Jamaican Sweet Corn Fritters

Name: Jamaican Sweet Corn Fritters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups sweet corn, fresh or frozen; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornmeal; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 2 green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup milk; Vegetable oil for frying

Highlighted under: Sweet Collection

I absolutely love making Jamaican Sweet Corn Fritters, especially when fresh corn is in season. The combination of sweet corn and aromatic spices creates a deliciously crispy treat that is perfect for any occasion. Each bite offers a delightful crunch with a tender interior. I find that serving these fritters with a zesty dipping sauce brings out the best in their flavor. They make for a fantastic appetizer or snack, and once you try them, you won't want to stop. Trust me, they're a crowd favorite!

Created by

Elodie March

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:57:34.714Z

While developing my recipe for Jamaican Sweet Corn Fritters, I experimented with various spices and techniques. I discovered that adding a pinch of nutmeg gives the fritters an unexpected warmth that elevates their flavor. The secret to achieving a perfectly crispy exterior lies in ensuring the oil is hot enough before frying. This creates a delightful contrast with the soft, sweet corn inside.

Sharing these fritters with friends is always a joy, and I love to watch their faces light up with each bite. I often serve them at gatherings, where they're devoured in minutes. Pairing them with a tangy dipping sauce like a spicy mango salsa truly takes the experience to the next level!

        Why You Will Love These Fritters
        Crispy exterior with a tender and sweet corn inside
A burst of flavor with each bite from the seasoning
Perfect for parties, snacks, or a fun dinner!
Easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand

      

Ingredients Breakdown

The star of Jamaican Sweet Corn Fritters is undoubtedly the sweet corn itself, which adds natural sweetness and texture. Fresh or frozen corn can be used, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess moisture in the batter. Additionally, using a mix of all-purpose flour and cornmeal creates a delightful crunch while maintaining a tender interior. The cornmeal also contributes a slightly grainy texture that complements the smoothness of the corn.

The incorporation of spices like nutmeg and black pepper plays a pivotal role in elevating the flavor profile of the fritters. Nutmeg offers a warm sweetness that beautifully balances the corn's natural flavor. Don't skip the fresh green onions; they add a pop of freshness and color to the fritters. The inclusion of garlic and onion provides savory depth, making each bite an explosion of flavor.

For frying, vegetable oil is recommended to ensure a crispy exterior. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter to achieve the desired golden-brown crust. If the oil is not hot enough, the fritters could absorb too much oil and become greasy. I suggest keeping a close eye on the fritters while frying, flipping them when they show a golden edge, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes per side.

Frying Tips

When frying the fritters, it's crucial not to overcrowd the skillet. If you add too many at once, the temperature of the oil could drop too low, resulting in soggy fritters. Instead, fry them in batches, allowing ample space for each one to cook evenly. Using a large skillet will help maintain the oil's temperature, ensuring that the fritters crisp up beautifully on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

Another helpful tip is to use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the batter. This will help you create fritters that are uniform in size, ensuring even cooking. Each fritter should be about 2-3 tablespoons of batter; this size will cook thoroughly in the given time without burning. A well-shaped fritter will hold its form during frying, giving you that perfect bite-sized treat that’s crispy all around.

For those who want to experiment, consider adding herbs like cilantro or parsley to the batter for an extra layer of flavor. You can also play with spices; a pinch of cayenne pepper can introduce a mild heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the corn. This kind of customization allows you to put your personal spin on a classic recipe, making it your own.

Ingredients

Fritters

2 cups sweet corn, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup milk
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet corn, flour, cornmeal, chopped onion, garlic, baking powder, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and chopped green onions. Mix well until combined.

Add milk

Gradually stir in the milk to form a thick batter. Ensure everything is well mixed; the batter should be a little thick.

Heat the oil

In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Test the temperature by dropping a spoonful of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Fry the fritters

Spoon heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, cooking a few at a time. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Drain and serve

Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the batter. Also, ensure the fritters aren't overcrowded in the pan, as they need room to cook evenly.

Serving Suggestions

These Jamaican Sweet Corn Fritters are best served warm and can be accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces. A zesty lime aioli or a spicy mango salsa can complement the sweetness of the corn perfectly. If you want to keep things simple, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with lime juice adds a vibrant creaminess that balances the dish beautifully. Serving them with a side of fresh herbs not only enhances the presentation but also adds a refreshing contrast.

For a fun twist, you can serve the fritters as part of a larger appetizer platter alongside seafood or grilled meats. Their bright flavor profiles make them an excellent pairing with fruity drinks, making them ideal for summer barbecues or party gatherings. I love to place them on a large platter with a variety of dips so guests can have fun creating their own flavor combinations.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning a gathering, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours. Just be sure to give it a good stir before frying, as some ingredients may settle during storage. However, I recommend frying the fritters fresh for the best texture since they are crispiest right after cooking. If you do have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

To reheat, simply place the fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warm. Freezing these fritters is also an option; just make sure they are cooled completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month, and reheated directly from frozen.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?

Yes, canned corn works well. Just be sure to drain and rinse it before using.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

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

→ What dipping sauces go well with these fritters?

A spicy mango salsa or a simple garlic aioli complements the fritters beautifully.

→ Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives the best texture, you can try baking them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.