Fritter

A type of fried food made with batter or dough

For the software term, see Fritter (software).

A fritter is a type of fried food, usually consisting of a portion of batter or breading that has been filled with various ingredients. Fritters can be sweet or savory and are found in many cuisines around the world.

Types of Fritters

Fritters can be broadly categorized into three main types:

Plain Fritters

Plain fritters are made by deep-frying a simple batter. These are often served as a side dish or snack. The batter is typically made from flour, eggs, and milk, and can be seasoned with salt and spices.

Filled Fritters

Filled fritters contain a filling that is coated in batter before frying. Common fillings include fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. For example, apple fritters are made by coating slices of apple in batter and frying them until golden brown.

Dough Fritters

Dough fritters are made from a dough rather than a batter. These are often sweet and can be similar to doughnuts. An example is the beignet, a popular pastry in New Orleans cuisine.

Preparation

The preparation of fritters involves creating a batter or dough, incorporating the desired ingredients, and then frying the mixture in hot oil. The oil should be heated to the appropriate temperature to ensure the fritters cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

Batter

The batter for fritters is typically made from a combination of flour, eggs, and a liquid such as milk or water. The consistency of the batter can vary depending on the type of fritter being made. For a lighter fritter, a thinner batter is used, while a thicker batter is used for a denser fritter.

Frying

Fritters are usually deep-fried, but they can also be shallow-fried or pan-fried. The choice of frying method can affect the texture and flavor of the fritter. Deep-frying results in a crispier texture, while shallow-frying can produce a softer fritter.

Cultural Variations

Fritters are enjoyed in many cultures, each with its own unique variations:

American Fritters

In the United States, fritters are often sweet and made with fruits such as apples, bananas, or corn. Corn fritters are a popular savory version, made with corn kernels mixed into the batter.

Asian Fritters

In Asian cuisine, fritters can be made with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, seafood, and meats. Tempura is a Japanese style of fritter made by coating seafood or vegetables in a light batter and frying them.

European Fritters

In Europe, fritters can be both sweet and savory. In Italy, zeppole are a type of sweet fritter often enjoyed during festivals. In the United Kingdom, fritters are commonly made with fish or vegetables.

Gallery

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Apple fritters are a popular sweet variety.

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Tempura is a Japanese style of fritter.

Related Pages

• Doughnut
• Tempura
• Beignet
• Pakora