Jamaican Sweet Corn Fritters

Name: Jamaican Sweet Corn Fritters
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh corn kernels; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornmeal; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; Vegetable oil for frying

Highlighted under: Authentic Inspiration

I absolutely love making Jamaican Sweet Corn Fritters, especially when I want to impress my guests with a delightful snack. The sweet corn mixed with a hint of spices creates a fantastic flavor profile that is both comforting and exotic. These fritters are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual gathering or a festive celebration. With a crunchy exterior and a soft, sweet interior, they are simply irresistible, and you might find yourself reaching for seconds—if not thirds!

Created by

Tallulah Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-06T13:37:34.806Z

When I first tried these fritters at a local Jamaican restaurant, I was blown away by the burst of flavor in every bite. The trick is to use fresh corn and not skimp on the spices—you want that balance of sweetness and heat to truly shine. I also love experimenting with different dipping sauces, as they can elevate the whole experience.

Why You'll Love These Fritters
Sweet and savory flavor that captivates the palate
Crispy outside with a tender inside, delightful texture
Perfectly versatile for appetizers or side dishes

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

When making Jamaican Sweet Corn Fritters, the freshness of the corn kernels plays a crucial role in achieving that vibrant sweetness and juiciness that's characteristic of the dish. Opting for fresh corn rather than frozen or canned can elevate the flavor significantly. If fresh corn isn't available, consider using frozen corn, but ensure it's thawed and drained well to prevent excess moisture in the batter, which could lead to soggy fritters.

Additionally, the vegetables you add—like onions and bell peppers—bring complementary flavors and textures. Using a mix of colorful bell peppers not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds layers of sweet and slightly tangy notes that beautifully balance the fritters' sweetness. I often choose a mix of red and yellow peppers for their sweetness and crunch.

Mastering the Frying Process

Frying the fritters to golden perfection requires attention to oil temperature. Too high a heat can cause the outside to brown too quickly while leaving the interior undercooked. Keep your oil around 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the temperature by dropping a tiny bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately. Maintaining the right temperature will ensure the fritters are crispy outside and fluffy inside.

Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying; this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy fritters. Fry in small batches, about 3-4 fritters at a time, ensuring there's enough space for them to float and cook evenly. After frying, let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started on your Jamaican Sweet Corn Fritters.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh corn kernels
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
Vegetable oil for frying

With all the ingredients prepped, you’re ready to create these delicious fritters!

Instructions

Follow these steps closely to ensure your fritters turn out perfectly every time!

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the corn, flour, cornmeal, onions, bell peppers, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Mix well. In another bowl, whisk together the milk and egg, then add to the corn mixture. Stir until just combined but do not overmix.

Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of batter in; it should sizzle upon contact.

Fry the Fritters

Scoop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove the fritters and drain on paper towels.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the fritters warm with your favorite dipping sauce. I recommend a spicy mayo or a sweet chili sauce for a flavor twist!

Enjoy your delicious Jamaican Sweet Corn Fritters while they’re still warm!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the batter. You can also experiment with different herbs like cilantro for added flavor.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it can happen), store the cooled fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes will help restore some of their crispiness. I recommend avoiding the microwave as it can make them soggy.

For longer storage, you can freeze the fritters before frying. Simply flash-freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, fry them from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time until golden brown.

Variations You Can Try

These sweet corn fritters are highly versatile! You can easily sneak in other vegetables like grated zucchini or shredded carrots to boost their nutritional value. If you're looking to spice things up, try adding finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smokier flavor profile.

Cheese lovers can also enjoy these fritters by mixing in crumbled feta or shredded cheese into the batter. As they fry, the cheese melts and creates a deliciously gooey center that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the corn.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, frozen corn works well too. Just ensure it's thawed and drained before using.

→ How can I store leftover fritters?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a stir before frying.

→ What can I serve with these fritters?

These fritters pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, salads, or as a side for main dishes like grilled chicken or fish.