Description
Golden, crispy, and full of sweet onion flavor, these Amish Onion Fritters are a simple yet incredibly satisfying side dish or snack. With a light, savory batter and caramelized edges, they’re like onion rings and hush puppies rolled into one delicious bite. Perfect alongside burgers, barbecue, or served with dipping sauce as an appetizer, these fritters are a true comfort food classic straight from the heart of Amish country.
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Ingredients
For the Fritters:
2 cups sweet onions, finely chopped (Vidalia or yellow onions work well)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornmeal (for texture, optional)
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
1 large egg
½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
Vegetable oil for frying
Optional Dipping Sauce Ideas:
Ranch dressing
Spicy mayo (mix mayo + sriracha)
Garlic aioli
Ketchup or BBQ sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
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Add wet ingredients to the dry and mix just until combined.
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Fold in the chopped onions until evenly distributed. The batter should be thick but scoopable.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
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Pour 1½ to 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or frying pan.
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Heat over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
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Test with a small bit of batter—it should sizzle and float to the top.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
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Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
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Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
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Repeat with remaining batter, adjusting heat as needed to maintain oil temperature.
Step 4: Serve Warm
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Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
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Garnish with chopped parsley or a pinch of salt if desired.
Notes
Use Sweet Onions – They caramelize beautifully and balance the savory batter.
Chop Finely – Smaller onion pieces mix better and hold together when frying.
Keep Oil at Temperature – A thermometer helps maintain consistent crispiness.
Don’t Overmix – Stir batter just until combined for a light, tender fritter.
Fry in Batches – This keeps oil hot and fritters from getting soggy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American (Amish)