Name: The BEST Amish Onion Fritters You'll Ever Make
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Amish
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)

These Amish onion fritters are a delightful combination of thinly sliced onions coated in a savory batter and fried to golden perfection. This traditional recipe brings the comforting flavors of Amish country cooking right to your table. The crispy exterior gives way to tender, flavorful onions inside, making these fritters an irresistible side dish or appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry
Quick to prepare with minimal hands-on time
Versatile as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course
Perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior
Authentic Amish flavor that brings comfort food to a new level
Can be customized with your favorite seasonings or dips
Makes great use of humble onions, transforming them into something special
Crowd-pleasing recipe that both kids and adults will enjoy

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Onions form the star of this recipe, providing a sweet, aromatic flavor that becomes mellow and tender when cooked. Choose large yellow or white onions for the best flavor balance.

All-purpose flour creates the foundation for the batter, giving structure and substance to the fritters while helping to achieve that perfect crispy coating.

Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, creating tiny air pockets in the batter that make the fritters light and fluffy rather than dense and heavy.

Salt enhances all the flavors in the recipe and helps draw moisture out of the onions, concentrating their flavor and preventing soggy fritters.

Black pepper adds a mild heat and depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions beautifully.

Paprika brings a subtle warmth and slight color to the fritters. You can use sweet or smoked paprika depending on your preference.

Buttermilk provides tanginess and helps tenderize the batter. Its acidity works with the baking powder to create a light texture.

Egg binds all the ingredients together and adds richness to the batter, helping it adhere to the onions and giving structure to the fritters.

Vegetable oil with a high smoke point is essential for frying these fritters to golden perfection without imparting any unwanted flavors.

Fresh parsley is optional but adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich fried fritters, both in flavor and appearance.

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Drain well.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk and egg.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix.
Fold in the drained onions until evenly coated with the batter.
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 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 fritters, making it perfect for serving 4-6 people as an appetizer or side dish. The preparation takes about 10 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes of cooking time, bringing the total time to 25 minutes. Each fritter contains approximately 120 calories, making them a relatively light treat.

Variations

Cheese Onion Fritters: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.

Herb-Enhanced Fritters: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or dill for a fragrant twist.

Spicy Onion Fritters: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño to the batter for a spicy kick.

Garlic Onion Fritters: Include 2-3 cloves of minced garlic for additional depth of flavor.

Corn and Onion Fritters: Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels for sweetness and texture.

Zucchini Onion Fritters: Add 1 cup of grated zucchini (squeezed dry) to incorporate more vegetables.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Sweet Onion Fritters: Increase sugar to 1 tablespoon and add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for a sweet variation.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container lined with paper towels for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The paper towels help absorb excess moisture and keep the fritters from becoming soggy.

Freezing: These fritters freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating in the Oven: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated or frozen fritters in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes (from refrigerated) or 15-20 minutes (from frozen) until heated through and crispy again.

Reheating in an Air Fryer: For quick reheating with excellent results, place fritters in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Avoid Microwave: While convenient, microwaving will make the fritters soggy and is not recommended if you want to maintain their crispy texture.

FAQs

How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

The oil is ready when it reaches approximately 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of batter into the oil—it should sizzle immediately and float to the top surrounded by bubbles, but not smoke or burn quickly.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate it, but don’t mix in the onions until just before frying. The salt will continue to draw moisture from the onions, which could make your batter too wet if they sit together too long.

What’s the best way to slice onions for this recipe?

Thin, uniform slices work best. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline set to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Consistent slicing ensures even cooking and better texture in the finished fritters.

Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes, you can use yellow, white, red, or even sweet onions like Vidalia. Each variety will bring a slightly different flavor profile to your fritters, with red being more pungent and sweet onions being milder.

What can I serve with onion fritters?

These fritters pair wonderfully with sour cream, yogurt dip, ranch dressing, or a simple aioli. They complement grilled meats, salads, or can be enjoyed as an appetizer on their own.

Why did my fritters fall apart while frying?

This usually happens when the batter is too thin or the oil isn’t hot enough. Make sure your onions are well-drained, your batter is thick enough to coat a spoon, and your oil is properly heated before adding the fritters.

Are these fritters gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. However, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush them with oil before baking for a better crust. They won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version but still tasty.

How can I make these dairy-free?

You can substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative by mixing almond milk or another plant-based milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s properties.

Why should I salt the onions before making the batter?

Salting the onions draws out excess moisture, which prevents soggy fritters and concentrates the onion flavor. It’s an important step that shouldn’t be skipped for best results.

Conclusion

Amish Onion Fritters are a testament to the beauty of simple cooking—transforming basic ingredients into something truly special. These golden, crispy fritters bring a touch of traditional Amish country cooking to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.

The combination of sweet, tender onions in a light, crispy batter creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist. Plus, with so many possible variations, you can adapt this basic recipe to suit your taste preferences or the occasion.

Don’t be surprised if these humble fritters become a requested favorite in your household—they have a way of turning casual meals into memorable dining experiences. The next time you have onions on hand and need a delicious dish that comes together quickly, remember this Amish classic that has stood the test of time.