Amish Onion Fritters

Amish Onion Fritters

These savory, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fritters are a humble and delicious Amish kitchen classic. Made with simple ingredients, they’re perfect as a side dish, snack, or even a light supper.

Ingredients

· 2 large yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
· 1½ cups all-purpose flour
· 2 tsp baking powder
· 1 tsp salt
· ½ tsp black pepper
· ½ tsp paprika (optional)
· 2 large eggs
· ¾ cup milk
· 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
· Vegetable oil, for frying

For serving (optional):

· Applesauce
· Sour cream or ranch dressing
· Hot sauce or ketchup

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
2. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and milk together.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix. A few lumps are fine.
4. Fold in the sliced onions and parsley until evenly coated.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

1. In a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350–375°F (175–190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil—it should sizzle immediately and float.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

1. Carefully drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the onion batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.
2. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on paper towels.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve fritters warm with applesauce, sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
2. Best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven until crisp.

Tips:

· Onion prep: Soaking sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes can reduce sharpness if preferred.
· Consistency: Batter should be thick enough to coat the onions but not too dry. Add a splash more milk if needed.
· Keep warm: Place finished fritters in a 200°F (95°C) oven while frying subsequent batches.
· Add-ins: For extra flavor, consider adding ½ cup grated zucchini, shredded potato, or corn kernels to the batter.

Yield: About 18–20 fritters
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Enjoy these cozy, old-fashioned fritters—simple, satisfying, and full of savory onion flavor!