National Fritters Day

National Fritters Day, celebrated on December 2, highlights a dish that appears in one form or another in nearly every cuisine. A fritter is simply a mix of everyday ingredients coated in batter and fried, resulting in a warm, crisp bite that can be either savory or sweet.

Fritters have been around for a long time. Ancient Romans fried dough with fruits, nuts, or cheese, and medieval European cooks served similar dishes during feasts and celebrations. As cooking traditions spread around the world, new styles appeared. The Portuguese introduced batter-frying to Japan, which led to tempura. In India, vegetables and meat dipped in spiced chickpea batter became pakoras. In the United States, Native American ingredients and European techniques came together to form corn fritters.

When is National Fritters Day?

National Fritters Day is celebrated every year on December 2, offering a moment to enjoy one of the simplest and most comforting fried foods. Here are the upcoming dates so you can plan ahead:

Fritters Around the World

Fritters appear in many food traditions, shaped by local ingredients, cultural practices, and regional tastes. They can be sweet or savory, simple or spiced. Below are a few examples of how different countries prepare their own versions.

• 🇺🇸 United States: Apple fritters are common in apple-growing regions and are often served warm with powdered sugar or glaze. Corn fritters, popular in the South, mix corn kernels with batter and are frequently served alongside barbecue dishes.

• 🇮🇹 Italy: Frittelle di fiori di zucca use fresh zucchini blossoms dipped in batter and fried. Sweet fritters, such as apple versions, follow a similar method.

• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Apple fritters made from battered and fried apple slices remain a popular dessert or snack.

• 🇮🇳 India: Pakoras use vegetables like onions, potatoes, or spinach coated in spiced chickpea batter and fried. They are often paired with chutneys.

• 🇯🇵 Japan: Tempura features seafood or vegetables dipped in a light batter and fried, typically served with dipping sauces.

• 🇯🇲 Jamaica: Banana fritters are seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg and commonly served for breakfast. Saltfish fritters, made with salted cod, are another well-known version.

• 🇵🇭 Philippines: Maruya, or banana fritters, are popular street food, usually coated in batter, fried, and dusted with sugar.

• 🇮🇱 Israel: Latkes, or potato fritters, are a central dish during Hanukkah and relate to the holiday’s focus on oil.

How to Celebrate National Fritters Day

National Fritters Day is an easy day to enjoy because fritters can be made from almost anything you already have at home. They’re quick to cook, flexible, and perfect for a cozy snack or a simple meal.

• Make a small batch at home. Use what’s in your kitchen—apples, corn, bananas, or leftover veggies—and turn them into quick fritters.

• Try a style from another country. Pick one new version to explore, like pakoras, tempura, or banana fritters from the Philippines.

• Grab a fritter from a local bakery. Some cafés sell apple or corn fritters, especially in colder months, so it’s an easy way to join in.

• Use an air fryer. If you prefer a lighter option, air-fry your fritters to keep the crisp texture without deep-frying.

• Share the moment. Enjoy fritters with family or friends, or post a photo of what you made to join others celebrating the day.