Delicious Fresh Peach Fritters

This hearty peach fritter recipe has been my summer indulgence for years. Fresh, sweet peaches encased in a light, golden batter create the perfect balance of fruit and fried goodness that's simply irresistible when fresh peaches are in season.

I first made these fritters during a peach picking adventure with my nieces. They helped mix the batter and were amazed watching the fritters puff up in the hot oil. Now they request these golden treats every summer when peaches are at their peak sweetness.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: creates the perfect light structure for these fritters
• Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor profile
• Baking powder: gives the essential rise and airy texture
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the batter just enough to complement the peaches
• Cinnamon: adds warmth and pairs beautifully with the fruit
• Eggs: provide structure and richness to the batter
• Milk: creates the ideal consistency for frying
• Melted butter: adds richness and helps create a tender fritter
• Fresh peaches: are the star diced into small pieces for bursts of flavor
• Oil for frying: preferably a neutral oil with high smoke point like canola or vegetable
• Sugar for coating or ingredients for glaze: adds the final sweet touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder in a large bowl until well combined. This creates an evenly seasoned base for your fritters.

Create the Batter:

Add the eggs, milk, and melted butter to your dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined—a few small lumps are fine. Overmixing will develop too much gluten, resulting in tough fritters.

Add the Peaches:

Gently fold in your diced peaches using a rubber spatula. Aim for even distribution throughout the batter while keeping the peach pieces intact for beautiful pockets of fruit in the finished fritters.

Heat the Oil:

Bring your oil to exactly 375°F in a deep fryer or heavy bottomed pot. Use a thermometer for accuracy as the correct temperature ensures golden, crispy fritters that cook through without absorbing excess oil.

Fry the Fritters:

Using a long handled ladle, carefully drop about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of batter into the hot oil. The batter will initially sink then rise to the surface. Fry for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply golden brown on all sides.

Drain and Finish:

Remove fritters with long handled tongs and briefly drain on paper towels. While still hot, either roll in granulated sugar or drizzle with prepared glaze. The hot fritters will help the sugar adhere or the glaze to partially melt into the surface.

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The cinnamon in this recipe is truly the secret ingredient that makes these fritters special. My grandmother always insisted on using Ceylon cinnamon rather than cassia for its more delicate, complex flavor that doesn't overpower the fresh peaches. The first time I made these for my family reunion, even the "I don't eat dessert" relatives came back for seconds.

Perfect Peach Selection

The success of these fritters largely depends on your peaches. Look for fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren't mushy. They should have a sweet fragrance at the stem end and no green undertones. I prefer freestone varieties like Elberta or Red Haven for easier pitting and cutting. Slightly firm peaches actually work better than overly ripe ones, as they maintain their shape during frying rather than dissolving into the batter.

Storage and Reheating

Peach fritters are truly at their best immediately after cooking, but if you must store them, place completely cooled fritters in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They'll keep at room temperature for about a day, though the exterior will soften. To revive them, place on a baking sheet in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy. The sugar coating may dissolve during storage, so you might want to add a fresh dusting before serving leftovers.

Make-Ahead Options

While the finished fritters don't store well, you can prepare elements ahead of time. Mix your dry ingredients and store in an airtight container up to a week in advance. You can also dice your peaches a few hours ahead and toss with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning. Keep refrigerated until ready to use. Having these components ready makes the final assembly much quicker when you're ready to fry.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute canned or frozen peaches, but drain canned peaches thoroughly and thaw and drain frozen peaches before adding to the batter. Fresh peaches provide the best flavor, but these alternatives work when fresh isn't available.

→ How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

The ideal oil temperature is 375°F (190°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil - it should sink briefly then rise to the surface and begin bubbling immediately. If it browns too quickly, your oil is too hot.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It's best to prepare the batter just before frying for optimal texture. The baking powder activates once mixed with wet ingredients, and this freshness helps create the puffy, light texture. If needed, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time.

→ What's the best oil for frying these fritters?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils won't impart strong flavors and can withstand the high temperature (375°F) needed for proper frying without breaking down.

→ How do I store leftover peach fritters?

Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For best texture, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes before serving. They tend to lose their crispness over time, so they're best enjoyed fresh.

→ Can I add other fruits or flavors to the fritters?

Absolutely! Try mixing in blueberries, apples, or pears with the peaches, or replace peaches entirely. You can also enhance the flavor with extracts like vanilla or almond, or add spices like nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon.