These air fryer corn fritters are the perfect side for the busy holiday season. They contain the goodness of Libby’s Whole Kernel Sweet Corn alongside your favorite cheese and seasonings, served with a smoked paprika maple aioli for dipping. Plus, they’re made in the air fryer for a lighter take on this indulgent classic.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Libby’s® Vegetables. All opinions are my own; I never feature a brand that I don’t love!
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love it
Imagine biting into a crispy, golden fritter with a burst of sweet corn in every bite! These air fryer corn fritters are a taste sensation. They’re quick to make, customizable, and perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want a cozy snack, these fritters will become your go-to option.
Perfect for the holidays
In the whirlwind of the holidays when your oven’s full and you’re short on time–these fritters will save the day. Thanks to Libby’s Vegetables, there’s no washing, peeling, or dicing involved. Simply open, drain, and mix. Since the prep work is done for you, you can spend more time with those who matter most: friends and family.
Not only do these fritters save you precious time, but they’re also cost-efficient, adding flavorful value to your dishes without breaking the bank.
Is canned corn healthy?
Absolutely! Libby’s is made with US-grown corn and is picked at the peak of ripeness and canned within hours, sealing in the nutrients and flavor.
What’s inside the can? Just corn, water, and sea salt! That’s right—no preservatives or added sugars.
Canned corn is super versatile too. Serve as a standalone side dish or incorporate into delicious recipes that come together in no time, like a taco salad or these fritters.
How do you make air fryer corn fritters?
Here’s how to throw together these fritters in less than 30 minutes.
- Mix It Up: Combine your dry ingredients, add corn and egg, and voila – your batter is ready.
- Shape and Fry: Shape into fritters, pop in the air fryer, and cook until golden perfection is achieved.
- Whip Up the Aioli: While your fritters cook, mix Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, garlic, maple syrup, and smoked paprika for the perfect dipping sauce.
Recipe tips and tricks
- Serving Tips: Pair your fritters with a fresh salad and cooked protein for a well-rounded meal. You can also add to your holiday table as a fun and unique side dish that the whole family will love.
- Troubleshooting Tips: If needed, you can add flour over your hands to help prevent sticking when forming the patties. If you find the corn fritter batter is a bit crumbly when trying to form the patties, don’t fret. Simply form into thicker balls first, then place them in the air fryer basket and use a fork to press down into the thin 3-inch patty shape. As they cook, they become crispy and firm.
- Scaling Tips: Easily double or triple the recipe for a party–you may just have to cook in a few different batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Customize it your way
Like all of our other recipes, these fritters are completely customizable. You get to choose what cheese and seasonings you want to use.
- Shredded cheese of your choice: We love to use a classic sharp cheddar cheese, but you could also use mozzarella, parmesan, Monterey jack, or whatever you have on hand.
- Seasonings of your choice: We tend to use a mixture of garlic powder and everything bagel seasoning to fill up the 1 tablespoon total. You could also use paprika, onion powder, lemon pepper, or an all-purpose seasoning. Use what you enjoy and have in your pantry!
Dip options
For this fritter recipe, we’re whipping up a slightly sweet and smoky aioli to use as a dip. You’re also welcome to explore other dip options like a spicy Sriracha mayo, garlic herb sauce, cilantro lime crema, or ranch.
Making this fritters recipe ahead of time
Feel free to prepare the batter a day before and then form into patties and air fry when you’re ready. This make ahead prep makes this recipe ideal for the holidays.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds or air fry at 370°F for 3 minutes.
Need more help with recipes for your busy schedule?
In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen so that they can enjoy nourishing foods they love and stress less about mealtime. Click here to learn more about this virtual program led by a dietitian.
Air Fryer Corn Fritters
Ingredients
Fritter Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese of your choice (sharp cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, everything bagel, paprika, or a mixture etc.)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives or 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 – 15.25 ounce can Libby’s Whole Kernel Sweet Corn, drained and patted dry with paper towel (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Maple Aioli Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (about 1 clove)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, breadcrumbs, cheese, seasonings, chives, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Then, add corn and egg and mix together with a fork until a thicker batter forms.
- Using your hands, shape the batter into 8 thin fritters that are about 3 inches wide.*
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (185°C) for about 2 minutes. Then, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use parchment liners to prevent sticking.
- Add fritters to the air fryer and spray the tops of the fritters with a bit of cooking spray.
- Cook for 8 minutes, flipping the fritters halfway through. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- After cooking, let cool in the basket for 2 minutes before serving.
- In a small bowl, mix all aioli ingredients together to serve with the fritters for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
Want more? Try these other holiday recipes
- Accordion Sweet Potatoes
- Corn & Cheese Mini Tarts
- Cheesy Corn and Rice Casserole
- Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie
- Sheet Pan Turkey Tenderloin
- Air Fryer Egg Rolls – with leftover turkey
save this corn fritters recipe on pinterest:
OMG these were to die for!!! That maple aioli — never would have thought of that combo, but it was so freaking good! Pinning this recipe so I can make it again — especially for the super bowl! Thank you!
I love that idea of serving them on game day! They are totally snackable for that occasion, enjoy!