Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh rhubarb, finely diced
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest (optional, for extra tang)
- 3-4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the rhubarb by washing and finely dicing it. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the lemon zest, if using.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. A few lumps are okay; do not overmix. Gently fold in the diced rhubarb.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Carefully drop spoonfuls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) of batter into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry 3-4 fritters at a time.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to carefully turn the fritters.
- Remove the cooked fritters from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining batter, ensuring the oil temperature stays consistent.
- Once all fritters are fried, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
For the perfect crisp texture, maintain an oil temperature between 325-350°F (160-175°C); too low and they’ll be greasy, too high and they’ll burn. You can also roll the warm fritters in a cinnamon-sugar mixture instead of just powdered sugar for an extra layer of flavor. These fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be gently reheated in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (2-3 fritters)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg