Amish Onion Fritters are a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor, embodying the essence of traditional Amish cooking. These fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with the sweet and savory taste of onions. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, they bring a touch of rustic charm to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I appreciate how this recipe uses basic pantry staples to create something truly delicious. The combination of flour, cornmeal, and onions results in a fritter that’s both crispy and flavorful. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with various dips and can be customized to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Onions: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Drain any excess liquid.
- Make the Batter: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. In a separate small bowl, mix the buttermilk and egg. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just mixed; do not overmix.
- Combine Onions and Batter: Fold the drained onions into the batter, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Fry the Fritters: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the onion batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 fritters. The preparation time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is around 15 minutes, making the total time to prepare these fritters approximately 25 minutes.
Variations
- Cheesy Fritters: I sometimes add shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporating finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper gives the fritters a spicy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Mixing in fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill adds a refreshing taste.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend works well for those with dietary restrictions.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replacing the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture and using plant-based milk makes this recipe vegan-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftover fritters, I place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, I prefer using an oven or air fryer at 350°F to maintain their crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
What do Amish Onion Fritters taste like?
They have a savory, slightly sweet flavor from the onions, with a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, tender inside. The flavor is simple yet comforting, with hints of seasoning and sometimes a touch of herbs or cheese, depending on the variation.
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, I fry the fritters and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat them properly to maintain their crispiness.
What is the best way to reheat them?
I find that reheating Amish Onion Fritters in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes works best to maintain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Are Amish Onion Fritters gluten-free?
Traditional Amish Onion Fritters are not gluten-free because they contain flour. However, I can easily make them gluten-free by substituting gluten-free flour or almond flour in the recipe.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! I sometimes use a variety of vegetables in the batter, such as zucchini, corn, carrots, or even potatoes. These additions bring extra flavor and texture to the fritters while keeping the dish fresh and customizable.
Conclusion
Amish Onion Fritters are a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly delightful. Whether served as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, they bring warmth and comfort to any table. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the rustic charm of Amish cooking in your own kitchen.
Print
Amish Onion Fritters
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Amish, American
Description
Amish Onion Fritters are a crispy, golden snack or side dish inspired by traditional Amish cooking. Made with onions, cornmeal, and buttermilk, these savory fritters are full of rustic flavor and easy to customize. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a simple yet satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Let sit for 10 minutes, then drain excess moisture.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk and egg. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold drained onions into the batter.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil, fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
- Remove fritters with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a cheesy version, add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan to the batter.
- For spice, mix in 1 finely chopped jalapeño or 1/4 tsp cayenne.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Vegan? Substitute egg with 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, and use plant-based milk.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
