Homemade peach fritters are the perfect balance of crispy and fluffy, making them an irresistible treat for any time of the year. With fresh, juicy peaches folded into a lightly spiced batter, these fritters come together quickly and fry to golden perfection. Coat them with sugar or drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze for a finishing touch that will leave everyone wanting more.
Why You’ll Love These Peach Fritters
This recipe combines simple pantry staples with fresh peaches to create a treat that’s easy to make yet impressive enough to serve at brunch or as a dessert. The warm cinnamon-spiced batter complements the sweet peaches perfectly, creating a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. Plus, you can customize the topping—whether it’s a dusting of granulated sugar for a crunchy coating or a smooth powdered sugar glaze.
Ingredients for Peach Fritters
- Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of the batter, creating the structure for the fritters.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
- Baking Powder: Provides the lift needed for the fritters to be light and airy.
- Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar adds sweetness to the batter.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, complementing the fresh peaches.
- Eggs: Bring the batter together and provide structure.
- Milk: A splash of milk creates the right consistency for the batter.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and a subtle flavor.
- Fresh Peaches: The star of the show! Diced peaches bring a juicy sweetness to every bite.
- Oil for Frying: Neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works best.
- Topping Options: Choose granulated sugar for a crunchy exterior or whip up a powdered sugar glaze for added sweetness.
How to Make Peach Fritters
Prepare the Batter:
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients—flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder—in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, and melted butter. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until combined. Finally, gently fold in the diced peaches, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Heat the Oil:
Fill a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan with oil and heat to 375°F. A kitchen thermometer is helpful here to maintain the correct frying temperature.
Fry the Fritters:
Using a ladle or scoop, drop 1/4–1/2 cup of batter into the hot oil. Watch as the batter sinks initially and then rises as it cooks. Fry each fritter for about 2–3 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure an even golden color. Adjust the frying time depending on the fritter size.
Drain and Cool:
Once cooked, carefully remove the fritters using tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Add the Finishing Touches:
While the fritters are still warm, coat them with granulated sugar for a classic finish. Alternatively, make a powdered sugar glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the fritters and let it set before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peach Fritters
- Choose Ripe Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches work best for their sweetness and juiciness. If fresh peaches aren’t in season, canned or frozen peaches (thawed and drained) can be used.
- Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent: Too hot, and the fritters may burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil. A thermometer is your best friend here.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the fritters in batches to avoid dropping the oil temperature.
Serving and Storing
Serve these fritters warm, ideally fresh from the fryer, for the best texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the batter.
- Whisk: Helps combine the dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
- Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Ensures even frying.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For safely removing fritters from the hot oil.
- Paper Towels: To absorb excess oil.
FAQs About Fresh Peach Fritters
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?
Yes, canned or frozen peaches work well if fresh peaches aren’t available. If using canned peaches, drain them thoroughly. For frozen peaches, let them thaw and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before adding them to the batter.
What’s the best oil for frying peach fritters?
Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are best for frying. They have a high smoke point and won’t interfere with the fritters’ flavor.
Why are my fritters greasy?
This usually happens if the oil temperature is too low. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 375°F to ensure the fritters fry quickly and don’t absorb too much oil.
Can I make the fritters ahead of time?
Fritters taste best when fresh, but you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to fry. Be sure to fold in the peaches just before frying to keep the batter from becoming too watery.
How do I store leftovers?
Place leftover fritters in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days and reheat in a 350°F oven to restore crispness.
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Peach fritters are traditionally fried for their crispy exterior, but you can bake them as a healthier alternative. Place scoops of batter on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep in mind the texture will be different from fried fritters.
What’s the best way to coat the fritters?
You can roll the fritters in granulated sugar while they’re warm for a crunchy coating or drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze for a sweet finish. Feel free to experiment with cinnamon sugar or even a honey glaze for unique variations.
Can I add other fruits or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try adding blueberries, diced apples, or even a handful of nuts to the batter for a twist on the classic peach fritter. Just be mindful not to overload the batter with too many mix-ins, as this could affect the fritters’ consistency.
Why are my fritters soggy inside?
This can happen if the fritters are too large or undercooked. Ensure they’re not too thick and that you fry them for the recommended time, flipping halfway through for even cooking. If needed, test one fritter before frying the rest.
These homemade peach fritters are a delightful way to celebrate peach season or enjoy a comforting treat any time of the year. Light, crispy, and perfectly spiced, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
Delicious Fresh Peach Fritters
Ingredients
- – 1 cup flour
- – 1 teaspoon salt
- – 1 teaspoon baking powder
- – 2 tablespoons sugar
- – 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- – 2 eggs
- – 1/3 cup milk
- – 1 tablespoon melted butter
- – 1 1/4 cups diced peaches about 2 fresh peaches
- – Granulated sugar for coating or powdered sugar glaze
- – Oil for frying
- Powdered Sugar Glaze:
- – 1 cup powdered sugar
- – Milk enough for drizzling consistency
- Whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder.
- Add eggs, milk, and melted butter. Whisk until combined, then fold in the diced peaches.
- Heat oil in a fryer or deep pan to 375°F. Using a ladle, scoop 1/4–1/2 cup batter and carefully drop it into the hot oil. The batter will sink initially but rise as it cooks.
- Fry each fritter for 2–3 minutes, adjusting time based on their size. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels or newspaper.
- Coat the fritters with granulated sugar on both sides or drizzle with powdered sugar glaze.
