These Onion Fritters are crispy, savory, and surprisingly addictive! They’re made with a simple batter that’s packed with flavor, thanks to a blend of spices and plenty of onions. These fritters are perfect as a side dish, a snack, or even a fun appetizer for parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Crispy: The combination of sweet onions, savory spices, and a crispy outer layer creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these fritters are a breeze to prepare.
- Versatile: Serve them as a side dish, a snack, or an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious onion fritters:
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the batter.
- Cornmeal: Adds a slightly crunchy texture.
- Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Baking powder: Helps the fritters become light and airy.
- Milk: Adds moisture and binds the ingredients together.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright and tangy flavor.
- Salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder: A blend of spices that adds depth and complexity to the fritters.
- Onions: Chopped, these are the star of the show!
- Green onions: Chopped, with both white and green parts, for added flavor and color.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Onion Fritters
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Prepare
Heat about an inch of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Line a plate or baking sheet with paper towels to drain the excess oil from the fritters.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add the milk and lemon juice, and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped onions and green onions.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
Carefully spoon heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked fritters to the paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the onion fritters immediately, as is or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan: A heavy-bottomed pan will heat evenly and prevent the fritters from burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fritters. Fry in batches to ensure crispiness.
- Adjust the cooking time: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your fritters and the heat of your stove. Adjust the time as needed to ensure they are golden brown and cooked through.
How to Serve Onion Fritters

- Side Dish: These onion fritters are a delicious side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or salads.
- Snack: Enjoy them as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or aioli.
- Appetizer: Serve them as a fun and tasty appetizer for parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
You can experiment with other types of flour, but all-purpose flour is generally recommended for fritters.
Can I add other vegetables to these fritters?
Yes, you can add other vegetables, such as grated zucchini or carrots, to the batter.
Can I make these fritters vegan?
Yes, you can use a plant-based milk and omit the egg.
How can I make these fritters healthier?
You can bake them instead of frying them. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Onion Fritters that will become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy!
Print
Onion Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 fritters 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy and savory Onion Fritters are a delicious appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with a simple batter and packed with flavorful onions, they’re easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped (white and green parts)
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Pour about an inch of oil into a heavy-bottomed pan and heat over medium heat.
- Prepare for Draining: Line a baking sheet or plate with paper towels to drain excess oil from the fritters.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add milk and lemon juice to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Add Onions: Stir in chopped onions and green onions.
- Fry Fritters: Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, ensuring there’s space between each fritter. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer fried fritters to the paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately, as is or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For best results, use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to ensure the fritters cook evenly and become crispy.
- You can experiment with different types of onions, such as yellow onions, white onions, or red onions.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter.
- These fritters are delicious served with dipping sauces like sour cream, marinara sauce, or ranch dressing.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 80kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg