Name: Amish Onion Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Amish
Ingredients: ¾ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornmeal; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1-2 teaspoons salt, to taste; ¾ cup milk; 1 ½ medium onions, chopped (about 2 ½ cups); Oil, for frying (enough to cover the bottom of the skillet)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and brimming with comforting simplicity, Amish Onion Fritters are just the ticket. These golden, crunchy delights bring the humble onion front and center, wrapped in a tender, lightly sweetened batter that’s nothing short of addictive. Originating from traditional Amish cooking, these fritters offer a perfect balance of texture and taste that makes them a beloved snack, side dish, or even a crunchy appetizer that everyone will want to devour. Trust me, once you try these Amish Onion Fritters, they’ll quickly become your go-to for whenever you want something truly satisfying with a homemade touch.

Amish Onion Fritters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long list of complicated items to make these fritters shine. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s to add structure, flavor, or just the right touch of sweetness and crispiness. Here’s what you’ll gather before we dive into the fun part—mixing and frying!

¾ cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and crispiness to your fritters.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a light sweetness to balance the savory onions beautifully.
1 tablespoon cornmeal: Brings a subtle grainy crunch that elevates texture.
2 teaspoons baking powder: The secret to fluffy fritters that aren’t dense.
1-2 teaspoons salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors – don’t skip it!
¾ cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender, making the fritters moist inside.
1 ½ medium onions chopped (about 2 ½ cups): The star ingredient, providing that bold, delicious onion flavor and a hint of sweetness when cooked.

How to Make Amish Onion Fritters

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a nice-sized mixing bowl and combining your flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. This blend is the dry foundation that ensures each bite has just the right balance between fluffy and crispy. Give everything a good whisk so that it’s evenly mixed and ready for the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Add the Milk

Slowly pour in your milk while gently stirring the mixture. The goal here is to create a smooth batter that’s not too runny but flows easily off the spoon. This creamy base is what holds your onions together and gives the fritters their delightful softness inside.

Step 3: Prepare the Onions

Next, fold the chopped onions into the batter with care. You want each bit of onion to be well-coated in that batter because this is where all the magic happens—every bite will have tender onion pieces surrounded by a crisp shell. Don’t over-mix here; just gently fold to keep the texture light.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil needs to be hot enough to sizzle the batter instantly but not so hot that the fritters burn before cooking through. A consistent medium heat is key to achieving that perfect golden brown crust.

Step 5: Fry the Fritters

Use a spoon to drop well-rounded dollops of the onion batter into the hot oil. Press them down slightly to flatten—this helps them cook evenly. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until you see a gorgeous golden color and the edges become deliciously crispy. Flip carefully, and make sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once your Amish Onion Fritters are beautifully golden and cooked through, remove them from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm to enjoy their full flavor and irresistible crunch. These are best enjoyed fresh but keep reading if you want tips for making them ahead or storing leftovers.

How to Serve Amish Onion Fritters

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. For a bit of zing, a light drizzle of sour cream or a smear of creamy ranch dressing works wonders alongside these fritters. If you like a little heat, try a spicy aioli for dipping.

Side Dishes

These fritters’re incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with hearty dishes like homemade soups, savory stews, or grilled meats. They work beautifully as a crunchy side to steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad, offering a satisfying contrast of textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, pile them high on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dips and garnishes. You can also use them as a crispy base for mini open-faced sandwiches topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, or even a dollop of apple chutney for a sweet-savory twist. Their charming golden color and texture make them a standout appetizer that’s both simple and impressive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Eat them within 2 days for the best taste and texture. Keep in mind that they will lose some crispiness, but the flavor will still be spot on.

Freezing

Amish Onion Fritters freeze quite well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, reheat directly from frozen for a quick, tasty snack.

Reheating

The best way to bring back that crispy crust is to reheat the fritters in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want them to stay crispy—microwaving tends to make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use sweet onions instead of regular onions?

Absolutely! Sweet onions work wonderfully for Amish Onion Fritters, providing a milder and slightly sweeter flavor that complements the batter perfectly.

What oil is best for frying these fritters?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil are great choices because of their neutral flavor and high smoke points, which help achieve that perfect golden crust without burning.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to mix the batter fresh before frying to keep the fritters light and fluffy. However, you can chop the onions ahead and store them in the fridge for convenience.

Are Amish Onion Fritters gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use all-purpose flour, so they’re not gluten-free. But you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends; just note the texture and crispiness may vary slightly.

Can I add other ingredients to the fritters?

Yes, feel free to mix in herbs like parsley or spices like black pepper or paprika to personalize the flavor. Some people also add shredded cheese for an indulgent twist.

Final Thoughts

Making Amish Onion Fritters at home is such a joyful experience because it transforms simple ingredients into golden morsels of comfort. From the first crispy bite to the sweet-savory onion notes, this recipe is a beautiful example of how humble cooking can bring so much happiness to the table. Don’t just take my word for it—give these Amish Onion Fritters a try and watch them become a fast favorite in your kitchen too!

Amish Onion Fritters Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

Author: Marina
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8–10 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Amish Onion Fritters are crispy, golden-brown snacks made from a simple batter of flour, cornmeal, and chopped onions. These fritters are lightly sweetened and seasoned, then fried to perfection, offering a delicious blend of soft, savory onions and a crunchy exterior. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, they pair wonderfully with dips like ranch or spicy aioli.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornmeal
2 teaspoons baking powder
1–2 teaspoons salt, to taste

Wet Ingredients

¾ cup milk
1 ½ medium onions, chopped (about 2 ½ cups)

For Frying

Oil, for frying (enough to cover the bottom of the skillet)

Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth, thick batter without lumps.
Prepare the Onions: Fold the chopped onions into the batter, making sure that the onions are well coated with the mixture.
Heat the Oil: Heat a thin layer of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle a drop of batter on contact.
Fry the Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Gently flatten each fritter slightly with the back of the spoon. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dips or as a side dish.

Notes

Dips: Ranch dressing, sour cream, or spicy aioli complement the fritters beautifully.
Main Courses: These fritters pair well with hearty soups, stews, or grilled meats for a wholesome meal.
Sides: Serve alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to add variety and freshness to your plate.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Snack
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Amish, American