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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Arepitas de Maíz (Cornmeal Fritters)

    Arepitas de Maíz (Cornmeal Fritters)

    Last Updated: Mar 15, 2021

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Cornmeal Fritters (Arepitas de Maiz) served in a gray bowl

    These crunchy, semi-sweet cornmeal fritters are great for an afternoon snack, as a side dish or served as hors d'oeuvres. Arepitas de maíz take just 20 minutes to make with five basic ingredients.

    Cornmeal Fritters (Arepitas de Maiz) served in a gray bowl

    I'm so excited to share this quick, easy and absolutely delicious cornmeal fritter recipe with you all! Arepitas de Maíz was one of the very first things I learn to cook, and they are one of my favorite snacks.

    These fritters are a staple back in the Dominican Republic. When I came to live in New York, I was always craving them.

    They're great to serve as a quick and easy side dish, snack or appetizer, and they are super quick to make and cook, using everyday pantry ingredients.

    They are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy in the middle. I like to add a little sugar to mine to make them slightly sweet, but you can easily make them more savory if you prefer.

    Every bite is truly delicious!

    Be sure to try my Arepitas de Yuca (Yuca Fritters) if you love these!

    Cornmeal Fritters (Arepitas de Maiz) ingredients on a board

    Ingredients

    • Cornmeal
    • Egg
    • Butter
    • Anise Seed
    • Salt
    • Sugar
    • Water
    • Oil for frying
    arepitas de maiz dough mixture on a bowl and fritters frying on a pan

    How to make arepitas de maíz

    • In a medium bowl combine corn flour, egg and butter using a spoon.
    • Add salt to warm water and mix in with corn flour.
    • Put in the anise seed and finally add the sugar. Make sure the mix is well combined.
    • Add oil to a small frying pan and place on the stove at medium heat. When the oil is hot put tablespoons of the mixture into the oil.
    • Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn to a golden color.
    Cornmeal Fritters (Arepitas de Maiz) served on a white plate

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you make them ahead of time?

    Arepitas de maíz are best enjoyed when freshly cooked so that they are perfectly crispy. If you do have leftovers, they will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    How do you reheat them?

    These cornmeal fritters are safe be eaten cold, but I enjoy them much more when they are reheated. Reheat them in your oven at 350F for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through.

    How do you serve them?

    These crunchy, semi-sweet cornmeal fritters are great to have as an afternoon snack. I usually eat mine with coffee, but you can have yours however you like.

    Serve them up as an appetizer with guacamole or as a side to any main meal.

    Hand holding a Cornmeal Fritter

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • Mix the ingredients well. Everything should be thoroughly combined, with no dry flour left, for an even texture.
    • Place the arepitas de maíz batter into hot oil. Check that the oil is hot enough by dropping a small amount of batter in. If it bubbles in the oil, then you are ready to cook.
    • Make them vegan by swapping the butter for a plant-based variety.

    I hope you love these arepitas de maíz as much as my family and I do. They really are a taste of home!

    More Snack Recipes

    • Tuna Avocado Tostadas
    • Real Fruit Popsicles
    • Cheese Stuffed Fried Yuca Balls
    • Stuffed Plantain Cups (Tostones Rellenos)
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    Cornmeal Fritters (Arepitas de Maíz)

    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Servings: 10 fritters
    Calories: 108kcal
    Print Recipe
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Dominican, Latin
    Author: Vanessa
    5 from 3 votes
    Cornmeal Fritters (Arepitas de Maiz) in a gray bowl
    These crunchy, semi-sweet cornmeal fritters are great for an afternoon snack, as a side dish or served as hors d'oeuvres.

    INGREDIENTS

    • 1 cup cornmeal
    • ½ cup warm water
    • 1 egg
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 teaspoon anise seed
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 3 tablespoons sugar (optional)
    • 1 ½ cup frying oil

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • In a medium bowl combine corn flour, egg and butter using a spoon. Add salt to warm water and mix in with corn flour. Put in the anise seed and finally add the sugar. Make sure the mix is well combined.
    • Add oil to a small frying pan and place on the stove at medium heat. When the oil is hot put tablespoons of the mixture into the oil. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn to a golden color.

    NOTES

    • Mix the ingredients well. Everything should be thoroughly combined, with no dry flour left, for an even texture.
    • Place the arepitas de maiz batter into hot oil. Check that the oil is hot enough by dropping a small amount of batter in. If it bubbles in the oil, then you are ready to cook.
    • Make them vegan by swapping the butter for a plant based variety.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

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    I’m a working mom, whose love for food led me to start this blog as a resource for other busy parents. I’m passionate about creating quick and easy versions of the recipes I grew up eating to share with busy parents who want to cook foods filled with Latin flavors that don’t take a ton of time to prepare.

    It is my mission to show you that you can make great flavorful dishes at home without spending the entire day in the kitchen.

    Find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Candida

      March 08, 2022 at 8:42 pm

      Can I sub milk for the water?

      Reply
      • Vanessa

        March 14, 2022 at 10:59 am

        Yes, you can. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Julia

      April 16, 2020 at 1:51 pm

      Could cornmeal be used instead of corn flour? Or will that mess it up?

      Reply
      • Vanessa

        April 19, 2020 at 6:25 pm

        Yes, you should use cornmeal. Thanks!

        Reply
    3. lali

      April 09, 2020 at 7:28 pm

      my grandmother used to eat these as a snack with white cheese <3

      Reply
      • Vanessa

        April 15, 2020 at 9:57 am

        Yes!I've had it too. They are delicious with white cheese!

        Reply
    4. Kristin

      March 28, 2020 at 1:58 pm

      I don't normally have anise seed. What could work in its place, fennel perhaps?

      Reply
      • Vanessa

        March 31, 2020 at 12:15 pm

        You can try fennel and see how it tastes. I've never tried it myself, but it's a good option. If I don't have anise seeds, I usually just leave it out of the recipe.

        Reply
    5. Jeny

      March 15, 2019 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      Simply easy and good. Another add to my gluten free foods

      Reply
    6. Jessica

      February 23, 2015 at 4:44 pm

      I love cornbread! I can probably eat it every day and try to incorporate it in any as many meals as I can, without everyone getting sick of it. This is the perfect recipe to use it in a new way! Pinning this!

      Reply
      • Vanessa

        February 23, 2015 at 6:47 pm

        Hi Jessica, I love anything with corn. These fritters are one of my favorite! I'm sure you and your family will really enjoy them. 🙂 Thanks for reading and pinning!

        Reply

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    HOLA & WELCOME

    hi im vanessa

    I grew up learning to cook traditional Dominican food, and I believe in the power of a good meal to bring a family together.

    As a busy mom, my goal is to show you that time or culinary skills don’t have to stand in the way of cooking delicious meals at home for your family.

    I’ll help you bring these craveable and comforting flavors into your busy life!

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