For the Blueberry Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
2 teaspoons blueberry jam or pureed blueberries.
Directions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Prepare Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and blueberry Greek yogurt until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the blueberries.
Fill Muffin Pan:
Distribute the batter into the mini muffin cups, filling each nearly to the top.
Bake:
Bake for 15 minutes or until the fritters begin to turn a golden hue.
Broil for Caramelization:
Transfer the fritters to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Broil on high for 3-4 minutes until slightly caramelized, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Prepare the Blueberry Glaze:
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and blueberry jam (or pureed blueberries) until smooth.
Glaze the Fritters:
Dip each fritter top into the glaze.
Place the glazed fritters back on the baking sheet.
Broil Again:
Broil the fritters for a few more minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Set and Serve:
Let the fritters set for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 24 fritter bites
Calories: Approximately 150 each
Secrets to achieve the perfect Blueberry Fritter Bites:
Fresh Blueberries: Use fresh, firm blueberries for the best texture and flavor. Frozen blueberries can be used but should be thawed and drained well to prevent excess moisture.
Pat Dry Blueberries: Ensure blueberries are dry before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture from making the batter too runny.
Correct Batter Consistency: Aim for a thick batter that clings to the blueberries, ensuring even coating and frying.
Buttermilk for Tenderness: Use buttermilk in the batter to achieve a tender and moist crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh. It helps create light and fluffy fritters.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid developing gluten, which can make the fritters tough.
Preheat Oil: Heat oil to the correct temperature (about 350°F/175°C) before frying. Too hot and the fritters will burn outside while remaining raw inside; too cool and they will absorb oil and become greasy.
Use a Thermometer: Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to maintain a consistent oil temperature.
Small Batches: Fry fritters in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
Scoop Evenly: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop batter into the oil for evenly sized fritters.
Turn Carefully: Turn the fritters gently with a slotted spoon or tongs to avoid splattering hot oil.
Drain Properly: Place fried fritters on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Avoid paper towels as they can make the fritters soggy.
Glaze or Dust: Glaze the fritters with a simple sugar glaze or dust with powdered sugar while they are still warm for added sweetness.
Use a Simple Glaze: For a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until smooth.
Cool Before Glazing: Let the fritters cool slightly before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly and doesn’t run off.
Add Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the batter or glaze for a fresh, citrusy flavor that complements the blueberries.
Spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy fritters. Fry a few at a time for the best results.
Check Doneness: Check the first batch for doneness by cutting open a fritter to ensure it’s cooked through. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Serve Fresh: Blueberry fritter bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you need to reheat them, do so in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
By following these secrets, you’ll be able to make perfect, delicious Blueberry Fritter Bites every time. Enjoy!
