Servings: 4
Crunchy, easy Corn Nuts are simple to make and can be spiced up with your favorite flavorings!
Ingredients:
16 oz bag hominy, large white corn kernels
4 cups water
4 cups peanut oil – for frying, digital thermometer recommended
3 Tablespoons canola or vegetable oil – for baking or air frying
2 Tablespoons salt
3 Tablespoons seasoning – optional like BBQ, Ranch or Old Bay
Instructions
- In a large bowl put the corn kernels then pour in the 4 cups of water and let them soak overnight.
- Drain the water and spread out on a cooking sheet and pat dry.
- Let the kernels air dry for at least an hour.
- In a deep pot, add the peanut oil and heat on medium/medium high to 350 degrees.
- Once 350 degrees is reached, add about 1=-½ cups at a time and add the dried kernels to the oil and fry.
- The oil will boil slightly violently when the corn is first added in, but will cook as directed to a nice golden brown.
- Fry for 9 minutes per batch, adjusting the temperature up or down if needed to maintain close to 350 degrees frying temp.
- Be very careful when frying as the kernels will pop.
- Remove cooked corn nuts from the oil to a paper towel lined sheet, and toss with salt and optional seasoning while still hot.
- Serve and enjoy immediately or at room temperature.Tips for the Best Corn Nuts
- When you first add the hominy to the hot peanut oil, it’ll boil like crazy! Don’t worry, though. As long as the temperature of the oil is 350°F, the hominy will cook to golden brown perfection and shouldn’t burn.
- Be very careful not to burn yourself. The hominy kernels may pop as they cook in the oil.
- When frying the Corn Nuts, be sure to keep your eye on the thermometer. It should always read 350°F. If it goes too high, you’ll burn the hominy. If it’s too low they won’t cook properly.
- Work in batches! There should only be about a cup and a half of hominy in the oil at a time. If you overcrowd the pot, the temperature of the oil will decrease.
- Enjoy your seasonings! One of my favorite ways to add some flavor to these Corn Nuts is with Easy Homemade Ranch Seasoning.