Sweet Corn Fritters with Lime Aioli

Sweet Corn Fritters with Lime Aioli are a golden, crispy, and irresistibly delicious snack or side dish made with fresh corn kernels, herbs, and a touch of spice — served alongside a zesty lime aioli for dipping. These fritters are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with the natural sweetness of corn balanced by the tang of lime and the creaminess of the aioli.

Perfect for brunches, appetizers, or even a light dinner, these fritters bring summer flavors to your table all year round. They’re easy to make, beautifully golden, and full of flavor — a treat for both kids and adults alike.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the vibrancy of fresh corn in the most comforting way. The fritters are simple yet so satisfying — crispy edges, fluffy centers, and that subtle sweetness of corn that pairs perfectly with the tangy, garlicky lime aioli. Every bite feels like sunshine!

It’s also a versatile dish — great as a snack, breakfast, or side. You can whip it up quickly with pantry staples, and it never fails to impress guests.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try recipe because it’s:
Crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor
Quick to prepare — ready in under 30 minutes
A fun and delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce
Easily customizable (add cheese, herbs, or even bacon!)
Perfect for parties, picnics, and potlucks

The lime aioli takes it to the next level — bright, tangy, and slightly garlicky — it complements the fritters perfectly.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4 (makes about 10–12 fritters)
• Calories: ~280 kcal per serving (including aioli)

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American / Fusion
• Course: Appetizer / Snack / Side Dish

Ingredients

For the Sweet Corn Fritters:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup milk (or buttermilk for tang)
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro or parsley
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika or chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Lime Aioli:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the lime aioli and refrigerate.
2. Mix fritter batter with corn, flour, milk, egg, and seasonings.
3. Heat oil and fry spoonfuls of batter until golden.
4. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve warm with lime aioli.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Lime Aioli

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until creamy.
3. Cover and refrigerate while making the fritters.

Step 2: Prepare the Fritter Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the corn, green onions, cilantro, egg, and milk.
3. Stir until everything is evenly combined into a thick, scoopable batter.
4. If the mixture seems too thin, add a tablespoon more flour.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

1. Heat about ¼ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Once hot, drop spoonfuls of batter into the skillet (about 2 tablespoons per fritter).
3. Flatten slightly with a spatula.
4. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
5. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the fritters hot with a generous drizzle of lime aioli or serve the aioli on the side for dipping.

How to Serve

• Serve as an appetizer, snack, or side dish with lime aioli.
• Pair with a fresh salad, grilled chicken, or fish tacos.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, extra lime zest, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for color and flavor.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh corn when in season for the sweetest flavor.
• For extra crunch, stir in a bit of cornmeal to the batter.
• Make sure the oil is hot before frying — cold oil makes soggy fritters.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for even browning.
• To keep warm, place cooked fritters in a 200°F (95°C) oven until serving.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Corn Fritters: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili flakes.
• Herbed Fritters: Use fresh basil, parsley, or dill for an aromatic twist.
• Vegan Option: Replace egg with 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water and use vegan mayo.
• Asian-Inspired: Add chopped scallions, soy sauce, and serve with sriracha mayo instead of lime aioli.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked fritters on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan
• Paper towels for draining
• Spatula or tongs
• Microplane or fine grater for lime zest

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use canned corn?
Yes, just make sure to drain and pat it dry before using.

Q2: Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

Q3: How can I make them gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Q4: Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter up to 1 hour in advance and refrigerate until frying.

Q5: What else can I serve the lime aioli with?
It’s delicious with fries, grilled veggies, seafood, or sandwiches!

Conclusion

Sweet Corn Fritters with Lime Aioli are a perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and zesty goodness. The fritters are light yet satisfying, full of fresh flavor, and irresistibly golden brown. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a new snack idea, or want to make the most of summer corn, this recipe will win everyone’s heart.