Go Back
Top-down view of golden-brown Amish Onion Fritters with lacy texture and fresh parsley garnish.

Amish Onion Fritters: The Crispiest Old-Fashioned Fried Onion Cakes

These Amish Onion Fritters feature thinly sliced onions in a light, lacy batter, fried until golden-brown with signature charred edges. A perfect old-fashioned appetizer served with a cool, thick sour cream dipping sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Amish
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Amish Onion Fritters Ingredients
  • 2 large Yellow Onions approx. 500g, thinly sliced into strands
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour 125g
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch 16g, for extra crunch
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder 5g
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk 120ml
  • 1 large Egg 50g
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt 6g
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper 1g
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil 240ml, for frying
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream 120g, thick and smooth
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley 8g, finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet Essential for even heat distribution.
  • 1 Mandoline slicer To achieve thin, uniform onion strands.
  • 1 Wire Cooling Rack Prevents sogginess after frying.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Thinly slice the onions into 1/8 inch half-moons and separate the strands into a large bowl.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add milk and egg, stirring until smooth.
Frying
  1. Fold the onions into the batter until every strand is thinly coated.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Drop 1/4 cup portions of the mixture into the oil. Flatten slightly. Fry for 2 minutes per side until golden-brown with dark charred edges.
Serving
  1. Drain on a wire rack. Serve on a dark plate with sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Notes

Use sweet onions like Vidalia for better caramelization.
Always reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain the lacy, crispy texture.