These Southern Peach Fritters are a delightful, sweet treat perfect for any time of day. The combination of juicy, fresh peaches and a lightly spiced batter creates a crispy, golden fritter that is tender on the inside and full of peachy goodness. A dusting of powdered sugar adds the finishing touch to these irresistible fritters.
Ingredients for Southern Peach Fritters
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups diced fresh peaches (about 2 medium peaches)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions for Southern Peach Fritters
1. Prepare the Batter
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Mix the Batter and Peaches
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. The batter should be thick and smooth.
- Gently fold in the 1½ cups diced fresh peaches until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Heat the Oil
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for frying. You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
4. Fry the Fritters
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, carefully drop about 2-3 tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly if needed. Fry the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Cook the fritters for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Dust with Powdered Sugar
- Once the fritters have cooled slightly, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
6. Serve
- Serve the fritters warm for the best flavor. They pair beautifully with a drizzle of honey, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or just as they are!Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Peach Substitutes: If peaches are not in season, you can substitute with canned or frozen peaches (thawed and drained), or even use other fruits like apples or berries.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for perfectly crispy fritters. If the oil is too hot, the fritters will burn on the outside before cooking through; if too cool, they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Crispiness: For extra crispy fritters, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before frying.
Variations for Southern Peach Fritters
1. Spiced Peach Fritters
- Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the batter for a spicier flavor profile that pairs well with the sweetness of the peaches.
2. Glazed Peach Fritters
- For a glazed version, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and a splash of vanilla extract to make a simple glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters for added sweetness.
3. Peach and Blueberry Fritters
- Add ½ cup fresh blueberries to the batter along with the peaches for a fruity twist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?
Yes, while frying gives the fritters their crispy texture, you can bake them for a lighter version. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place spoonfuls of batter on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
2. How do I store leftover fritters?
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
3. Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. When ready to cook, simply fold in the peaches and fry.
A Sweet and Crispy Southern Treat
These Southern Peach Fritters are a delightful way to enjoy fresh, juicy peaches in a fun and easy-to-make dessert. The crispy exterior and soft, peach-filled interior make them the perfect combination of textures, while the cinnamon and nutmeg add a hint of warmth and spice. Whether served as a breakfast treat, dessert, or snack, these peach fritters will quickly become a favorite!
