Amish Onion Fritters are crispy, savory, and perfectly spiced, with caramelized onions mixed into a light, fluffy batter. These golden fritters make a great snack, side dish, or appetizer that everyone will enjoy!
Peel and finely chop the onion. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can sauté the onions in a little oil over medium heat until softened and slightly caramelized before adding them to the batter. Otherwise, you can use raw onions.
Make the batter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Add the chopped onions (and parsley, if using) and fold them into the batter until the onions are evenly distributed.
Fry the fritters:
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until hot. You can test the temperature by dropping a small spoonful of batter into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, carefully flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon. Fry in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve:
Serve the onion fritters warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.
Notes
You can make these fritters spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the batter.
For a lighter version, try baking them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
These fritters are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore some crispness.