Back during one of those long summer lockdown days in 2020, I found myself staring at a can of corn and wondering what I could do with it besides tossing it in a salad. My kids were hungry, I was tired, and my air fryer was sitting on the counter like a silent superhero. So I whipped up my first batch of air fryer sweetcorn fritters—crispy edges, sweet kernels, and zero oil splatter. That moment? Pure magic. Since then, this recipe has become a family favorite for snack time, lunchboxes, and those lazy weekend brunches where I still want to serve something that feels special.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real—some days, you just want something that’s fast, tasty, and uses what’s already in your kitchen. That’s where air fryer sweetcorn fritters totally shine. Here’s why you’ll want them on repeat:
- Crispy outside, tender inside – No deep fryer needed
- Simple pantry ingredients – No fancy shopping trips
- Kid-tested and mom-approved – Great way to sneak in veggies
- Ready in 20 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy brunches
- Versatile – Serve them as a side, snack, or even sandwich filler
💡 Morgan Tip: Add a little shredded cheddar or feta to the batter—it melts into the fritters and gives them that wow factor without extra work.
air fryer sweetcorn fritters Ingredients
Everything you need for these air fryer sweetcorn fritters is probably already in your pantry:
- 1 cup sweetcorn (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup chopped scallions or red onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 2 tbsp shredded cheddar or feta cheese
- Olive oil or spray for air fryer basket
💡 Morgan Tip: If you’re using canned corn, drain it well and blot with paper towels. Extra moisture makes the batter soggy and harder to crisp.
Step-by-Step Instructions
These air fryer sweetcorn fritters come together quickly, with minimal mess and max reward.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Make the batter – In a mixing bowl, stir together sweetcorn, egg, flour, scallions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cheese (if using). The batter should be thick but scoopable.
- Shape the fritters – Scoop 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter and gently flatten into discs with your hands or a spoon.
- Place in air fryer – Lightly grease the air fryer basket or use parchment paper. Arrange the fritters in a single layer with space between them.
- Cook – Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, then flip and cook another 6–7 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool and serve – Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to let them firm up.
💡 Morgan Tip: Use a silicone mat or parchment liner to prevent sticking—especially helpful for beginners or when adding cheese.
My Air Fryer Sweetcorn Fritters Tips
- Consistency matters – If the batter feels too loose, stir in an extra tablespoon of flour.
- Spice it up – Add chili flakes, chopped jalapeño, or even a dash of curry powder for extra flavor.
- No egg? Try replacing with a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mashed potato as a binder.
💡 Morgan Tip: Make a double batch and freeze the uncooked patties between parchment layers. They go straight into the air fryer from frozen—no thawing needed.
Serving Ideas
These air fryer sweetcorn fritters are ultra-versatile. Serve them:
- As an appetizer with sour cream or spicy mayo
- Topped with a poached egg for brunch
- In a wrap with slaw and avocado
- As a lunchbox favorite with carrot sticks and hummus
- Next to grilled chicken, burgers, or salmon for a full meal
💡 Morgan Tip: I sometimes drizzle honey on top for a sweet-savory combo my kids go crazy for—it’s unexpected but totally delicious.
Recipe Help & FAQs
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes! Just thaw and blot dry before mixing to prevent soggy fritters.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour. Both work well.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as crisp, but still delicious.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back the crisp.
Can you cook corn fritters in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fryer corn fritters turn out golden and crisp without the need for deep frying. Just lightly oil or spray them before cooking to ensure a crunchy texture and prevent sticking.
Can you cook fritters in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Most fritters—including vegetable, potato, and sweet corn—can be cooked in an air fryer. The key is shaping them evenly and not overcrowding the basket so the air can circulate and crisp all sides.
Can you put spam fritters in the air fryer?
Yes, spam fritters work great in the air fryer. Coat them in batter or breadcrumbs, then cook at 380°F (193°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
How long for sweet corn in an air fryer?
For whole ears of sweet corn, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway. Brush with butter and season for best flavor. For corn kernels in a fritter mix, cooking time is usually 8–10 minutes at 370°F (188°C), depending on thickness.
How long should you cook corn fritters?
Corn fritters take about 8–10 minutes in the air fryer at 370°F (188°C). Flip them halfway through for even crispiness. They should be golden and cooked through in the center.
Why are my corn fritters soggy?
Soggy fritters are often caused by:
Too much moisture in the batter (drain corn well)
Overcrowding the basket
Not preheating the air fryer
Skipping the oil spray (a light mist helps them crisp)
Tip: Chill the batter for 10–15 minutes before air frying to help it firm up and hold its shape better.
💡 Morgan Tip: For crispy leftovers, skip the microwave—it softens them. The air fryer keeps that perfect texture even the next day.
Air Fryer Sweetcorn Fritters
Description:
These crispy air fryer sweetcorn fritters are perfect as a snack, side dish, or brunch bite. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes.
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 6 fritters 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients:
1 cup sweetcorn (canned or thawed)
1 egg
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup scallions or red onion
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp grated cheese (optional)
Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
Instructions:
Step 1 – Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2 – Make the Batter: In a bowl, mix corn, egg, flour, scallions, spices, and cheese.
Step 3 – Form the Fritters: Form into small patties using about 2 tbsp batter each.
Step 4 – Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place patties in air fryer basket, spray lightly with oil.
Step 5 – Air Fry Until Crisp: Air fry for 8 minutes, flip, then cook 6–7 more minutes.
Step 6 – Cool Before Serving: Cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Notes:
Drain corn well to avoid soggy batter.
Use parchment or silicone liner for easy release.
Make extra and freeze uncooked patties for later.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Side, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fritters
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: air fryer sweetcorn fritters, corn fritters, air fryer snacks
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Let’s make something amazing—even on the wild days.
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