Fried Fritters

Name: Fried Fritters Recipe (Old-Fashioned Flitters)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 cups water; vegetable oil, for frying; Syrup, for serving; Jelly, for serving; Honey, for serving

Fried fritters, also called flitters, are simple deep-fried dough made from just flour and water. Mawmaw Gail's recipe delivers golden, crispy results perfect for breakfast or snacking with your favorite toppings.

🌍American 🏷️Fried fritters 🏷️Flitters 🏷️Fried dough 🏷️Pancakes Breakfast

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🏷️Snack

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Total

20 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$14–$23

Recipe Source

View original recipe

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Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups water
vegetable oil, for frying
Syrup, for servingoptional
Jelly, for servingoptional
Honey, for servingoptional

6 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and water.
2
Mix until the batter reaches a consistency that is not too thick and not too thin. A few lumps are okay.
3
Pour enough vegetable oil into a skillet to cover the bottom and heat over medium heat.
4
Once the oil is hot, carefully pour spoonfuls or cupfuls of batter into the skillet to form the fritters.
5
Fry for a few minutes on each side, until golden brown.
6
Remove the cooked fritters from the skillet and place them on a plate.
7
Serve warm with your favorite toppings like syrup, jelly, or honey.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Keep oil temperature between 350–375°F — use a thermometer to avoid grease absorption and ensure even golden browning.
Don't overwork the batter; a slightly lumpy consistency fries up lighter and fluffier than a smooth batter.
Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature; crowding the pan lowers heat and causes soggy fritters.
Drain fried fritters on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.

Substitutions

all-purpose flour → cake flour (makes fritters slightly more tender)
water → milk or buttermilk (adds richness and subtle flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy.

Equipment

deep-fry thermometer · heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet

Common Questions

What's the difference between fritters and flitters?

Flitters and fritters are the same thing — regional names for simple fried dough. Mawmaw Gail's version is a plain, old-fashioned style without mix-ins.

How do I know when fritters are done frying?

Fry until both sides are golden brown and the edges are crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. They should float and puff slightly when the oil is hot enough.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the batter a few hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before frying for best results.

What oil is best for frying fritters?

Vegetable oil is ideal because it has a high smoke point (around 450°F). Canola or peanut oil work well too. Maintain oil temperature between 350–375°F for crispy, non-greasy results.

How do I store leftover fritters?

Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy.