Whenever I want a savory snack that’s simple, crispy, and full of down-home flavor, I make these Amish onion fritters. Made with sweet onions and pantry staples, these fritters are fried to golden perfection with a soft, fluffy center and irresistible crunchy edges. They’re the perfect side dish, appetizer, or snack for when I’m craving something deeply comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy and satisfying. The onions caramelize slightly as they cook, giving each fritter a naturally sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispy batter. They’re hearty, full of flavor, and perfect with just about any dipping sauce. Whether I serve them at a gathering or as a cozy side with dinner, they disappear fast.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Sweet onions (thinly sliced)
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All-purpose flour
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Cornmeal
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Baking powder
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Sugar
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Milk
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Egg
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Oil (for frying—vegetable or canola oil works best)
Directions
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I start by slicing the onions thin and separating them into rings.
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In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.
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I stir in the milk and egg to form a thick batter, then gently fold in the sliced onions until well coated.
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I heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
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Using a spoon or small scoop, I drop mounds of the onion batter into the hot oil.
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I fry them for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
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I transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and season lightly with salt while hot.
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I serve them warm with ketchup, ranch, or a dipping sauce of my choice.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 10 to 12 fritters, depending on size.
Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time is around 15 minutes. I usually have them ready in 25 minutes total.
Variations
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I sometimes add chopped green onions or herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
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For a kick, I mix in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
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I’ve made these with finely diced peppers for a colorful twist.
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If I want them extra crisp, I add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the batter.
Storage/reheating
I store leftover fritters in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake them at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or air fry them until crispy. I avoid microwaving—they get soggy. These fritters are best enjoyed fresh but reheat surprisingly well in the oven or toaster oven.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I prep the batter and onions in advance, then fry fresh when ready to serve. They taste best right out of the skillet.
Can I use red or yellow onions instead of sweet onions?
Absolutely. I’ve used all kinds—sweet onions give the best flavor, but red or yellow work just fine.
Are these like hush puppies?
They’re similar in texture but packed with onions instead of corn. The batter is lighter, and they’re less dense than hush puppies.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, I use a gluten-free flour blend and make sure the cornmeal is certified gluten-free.
What oil is best for frying?
I stick with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola—it fries cleanly and doesn’t overpower the onion flavor.
Conclusion
Amish onion fritters are a classic, no-fuss treat that’s always welcome on my table. Crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside, they’re everything I love in a homemade snack or side. Whether I’m making a batch for myself or serving a plate to friends, these golden fritters always bring that nostalgic, satisfying crunch.
Print
Amish Onion Fritters: Crispy, Golden Bites of Old-Fashioned Comfort
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 fritters
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Amish, American Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Amish Onion Fritters are crispy, golden bites made with sweet onions and a simple batter of pantry staples. Fried to perfection with crunchy edges and a soft, fluffy interior, these old-fashioned fritters are the ultimate comfort snack, side dish, or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Sweet onions, thinly sliced
- All-purpose flour
- Cornmeal
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Sugar
- Milk
- Egg
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
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Thinly slice onions and separate into rings.
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In a large bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.
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Add milk and egg, mixing to form a thick batter. Fold in onions until well coated.
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Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
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Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
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Transfer to paper towels to drain and sprinkle with salt while hot.
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Serve warm with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Add chopped green onions, parsley, or herbs for extra flavor.
- Mix in cayenne or smoked paprika for a little heat.
- Stir in diced peppers for color and crunch.
- For extra crispness, add 1 tablespoon cornstarch to the batter.
- Best enjoyed fresh but reheats well in oven or air fryer.
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