Follow this straightforward recipe to make traditional Amish onion fritters. This method focuses on achieving a perfectly crispy exterior and a tender center using sweet onions.
Author:Chloe Fleetwood
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:About 12 fritters
Category:Appetizer
Method:Pan Frying
Cuisine:American (Amish)
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup water
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Prepare the onions: Place the sliced onions in a bowl. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat them very dry with paper towels. Dry onions help achieve crispiness.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine the egg, milk, and water. Whisk until just combined.
Combine the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just moistened. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Fold in the onions: Add the dried onion slices to the batter and fold them in until they are evenly coated. The batter should be thick enough to hold the onions.
Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 365 degrees Fahrenheit (185 degrees Celsius). Use a thermometer for best results.
Fry the fritters: Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form patties about 3 inches wide. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Cook until golden: Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the fritters are deep golden brown and crisp.
Drain: Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
For extra crispiness, chill the batter in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before frying.
Serve these fritters plain, or with a side of sour cream or a light vinegar-based dipping sauce.
Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F during the entire frying process for even cooking.