Savory fritters are a quick and easy fried snack made from a simple yeast-based batter. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are popular in many cuisines and are often served as an appetizer, side dish, or street food. The batter comes together with basic ingredients, and these fritters are best enjoyed warm and freshly fried.
What Are Savory Fritters?
Savory fritters are small portions of batter or dough fried in oil until golden and crisp. Unlike vegetable-packed fritters, this version relies on yeast to create a light interior with a delicate chew. Similar recipes exist across many cuisines, from Mediterranean fried doughs to West African-style puff fritters. The beauty of this version is its simplicity, relying on flour, yeast, water, and salt to do all the heavy lifting.
Pro Tips for Perfect Savory Fritters
- The batter should be thick but spoonable, smooth, and elastic, because if it is too stiff, the fritters will be dense.
- Let the yeast do its job and give the batter a full hour to rise so it develops air and flavour.
- Oil temperature matters, so fry in medium to hot oil so the fritters cook through without burning on the outside.
- Use two spoons to help shape the fritters neatly and keep your hands safely away from hot oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my fritters not fluffy inside?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the batter has visibly puffed before frying. Also, frying in oil that’s too hot can seal the outside too quickly, preventing proper expansion.
Can I add herbs or spices to the batter?
Yes, this batter is a great base for customisation. Finely chopped herbs, ground pepper, garlic powder, or even grated cheese can be mixed in after the batter has risen. Just avoid heavy additions that could weigh the batter down.
How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
Drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil, and if it sizzles immediately and floats to the surface, the oil is ready. If it browns too quickly, lower the heat slightly. Consistent temperature helps the fritters cook evenly.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
These fritters are designed for frying, which gives them their signature crisp exterior. Baking will change the texture and result in a more bread-like finish. If you want a lighter option, shallow-frying with less oil works better than baking.
How to Store Savory Fritters
Leftover fritters can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave as it softens them too much. A quick reheat in a hot pan or oven works best.
Ingredients
How to Make Savory Fritters
;Resize,width=712;)
Mix flour, dry yeast, and sugar.
Mix flour, dry yeast, and sugar.
;Resize,width=712;)
Pour in the water and add the salt. Using a wooden spoon, mix until you get a thick batter with no lumps.
Pour in the water and add the salt. Using a wooden spoon, mix until you get a thick batter with no lumps.
;Resize,width=712;)
Pour oil into a deep pot and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Using two spoons, scoop small portions of batter and gently drop them into the hot oil.
Cover the bowl with cling film and leave it in a warm place for about 1 hour.
;Resize,width=712;)
Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until evenly brown on all sides. Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Pour oil into a deep pot and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Using two spoons, scoop small portions of batter and gently drop them into the hot oil.
;Resize,width=712;)
Serve hot, plain, or with your favourite dip.
Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until evenly brown on all sides. Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
;Resize,width=712;)
Serve hot, plain, or with your favourite dip.
;Resize,width=767;)
