Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *fried cornbread fritters*! They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. I love making these little bites of joy because they’re super easy and come together in no time. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the smell of them frying away on the stove—it’s enough to make your mouth water! I often whip these up for a quick snack or as a side dish for a cozy Southern meal. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite add-ins like jalapeños or green onions for that extra kick. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Prepare Fried Cornbread Fritters
Mixing the Batter
First things first, let’s get that batter ready! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, buttermilk, and egg. I like to whisk them together until it’s nice and smooth—no lumps allowed! Then, sprinkle in the baking powder and salt, and give it another good mix. The texture should be thick but pourable, kind of like a pancake batter. Finally, fold in the corn kernels gently so they’re evenly distributed. You want every fritter to have that delightful burst of corn goodness!
Heating the Oil
Now, let’s get that oil nice and hot! In a frying pan, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom, about ½ inch deep, and heat it over medium heat. Here’s a little tip: You can tell the oil is ready by dropping in a tiny bit of the batter—if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go! But be careful, it can splatter, so keep a close eye on it and adjust the heat as needed to avoid smoking oil.
Frying the Fritters
Once your oil is sizzling, it’s time to fry! Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, giving them some space as they’ll puff up a bit. Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Don’t rush flipping them; you want that perfect crust! Use a slotted spoon to flip them carefully, and once they’re done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Draining and Serving
To drain the fritters, just let them sit on the paper towels for a minute or two—this helps keep them crispy! Serve them hot, and for a fun twist, try pairing them with a dollop of sour cream or a spicy dipping sauce. They’re perfect as a snack or alongside your favorite Southern dishes. Enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for a last-minute snack!
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—every bite is a delight!
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins like jalapeños or cheese.
- Great for serving at gatherings or as a side dish to any Southern meal.
- Deliciously versatile—enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
- Can be made in batches and stored for later munching.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please any crowd.
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your *fried cornbread fritters* turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up along the way:
- Check your cornmeal: Make sure you’re using fresh cornmeal for the best flavor. If it’s been sitting in your pantry for a while, give it a sniff—if it smells off, it’s time to toss it and get a new bag!
- Don’t skip the buttermilk: It really adds that rich, tangy flavor that makes these fritters sing! If you don’t have any on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing a cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Keep the oil temperature steady: Fluctuating oil temperatures can lead to uneven cooking. If it gets too hot, your fritters might burn before they’re cooked through. Conversely, if it’s not hot enough, they’ll soak up oil and become greasy. Keep an eye on that tiny batter test piece—it’s your best friend!
- Batch frying: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain that coveted crispy texture.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to mix in herbs, spices, or even cheese into the batter for a fun twist! I love adding a pinch of cayenne for a little heat or some grated cheddar for extra richness.
- Serve immediately: These fritters are best enjoyed fresh and hot. If you’re making them for a crowd, consider keeping them warm in the oven on a low setting while you finish frying the rest.
Trust me, following these tips will help you create the most delicious, golden, and crispy fritters that everyone will be raving about!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one *fried cornbread fritter*. Keep in mind these values can vary based on the exact ingredients you use and how much oil is absorbed during frying, but this should give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 3g
These fritters are not only delicious but also provide a satisfying snack that won’t weigh you down. Enjoy them guilt-free as part of your meal or as a delightful treat any time of day!
FAQ Section
Can I use something other than buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It’ll give you that tangy flavor you need for the *fried cornbread fritters*!
What can I add to the fritter batter for extra flavor?
Oh, there are so many options! You can mix in chopped green onions, diced jalapeños for a kick, or even shredded cheese for a gooey surprise. Just keep in mind that adding too many wet ingredients may alter the batter’s consistency, so adjust accordingly!
How do I store leftover fritters?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so tasty), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to get them crispy again!
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours, but I recommend frying them fresh when you’re ready to serve. They taste best hot and crispy right out of the pan!
What do I serve with fried cornbread fritters?
These little bites pair wonderfully with a variety of dips! I love serving them with sour cream, spicy salsa, or even a creamy ranch dressing. They also make a great side for Southern dishes like fried chicken or BBQ!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any of those delicious *fried cornbread fritters* left over (which, let’s be honest, might be a challenge), here’s how to store them properly! First, let the fritters cool completely on a wire rack. This helps prevent them from getting soggy—nobody wants that, right? Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days, but trust me, they taste best when fresh!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, you’ll want to reheat them to bring back that crispy goodness. The best way to do this is by using a skillet. Just heat a little bit of oil over medium heat, and place the fritters in the pan. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re warm and crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the microwave, but be warned: they won’t have that delightful crunch you get from frying!
For those who like to prep in advance, you can also freeze the fritters! Just make sure they’re completely cool, then lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. Enjoy every crispy bite!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to pairing dishes with my *fried cornbread fritters*, the options are endless, and that’s what makes them so fun! They truly shine alongside some classic Southern staples. Here are a few of my favorite pairings that you absolutely have to try:
- Fried Chicken: You can’t go wrong with crispy fried chicken! The fritters complement the savory, juicy flavors and add that delightful crunch. It’s a match made in comfort food heaven!
- Collard Greens: These hearty greens bring a touch of bitterness that perfectly balances the richness of the fritters. Plus, the combination is a true Southern classic!
- BBQ Ribs: Slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce, tender ribs paired with fritters create an irresistible flavor explosion. Trust me, the sweet and smoky notes will have you coming back for more!
- Chili: A warm bowl of chili, whether it’s meat-based or vegetarian, is a cozy companion to fritters. Just imagine dipping them in that spicy goodness—yum!
- Fresh Salad: For a lighter option, serve them alongside a refreshing salad. A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the fritters beautifully.
- Drinks: Pair your fritters with sweet tea for that classic Southern experience, or go for a cold beer to enjoy with friends. If you’re feeling fancy, a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice too!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect meal experience! The beauty of *fried cornbread fritters* is that they add a delicious touch to almost any dish you serve. Enjoy!
Print
Fried Cornbread Fritters: 7 Crispy Bites of Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy fried cornbread fritters that are easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cornmeal, buttermilk, egg, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in corn kernels until combined.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust salt to taste.
- Use fresh or frozen corn kernels.
- For added flavor, mix in chopped green onions or jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: fried cornbread fritters, cornbread, fritters, southern cuisine
