Name: Amish Onion Fritters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Amish
Ingredients: 2 large onions, finely chopped or thinly sliced; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 cup cornmeal; 1/2 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Golden, crispy, and packed with sweet-savory flavor, Amish Onion Fritters are the ultimate comfort food side dish that takes a simple onion and transforms it into a crave-worthy treat. With a crisp exterior and a soft, tender interior, these fritters are a delightful homage to traditional Amish cooking – rustic, hearty, and irresistibly good.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a brunch gathering, these fritters are a versatile star. They pair beautifully with dipping sauces like ranch or sour cream, and their crowd-pleasing flavor makes them a favorite at potlucks and family meals. Plus, they’re quick to make and use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!

Why You’ll Love This Amish Onion Fritters Recipe

Incredibly Flavorful: Caramelized onions create natural sweetness, enhanced by the fritters’ crispy edges.
Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and no special prep work make this beginner-friendly.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples and basic vegetables.
Versatile Side or Snack: Perfect with breakfast, dinner, or even as an appetizer.
Customizable: Add herbs, cheese, or a dash of spice for your own twist.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking, a bit of setup ensures perfect results:

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Mixing Bowl: For combining the batter. A large one helps mix without spilling.
Whisk or Fork: To blend dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
Mandoline or Sharp Knife: For evenly sliced or finely chopped onions – consistency is key for even cooking.
Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: Cast iron is ideal for maintaining heat and achieving a crispy golden crust.
Slotted Spatula: Makes flipping easy and lets excess oil drain.
Paper Towels & Plate: For draining the fritters after frying to maintain crunch.

Each tool plays a part in making sure your fritters are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and cooked evenly all the way through.

Ingredients for the Amish Onion Fritters

Each ingredient in these fritters contributes to that nostalgic, home-cooked flavor and perfect crispness:

Onions: The heart of the recipe, bringing sweet, savory, and aromatic depth once fried.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as the base to bind everything together, providing structure.
Baking Powder: Helps the batter puff up slightly, creating a light and airy texture.
Cornmeal: Adds a slight crunch and rich flavor that deepens the golden color.
Milk: Moistens the batter and helps blend dry ingredients smoothly.
Egg: Essential for holding the batter together and adding richness.
Salt & Pepper: Fundamental for balancing and highlighting the flavors.
Oil for Frying: Neutral oil like vegetable or canola ensures crisp, golden edges without overpowering taste.

How To Make the Amish Onion Fritters

Step 1: Prep the Onions

Finely chop or thinly slice your onions to ensure they cook quickly and evenly in the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and pepper. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.

Step 3: Create the Batter

Add milk and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until you form a thick but spoonable batter. Then, gently fold in the chopped onions until fully coated.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat. To test readiness, drop a bit of batter into the oil – it should sizzle immediately.

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Drain and Cool

Remove the fritters and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Let them rest for a minute or two to absorb excess oil and crisp up.

Your Amish Onion Fritters are now ready to serve warm with your favorite dip or alongside a hearty main dish!

How to Serve and Store Amish Onion Fritters

Serve these golden beauties hot and fresh out of the skillet for the best experience. They pair wonderfully with cool dips like ranch, sour cream, or garlic aioli. If you’re planning a brunch or Southern-style dinner, these make a stellar sidekick to dishes like fried chicken, grilled meats, or fresh garden salads.

Leftovers? No problem. Store any extra fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and keep their crispy edge, use an air fryer or rewarm in the oven at 375°F for about 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of onion is best for these fritters?

Sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions work great because they mellow out when cooked and bring a natural sweetness to the fritters.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for a few hours. However, it’s best to fry them fresh to preserve that crispy texture.

Can I freeze onion fritters?

Yes! Once fried and cooled, lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer straight from frozen.

What can I serve with onion fritters?

They go well with dipping sauces like chipotle mayo, herbed sour cream, or classic ranch. As a side dish, try pairing them with grilled meat, BBQ, or roasted vegetables.

How do I make them gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Make sure your cornmeal and baking powder are also certified gluten-free.

Can I bake instead of fry?

While frying gives the best texture, you can bake them on a parchment-lined tray at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray or brush with oil for better browning.

Want More Savory Side Dish Ideas?

If you’re loving these Amish Onion Fritters, here are a few more side dish favorites that bring bold flavors and comfort to your table:

Try the cheesy crunch of Roasted Parmesan Green Beans for a crisp, veggie-packed side.
Warm up with a bowl of Hearty Italian Sausage Soup that complements these fritters perfectly.
Keep it Southern-style with our Simple and Quick German Potato Salad.
Add a protein-packed favorite like Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta for a full meal.
Balance flavors with the tangy zest of Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza for something fresh yet satisfying.

Save This Pin For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add a twist? Maybe a little cheddar or green onion? I’d love to hear your version. Have questions? Drop them below—let’s cook and learn together!