Jamaican Corn Fritters

Name: Jamaican Corn Fritters
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh corn kernels; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cornmeal; 1 egg; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Oil for frying

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I love making Jamaican Corn Fritters because they bring a burst of flavor and warmth into my kitchen. These crispy delights are not only easy to prepare but also a huge hit at gatherings! With a sweet corn base, combined with aromatic spices, they are perfect for any occasion. The best part is how quickly they come together—just a few simple ingredients and you're ready to fry. Whether served as a snack or a side dish, they always leave my family and friends wanting more!

Created by

Quinn Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:10:19.729Z

Making Jamaican Corn Fritters is always a joyous experience for me. I remember the first time I tried them at a local festival, and the combination of sweet corn and spices blew me away. Since then, I've experimented with different herbs and seasonings, finding that a touch of scallion really enhances their flavor. My secret tip is to ensure the oil is hot enough before frying, which guarantees that delicious crispy exterior.

I've loved serving these fritters at my family gatherings, where they've become a staple on our appetizer table. The kids enjoy them as much as the adults do, and I often serve them with a spicy dipping sauce to elevate their flavor. Trust me, once you try making these at home, you'll understand why they are a beloved dish in Jamaican cuisine!

        Why You'll Love These Fritters
        Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
Bright flavor from fresh corn and spices
Perfectly versatile for snacks or side dishes

      

The Role of Fresh Corn

Using fresh corn kernels is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in your Jamaican Corn Fritters. Fresh corn adds a natural sweetness and a crisp bite that frozen or canned corn simply can't match. When selecting corn, look for ears that feel heavy and have tightly packed kernels. Their vibrant color indicates freshness, and when you bite into the fritters, you'll enjoy those delightful bursts of corn goodness.

If fresh corn isn't available, consider using high-quality frozen corn as a substitute. Make sure to thaw and drain the corn well before adding it to the batter to prevent excess moisture, which could lead to soggy fritters. Remember that using frozen corn might slightly alter the fritters' texture, but they can still be delicious.

Perfecting Your Frying Technique

Frying the fritters requires the right temperature and technique. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately. Maintaining the oil temperature is essential; if it's too low, the fritters will absorb excess oil and become greasy; too high, and they may burn before cooking through. A medium-high heat usually works well—around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.

When spooning in the batter, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Give each fritter enough space, as this allows for even cooking and proper crisping. If you find your fritters aren't browning as desired, check the oil temperature and adjust as needed. Letting the fritters cool briefly on paper towels will help drain excess oil, ensuring a perfect crispy finish.

Serving and Storing Tips

These fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers, storing them properly is key. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side until warmed through and crisp again, rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.

For a fun twist, consider serving the fritters with a spicy dipping sauce or a fresh salsa. This can elevate the flavor profile and bring a new dimension to the dish. You might also try incorporating different herbs or spices into the batter, such as cilantro or cayenne pepper, to customize the fritters to your taste.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Jamaican Corn Fritters:

Ingredients

2 cups fresh corn kernels
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons scallions, chopped
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying

With these ingredients ready, you're all set to start frying!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your fritters:

Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the corn, flour, cornmeal, egg, milk, scallions, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix.

Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat until hot. A drop of batter should sizzle immediately when added.

Fry the Fritters

Spoon dollops of the batter into the hot oil, flattening them slightly. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Enjoy your fritters warm with your favorite dipping sauce!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or bell peppers to the batter. Ensure the oil maintains a steady temperature for even cooking.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're hosting a large gathering, this recipe scales beautifully! For a crowd, double or triple the ingredient amounts, ensuring you maintain the same ratios. Just remember to fry in batches so that each fritter gets ample space to cook evenly. I find that keeping the cooked fritters warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while you finish frying the batches is a great tactic to keep everything hot and crispy for serving.

Alternatively, if you're cooking for a more intimate gathering, you can easily halve the recipe. This flexibility allows the fritters to fit any occasion without compromising on quality or taste.

Variations to Try

Jamaican Corn Fritters are wonderfully versatile. You can add finely diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even cooked bacon to the batter for added flavor and texture. If you're seeking a vegetarian option, you might substitute some of the all-purpose flour with chickpea flour, which not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nutty undertone that complements the corn beautifully.

Experiment with spices as well; a touch of garlic powder or smoked paprika can introduce a new flavor profile that may surprise your guests. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by mixing in your favorite ingredients for a delightful twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.

→ How do I store leftover fritters?

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in an oven for best results.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It's best to make the batter fresh, but you can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and mix them with wet ingredients just before frying.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these fritters?

A spicy mayo or a tangy salsa works wonderfully with these fritters!