Name: Amish Onion Fritters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium onions, sliced thin; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon sugar; Vegetable oil for frying

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These Amish onion fritters are a crispy, savory delight that I love serving as a quick snack or a comforting side dish. I make them with a simple batter that clings to thinly sliced onions, and once fried, they come out golden, tender inside, and perfectly crunchy on the outside.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it uses pantry staples, comes together in minutes, and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. I can serve these fritters with almost anything—soups, grilled meats, or just dipped in my favorite sauce. They’re also a great way to turn humble onions into something special and irresistible.

Ingredients

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

2 medium onions, sliced thin
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon sugar
Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

I whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika together in a large bowl.
In another bowl, I whisk the milk, egg, and sugar until smooth.
I pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick but pourable batter forms.
I fold in the sliced onions, making sure each slice is coated.
I heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep skillet to about 350°F (175°C).
I drop small spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying in batches so they cook evenly.
I fry the fritters for 2–3 minutes per side, until they turn golden and crisp.
I transfer them to paper towels to drain, then serve them hot.

Servings And Timing

I make this recipe in about 25 minutes total, with 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking. This amount serves 4 people, and each serving averages around 160 calories.

Variations

I sometimes add finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
I swap paprika for smoked paprika when I want a deeper flavor.
I mix in a handful of shredded cheese for a richer, melty fritter.
I replace some of the flour with cornmeal for extra crunch.
I serve them with ranch, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic dip depending on my mood.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat them, I use an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–8 minutes to bring back their crispiness. I avoid microwaving because it makes them soft.

FAQs

How thin should I slice the onions?

I slice the onions very thin so they cook through quickly and blend well into the batter.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

I can bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, but they won’t be as crispy as the fried version.

What oil works best for frying?

I use vegetable oil because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

I prefer not to, since the baking powder loses its effectiveness. I mix the batter right before frying for best results.

Can I use red onions?

Yes, I use red onions when I want a slightly sweeter flavor and a pop of color.

Conclusion

I love making these Amish onion fritters because they’re quick, satisfying, and always a hit at the table. With their crispy texture and comforting flavor, they make a simple onion feel like something special every single time.