Crispy Onion Fritters Recipe
Introduction
Onion fritters are crispy, flavorful bites perfect as a snack or side dish. Combining sweet onions with a seasoned batter, these fritters fry up golden and delicious every time.

Ingredients
- Oil (for frying)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped (white and green parts)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour about an inch of oil into a heavy-bottomed pan and heat over medium heat.
- Step 2: Line a small sheet pan or large plate with paper towels and set aside to drain the fritters later.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
- Step 4: Add the cold milk and lemon juice to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Step 5: Fold in the chopped onions and green onions, mixing quickly to combine.
- Step 6: Carefully spoon a heaping tablespoon of batter into the hot oil, spacing each fritter so they don’t touch. Fry in batches as needed.
- Step 7: Fry each fritter for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 8: Transfer cooked fritters to the paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately plain or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for freshness.
- For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs to the batter.
- Serve with a tangy yogurt or spicy sauce for dipping.
Storage
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free for best results.
What oil is best for frying these fritters?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil, to achieve a crispy exterior without burning.
PrintCrispy Onion Fritters Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Onion Fritters are golden-brown, pan-fried treats made with chopped onions and green onions combined in a seasoned batter. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these fritters have a delightful crunch from cornmeal and a subtle tang from lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 12 fritters 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ tablespoon cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon cold milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- oil (for frying, about an inch deep)
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped (including both white and green parts)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Pour about an inch of oil into a heavy-bottomed pan and place over medium heat until hot enough for frying.
- Prepare draining station: Line a small sheet pan or large plate with paper towels and set aside to absorb excess oil from the fritters.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour the cold milk and lemon juice into the dry mixture and stir until just combined to form the batter.
- Add onions: Fold the chopped onions and green onions into the batter, mixing quickly to incorporate evenly.
- Fry the fritters: Carefully spoon heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden and crispy, then flip and fry for another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
- Drain and repeat: Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and transfer to the paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Continue frying the remaining batter in batches.
- Serve: Serve the onion fritters immediately while hot, as is or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy fritters.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for even cooking and crispiness.
- You can use buttermilk instead of milk and lemon juice if desired.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy twist.
- Serve with ketchup, yogurt dip, or a spicy chutney for added flavor.
Keywords: onion fritters, snack, appetizer, fried onion, crispy fritters, vegetarian snack

