If you’ve never had Amish Onion Fritters, you’re in for a real treat! These crispy, golden-brown bites are packed with sweet, caramelized onions and a flavorful, savory batter, then fried to perfection. They’re simple to make with pantry staples and pair beautifully with just about anything—serve them as a snack, side dish, or even a unique appetizer.
They’re crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and taste like the perfect blend of a hush puppy and onion rings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Flavorful – The onions caramelize while frying, making every bite irresistible.
- Easy to Make – Just mix, drop, and fry!
- Budget-Friendly – Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Versatile – Enjoy as a snack, side, or appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
(Full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card below!)
- Sweet onions – The star of the show, thinly sliced.
- Flour – Forms the base of the batter.
- Baking powder – Helps the fritters puff up slightly.
- Salt & black pepper – For seasoning.
- Sugar – Enhances the natural sweetness of the onions.
- Milk or buttermilk – Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- Egg – Helps bind everything together.
- Cornmeal (optional) – For extra crunch.
- Oil for frying – Vegetable or canola oil works best.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Add the egg and milk and stir until you get a thick batter.
Step 2: Add the Onions
Fold in the thinly sliced onions, making sure they are well coated in the batter.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium heat until hot (around 350°F).
Step 4: Fry the Fritters
Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 5: Drain & Serve
Remove the fritters and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Use sweet onions – Vidalia or yellow onions work best for the perfect balance of sweetness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches to keep them crispy.
- Keep them warm – If making a big batch, keep fritters warm in a 250°F oven until ready to serve.
- Add a little spice – A pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika adds a nice kick!
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Make it cheesy – Add ¼ cup shredded cheddar to the batter.
- Try different onions – Use red onions for a slightly sharper flavor.
- Make it dairy-free – Use almond milk or water instead of milk.
- Go gluten-free – Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- With Dipping Sauce – Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or sour cream dip.
- As a Side Dish – Perfect with soups, chili, or BBQ.
- For Breakfast – Pair with eggs and bacon for a hearty morning meal.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Lay fritters in a single layer and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or air fryer until crispy again.
FAQs
1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. What oil is best for frying?
Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for the crispiest results.
3. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to fry them fresh, but you can mix the batter a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge.
4. How do I make them extra crispy?
Add a little cornmeal to the batter and make sure your oil is hot enough before frying.
In Conclusion
These Amish Onion Fritters are crispy, savory, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you serve them as a snack, side, or appetizer, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!
Have you ever tried Amish fritters before? Let me know what you think!
Print
Crispy Amish Onion Fritters – A Simple, Savory Treat
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (normal) 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Amish, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Amish Onion Fritters are a simple yet flavorful treat! Made with sweet onions, a light batter, and fried to golden perfection, these fritters are crispy on the outside and tender inside. A classic Amish comfort food, they make the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish—especially when served with a creamy dipping sauce or a dollop of sour cream!
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for added crunch, optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Stir in the beaten egg and milk until a smooth batter forms.
- Fold in the sliced onions, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 2: Fry the Fritters
- In a large skillet or deep pan, heat ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly with a spatula.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm with sour cream, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for dipping!
Notes
- For extra crispiness: Add a bit of cornstarch (1 tablespoon) to the batter.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 fritters
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg