Crispy Gluten-Free Corn Fritters are a golden, pan-fried delight made with sweet corn kernels, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice. With no wheat flour in sight, these fritters offer a crunchy exterior and tender, savory interior that’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for all eaters. Whether served as a brunch side, light lunch, or satisfying snack, they’re delicious on their own or paired with sour cream, bacon, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally gluten-free: Made with almond flour and cornmeal—no wheat needed.
- Crispy and golden: A crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, flavorful center.
- Customizable: Add cheese, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
- Quick and easy: Just 25 minutes from prep to plate.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: Mildly spiced, cheesy, and easy to eat.
- Perfect for brunch or snacking: Great as a side, breakfast item, or appetizer.
- Pantry-friendly ingredients: Uses simple, whole-food components you likely have on hand.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
2 large eggs
¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
⅓ cup almond flour or oat flour
¼ cup cornmeal
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp baking powder (gluten-free certified)
2 tbsp milk (or dairy-free alternative)
2–3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil for frying
directions
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine corn kernels, eggs, green onions, cheese (if using), and milk.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Make the batter: Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. The batter will be thick and slightly chunky.
- Heat the oil: In a nonstick skillet, heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
- Cook the fritters: Scoop about ¼ cup of batter per fritter into the skillet, flattening each slightly with a spatula. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain and serve: Transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve warm with your choice of toppings.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 fritters
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 170 kcal per fritter
Variations
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely, and substitute plant-based milk.
- Add herbs: Mix in fresh cilantro, parsley, or chives for a fresh flavor boost.
- Zucchini corn fritters: Add ½ cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry) to the batter for added moisture and nutrition.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or minced jalapeño to increase heat.
- Mini fritters: Make smaller, bite-sized fritters for appetizers or party trays.
- Sweet corn variation: Add a touch of honey and serve with maple syrup for a sweet-savory twist.
storage/reheating
Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side to regain crispiness, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze cooked fritters between parchment paper layers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a skillet or oven.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, drained canned corn works well, though fresh or frozen offers a slightly better texture.
Is almond flour necessary?
You can substitute almond flour with oat flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour, though texture may vary slightly.
How do I keep the fritters from falling apart?
Be sure the batter is thick enough to hold its shape. If needed, add a tablespoon more flour or a sprinkle of cheese for extra binding.
Are these fritters good for meal prep?
Yes, they store and reheat well, making them ideal for batch cooking and weekday meals.
Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) on a greased or lined baking sheet for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Are they safe for kids?
Absolutely—mild in spice and easy to hold, these fritters are kid-friendly and nutritious.
What do I serve them with?
Great with sour cream, avocado slices, salsa, or alongside eggs and bacon for a complete breakfast.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes, use egg replacers (like flax eggs) and plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.
What oil is best for frying?
Olive oil or avocado oil are excellent for their flavor and high smoke points.
How do I ensure a crispy finish?
Use medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Let them sit undisturbed while cooking until the edges are golden before flipping.
Conclusion
Crispy Gluten-Free Corn Fritters are a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish with the perfect blend of sweet corn, savory herbs, and satisfying crunch. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, they’re a fantastic choice for gluten-free brunches, snacks, or side dishes. Whether dressed up with sour cream and herbs or enjoyed simply with butter, these fritters deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.
Print
Crispy Gluten-Free Corn Fritters
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 fritters
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Crispy Gluten-Free Corn Fritters are golden on the outside and tender inside, made without wheat flour and loaded with sweet corn, herbs, and spices. A perfect gluten-free side dish or brunch snack with butter, sour cream, or bacon. #glutenfreefritters #cornfritters #glutenfreerecipes
Ingredients
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2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
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2 large eggs
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1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
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1/3 cup almond flour or oat flour
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1/4 cup cornmeal
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1/4 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1 tsp baking powder (gluten-free certified)
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2 tbsp milk (or dairy-free alternative)
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2-3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for frying)
Instructions
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine corn, eggs, green onions, cheese (if using), and milk.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk almond or oat flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Make Batter: Add dry mixture to the wet and stir until fully incorporated. Batter will be thick.
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Fry Fritters: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Scoop ¼ cup portions of batter into pan, flattening gently.
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Cook Until Crisp: Fry 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
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Serve Warm: Enjoy with butter, sour cream, or alongside crispy bacon.
Notes
For dairy-free, skip cheese and use plant milk. Almond flour gives nuttiness; oat flour makes them softer. Best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Brunch
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired
