Hey there, fellow snack lovers! Are you ready to spice up your snack game with something crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my secrets for making the most delicious Jalapeño Corn Nuggets you’ve ever tasted. Perfect for spicy snack enthusiasts, these bite-sized nuggets are packed with the sweetness of corn and the bold heat of jalapeños. Whether you’re planning a cozy movie night, a game-day gathering, or just need a quick pick-me-up, these nuggets are sure to hit the spot. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and can be ready in no time—because who doesn’t love a quick and tasty snack?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—perfect texture every time!
- Packed with fresh jalapeño flavor and a hint of smokiness.
- Customizable heat level—make them as spicy or mild as you like.
- Ready in under 30 minutes—great for quick family dinners or weeknight snacks.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Jalapeño Corn Nuggets:
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!
- Prep the Jalapeños: Start by finely chopping the jalapeños. If you prefer a milder snack, you can remove the seeds and membranes for less heat. For an extra spicy kick, leave them in!
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and a drizzle of honey. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in Jalapeños: Gently fold in the chopped jalapeños and let the batter rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Form the Nuggets: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, shape the batter into nugget-sized portions. You should end up with around 20-25 nuggets.
- Fry to Crisp: Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully drop the nuggets into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the nuggets from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and crispy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tricks to take your Jalapeño Corn Nuggets to the next level:
- Double the Heat: If you’re a true spice lover, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter for an extra kick.
- Crispy Coating: For an extra crispy exterior, chill the formed nuggets in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before frying. This helps the batter set and ensures a crunchier texture.
- Dipping Delights: Serve the nuggets with your favorite dip, like a cool ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or a zesty lime crema to balance the heat.
How to Serve
These Jalapeño Corn Nuggets are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways:
- As a standalone snack for movie night or game day.
- As a side dish for your favorite homemade cheesy breadsticks or cheddar bay biscuits.
- Alongside a batch of easy homemade soft pretzel bites for a snack-filled spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Want to enjoy these nuggets later? Here’s how to store them:
- Make Ahead: The batter can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to fry.
- Storage: Once fried, the nuggets can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For the crispiest texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes before serving.
And there you have it—a simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing recipe for Jalapeño Corn Nuggets that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a spicy food fanatic or just looking for a quick and tasty snack, these nuggets deliver. So go ahead, get frying, and enjoy the delicious combination of corn and jalapeño in every bite!
Jalapeño Corn Nuggets Recipe for Spicy Snack Lovers
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 whole jalapeño pepper finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar or pepper jack
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the corn kernels, chopped jalapeño, and shredded cheese, mixing well.
- Add the egg and milk to the bowl, stirring until the mixture forms a thick dough. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the liquid.
- Using your hands, shape the dough into small nugget-sized pieces, about 1.5 inches long and 1 inch thick.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the nuggets in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.