Jamaican Corn Fritters

Name: Jamaican Corn Fritters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh corn kernels; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornmeal; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup milk; Vegetable oil for frying

Highlighted under: Authentic Recipes

I love making Jamaican Corn Fritters because they are deliciously crispy and filled with sweet, juicy corn. A perfect snack or appetizer, these fritters bring a burst of tropical flavor to any occasion. The combination of spices and fresh herbs makes every bite exciting, and they’re so easy to whip up. With a simple batter and a quick fry, I can enjoy these golden treats in just 20 minutes. Once you try them, you'll understand why they are a favorite in my household.

Created by

Quincy Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-12T06:55:34.720Z

When I first tasted Jamaican Corn Fritters during a vibrant island getaway, I knew I had to recreate them at home. I experimented with various spices and fresh herbs until I found the perfect blend to mimic that authentic taste. The secret to getting them crispy is to make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, ensuring each fritter is perfectly golden.

Each time I make these fritters, I’m reminded of the smoky, spicy flavors I experienced while wandering through outdoor markets. They are terrific served with a spicy dipping sauce or just on their own. I always look forward to sharing this recipe with friends and family!

        Why You'll Love These Fritters
        Crisp texture that's perfectly golden
Sweet corn flavor with a hint of spice
Quick and easy to prepare for any gathering

      

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh corn kernels is essential for achieving that sweet and juicy flavor that makes these Jamaican Corn Fritters special. While canned corn can work in a pinch, fresh corn offers a burst of moisture and natural sweetness that enhances the fritters' taste and texture. If you can’t find fresh corn, consider using frozen corn; just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before mixing it into the batter to avoid excess moisture.

The green onions in the recipe not only add vibrant color but also a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness of the corn. You can experiment with other herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley for a different flavor profile. Just remember to chop them finely so they distribute evenly throughout the batter, ensuring every bite is filled with their aromatic goodness.

Frying Technique for Perfect Fritters

Achieving the perfect fritter requires careful control of oil temperature. Too hot, and the outside may brown too quickly while leaving the inside undercooked; too cool, and your fritters will absorb too much oil and become greasy. I recommend using a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature between 350°F to 375°F. This range ensures a crispy exterior while cooking the batter through efficiently.

When frying, leave enough space between each fritter to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature. I usually fry just three or four at a time, depending on the size of my skillet. After about 2-3 minutes, look for golden brown edges as an indicator that it's time to flip them. This not only improves the texture but also the presentation of your fritters.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Jamaican Corn Fritters are wonderfully versatile. For added flavor, you can incorporate diced bell peppers or jalapeños into the batter for a spicy twist. Pairing the fritters with a spicy dipping sauce, such as a mango salsa or a yogurt-based dip, elevates the dish and complements the corn's sweetness beautifully.

If you're planning to entertain, these fritters can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy without the need for additional frying. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked batter in small portions and fry them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the cooking time to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.

Ingredients

For the Fritters

1 cup fresh corn kernels
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk together, then add the corn and green onions. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot. You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of the batter in; it should sizzle immediately.

Fry the Fritters

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter for each fritter into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve

Serve the fritters warm, optionally with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding chopped cilantro or diced jalapeños to the batter.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your fritters are falling apart in the oil, it may be due to too much moisture in the batter. Ensure that your corn kernels are well-drained, especially if using frozen corn. Additionally, you can add a little more flour or cornmeal to bind the mixture better.

Conversely, if your fritters are too doughy and not cooked through, this can be due to an overly thick batter. To fix this, add a splash more milk to achieve a consistency that holds shape but allows for some spreading while frying.

Making It Your Own

Feel free to experiment with spices and herbs in your fritters. For a Caribbean twist, try adding a touch of allspice or thyme. Alternatively, for a milder flavor, consider omitting the cumin and paprika altogether; just be sure to maintain balance with seasoning to keep them exciting.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour, which will lend a nutty flavor to your fritters while keeping them light and fluffy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen corn works well and can be used directly without thawing.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.

→ Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, but they won’t be as crispy.

→ What can I serve with these fritters?

These fritters pair well with a spicy dipping sauce, guacamole, or even a mango salsa.