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Crispy Amish Onion Fritters

Amish Onion Fritters

Crispy, savory fritters packed with finely diced sweet onions, made from a simple batter. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, especially when paired with the optional creamy chive dip.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g plain flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large free-range eggs lightly beaten
  • 180 ml whole milk
  • 2 large sweet or yellow onions about 450g, finely diced
  • Vegetable or sunflower oil for frying (about 500ml)
For the Creamy Chive Dip (Optional)
  • 150 g soured cream or Greek yoghurt
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • A squeeze of lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 300g of plain flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. This ensures the leavening agent and seasonings are evenly distributed.
  2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs and 180ml of milk together until smooth.
  3. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. It's important not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can develop the gluten and make the fritters tough.
  4. Add the Onions: Gently fold the 450g of finely diced onions into the batter until they are evenly coated.
  5. Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This step allows the flour to hydrate and the baking powder to start working, which helps create a lighter fritter.
  6. Heat the Oil: While the batter rests, pour enough vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan or skillet to come about 2-3 cm up the sides. Heat the oil over a medium-high heat to 180°C (350°F). If you don't have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping a tiny bit of batter into the oil. It should sizzle immediately and turn golden in about 30-45 seconds.
  7. Fry the Fritters: Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. I find that frying 4-5 at a time works best for me. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are deep golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack or a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain any excess oil. If making the dipping sauce, simply mix all its ingredients together in a small bowl. Serve the Amish onion fritters hot with the sauce on the side.

Notes

Fritters are best served immediately for maximum crispiness. Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven at 180°C (350°F) to restore their texture.