creamy, smoky chipotle aioli that adds a delicious kick. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of corn and cheese with a spicy twist, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fritters
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Chipotle Aioli
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chipotle Aioli: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and garlic. Stir well until smooth. Season with salt to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with milk.
- Make the Batter: Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the corn kernels, chopped jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro. Mix gently to incorporate all ingredients evenly without overmixing.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of about 1/4 inch and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Fry the Fritters: Using a tablespoon or small scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon. Fry the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the jalapeño cheddar corn fritters warm, accompanied by the chilled chipotle aioli for dipping. Enjoy as a snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños and chipotle peppers according to your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- If fresh corn is not available, frozen corn can be used; just thaw and drain excess water before mixing.
- To make the fritters crispier, fry at the right oil temperature (around 350°F/175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Leftover fritters can be reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
