Sweet Tennessee Onion Fritters are a crispy, golden treat that balances the sweetness of onions with a slightly savory, crispy exterior. They’re perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. Here’s how to make them!
Sweet Tennessee Onion Fritters
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or other sweet varieties work great)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for a little smokiness)
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp sugar (to bring out the sweetness of the onions)
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill a skillet about 1-inch deep)
For serving:
- Honey (optional, for drizzling)
- Fresh herbs (optional, like parsley for garnish)
Directions:
- Prepare the onions:
- Peel and slice the onions into thin rings or half rings. You can separate them into individual rings for a more classic fritter shape or leave them in large chunks for a heartier bite.
- Make the batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk (or buttermilk) and egg.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The batter should be thick enough to coat the onions but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out slightly.
- Coat the onions:
- Add the sliced onions to the batter, tossing gently to coat each ring or chunk in the batter.
- Fry the fritters:
- Heat about 1-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small drop of batter sizzles when dropped into it (around 350°F).
- Using a spoon or your hands, carefully drop spoonfuls of the onion-batter mixture into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the sweet Tennessee onion fritters immediately while they’re hot and crispy. Drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Optional Variations:
- Add a little spice: If you want some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the batter.
- Cheesy fritters: Stir in a bit of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for an added cheesy flavor that complements the sweet onions.
- Dipping sauces: Serve with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch, spicy ketchup, or even a sweet chili sauce for an extra kick.
These Sweet Tennessee Onion Fritters are crispy, slightly sweet, and full of flavor—perfect for any occasion. Would you drizzle honey on them or maybe pair them with a spicy dip for some contrast?