Thank you so much for stopping by — it warms my heart to share recipes like this with you! If you love golden, crispy, savory bites that are simple and packed with flavor, these Amish Onion Fritters are everything. They’re tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and bursting with sweet onion flavor in every single bite.
Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these fritters are like the love child of hush puppies and crispy onion rings — and they are completely irresistible. Bonus: they come together in one bowl and fry up in minutes!
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What Are Amish Onion Fritters?
Amish Onion Fritters are little fried patties made with chopped sweet onions mixed into a simple batter of flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and milk. The batter is dropped into hot oil and fried until golden and crispy, creating a tender, onion-filled center with a crunchy edge that’s perfect for dipping — or just devouring warm from the plate!
They’re classic in Amish and Mennonite kitchens, often served with hearty meals or as a treat all on their own.
Why You’ll Love These Fritters
- Made with pantry staples — flour, cornmeal, milk, and onions
- Sweet, savory, and crispy in all the best ways
- One-bowl batter and quick fry time
- Naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt
- Perfect for BBQs, holiday spreads, or a cozy snack
If you’re already planning sides, don’t miss pairing them with something sweet and tangy like this Pineapple Chicken. The contrast is chef’s kiss!
What They Taste Like
These fritters are lightly sweet from the onions and perfectly seasoned with just a touch of salt and spice. The inside stays soft and fluffy while the edges crisp up beautifully when fried. Imagine a hush puppy with more flavor — and more onion! — and you’re on the right track.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cornmeal
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups sweet onion, finely chopped
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Frying pan or deep skillet
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels or wire rack
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Swap milk for buttermilk for a tangy flavor
- Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for spice
- Stir in chopped scallions or chives for extra oniony punch
- Want a cheesy twist? A handful of shredded cheddar never hurts
- Pair them with Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks for the ultimate comfort food side spread!
How to Make Amish Onion Fritters
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet over medium heat (about 350°F).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder (if using).
- Add milk and whisk until smooth. Fold in chopped onions until well combined.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil (don’t crowd the pan!).
- Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Serve warm with ranch, spicy mayo, or just a sprinkle of flaky salt!
What to Serve With Amish Onion Fritters
These fritters play well with just about everything — but here are a few favorites:
- A bright main like Pineapple Chicken to balance the richness
- Something spicy and fresh like Blackened Fish Tacos
- Cozy carbs like Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks
- Or keep it simple with dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or even honey mustard
Tips for Crispy, Flavorful Fritters
- Chop onions finely so they cook quickly and mix easily into the batter
- Don’t make the batter too wet — it should be thick enough to hold shape
- Hot oil = crispy fritters — use a thermometer or test with a small drop of batter
- Drain well to keep them light, not greasy
- These are best served immediately, but you can reheat them in an air fryer or toaster oven for that just-fried texture
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp
- Not ideal for freezing — they’re best fresh or next-day
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
What kind of onions are best?
Sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions work beautifully.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can try them in an air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway!
Can I use red onions?
Sure! They’ll add a little more bite and color.
Let’s Wrap This Up
These Amish Onion Fritters are everything a good snack or side dish should be: quick, crispy, and made with love. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, bringing them to a potluck, or frying up a small batch just for yourself — they’re going to be a repeat recipe, no question.
Still hungry? Try:
- Pineapple Chicken – sweet, tangy, and dinner party-worthy
- Blackened Fish Tacos – smoky, spicy, and totally customizable
- Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks – melty, golden, and absolutely addictive
📌 Tried this recipe? I’d LOVE to see it! Tag your golden-fried fritters on Pinterest at @TheKitchenJoyy and show off that crunchy goodness. 🧅💛
