Lemon Poppyseed Fritters
Indulge in these Lemon Poppyseed Fritters, featuring a burst of citrusy flavor and crunchy poppyseeds, dusted with powdered sugar. These light and fluffy fritters are perfectly complemented by a tangy mixed berry compote, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Greek yogurt: sweetened or plain
Eggs
Olive oil
Granulated sugar
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Poppyseeds
Avocado oil, for frying: Can use peanut, vegetable, or canola oil. Do not use olive oil because of the low smoke point.
Powdered sugar
Frozen mixed berries
Maple syrup
Tips for making Lemon Poppyseed Fritters:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in the taste of your fritters.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix the Greek yogurt, eggs, olive oil, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest thoroughly before adding the dry ingredients. This ensures an even distribution of flavors.
Mix Until Just Combined: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters.
Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate, resulting in lighter, fluffier fritters.
Heat Oil to the Right Temperature: Heat the avocado oil to 350°F-375°F (175°C-190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the temperature, as too hot oil can burn the fritters, and too cool oil can make them greasy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the fritters in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking.
Use a Cookie Scoop: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop uniform-sized batter balls into the oil. This ensures even cooking and consistent size.
Turn Fritters: Turn the fritters while frying to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden brown color on all sides.
Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Dust the fritters with powdered sugar while they are still warm for better adhesion.
Serve Warm: Serve the fritters warm for the best texture and flavor. The combination of warm fritters and cool mixed berry compote is delightful.
Prepare the Mixed Berry Compote Ahead: Prepare the mixed berry compote ahead of time and keep it warm or at room temperature for serving. The compote adds a tangy contrast to the sweet fritters.
Store Leftover Fritters Properly: If you have leftovers, store the fritters in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven to retain their crispiness before serving.
How to store Lemon Poppyseed Fritters:
Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage):
Duration: Up to 1 day
Method: Store the fritters in an airtight container at room temperature. This is suitable if you plan to consume them within the same day. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Refrigeration:
Duration: Up to 3 days
Method: Place the fritters in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Freezing:
Duration: Up to 1 month
Method: Freeze the fritters by first placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, thaw the fritters in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Reheating Tips:
Oven Reheating: To restore the fritters' crispiness, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Avoid Microwave: Avoid reheating fritters in the microwave as it can make them soggy.
Storing Mixed Berry Compote:
Refrigeration: Store the mixed berry compote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Serve it cold or gently warmed.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the compote in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Separating Components:
Powdered Sugar Dusting: If you plan to store fritters for later, wait to dust them with powdered sugar until just before serving. This helps maintain their texture.
Compote: Store the compote separately from the fritters and add it just before serving.
FAQs:
Q: What type of yogurt should I use for lemon poppyseed fritters?
A: You can use either sweetened or plain Greek yogurt. Plain yogurt will give you a more neutral base, allowing the lemon and poppyseed flavors to shine, while sweetened yogurt adds a touch of extra sweetness.
Q: How do I ensure my fritters are light and fluffy?
A: Make sure not to overmix the batter. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the fritters dense.
Q: What is the best oil temperature for frying fritters?
A: Heat the avocado oil to 350°F-375°F (175°C-190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the temperature, ensuring the fritters cook evenly and stay crispy.
Q: How can I prevent the fritters from being greasy?
A: Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F-375°F and avoid overcrowding the pan. Frying at the correct temperature prevents the fritters from absorbing excess oil.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: It's best to make the batter fresh. However, you can mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before frying.
Q: How do I make sure my fritters cook evenly?
A: Fry the fritters in small batches and turn them frequently using a slotted spoon to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden brown color on all sides.
Q: How do I make the mixed berry compote?
A: To make the mixed berry compote, combine fresh or frozen berries with a bit of maple syrup and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the berries break down and the mixture thickens.
Q: How should I store leftover fritters?
A: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispiness.
Q: Can I use a different flour if I don't have all-purpose flour?
A: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can substitute with pastry flour for a lighter texture. Avoid using bread flour as it can make the fritters dense.
Q: Why are my fritters not crispy?
A: Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature and that the fritters are not overcrowded in the pan. Frying at too low a temperature or overcrowding can cause the fritters to absorb more oil and become soggy.
Q: Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the batter?
A: Yes, you can add additional flavors such as vanilla extract or spices like cinnamon to the batter. Just make sure not to overpower the lemon and poppyseed flavors.
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Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try these lemon poppyseed fritters. Happy baking!
