Daylily Fritter Recipe
These crispy daylily fritters are a delightful twist on tempura, perfect for showcasing the mild, floral flavor of fresh daylily blossoms. Simple to make and absolutely unique, they’re a light, elegant snack or appetizer.
There’s something magical about turning vibrant daylilies into golden, crispy fritters. Picture these: delicate, petal-wrapped blossoms dipped in a light batter and fried to a crisp that’s airy yet satisfying. Each bite is a mix of earthy sweetness from the flowers and a tender crunch, balanced perfectly with a hint of salt. Daylily fritters are an unexpected twist on traditional fritters, adding a touch of floral flavor that’s so unique, it’s hard to stop at just one. These fritters make a simple yet delightful appetizer, ideal for anyone looking to celebrate seasonal ingredients or add a new twist to their snack repertoire.
Curious about daylilies? They’re not just pretty flowers; they’re edible, too, bringing a subtle sweetness that shines in recipes like this. If you’re a fan of fresh, seasonal flavors, you’ll want to try other fun recipes like Tippins Cornbread or this savory Pork Con Tiki for a comforting, earthy main dish. Just like these dishes, daylily fritters celebrate ingredients with bold, authentic flavors.
What Are Daylily Fritters?
Daylily fritters are a type of flower-based appetizer, made by coating daylily buds or blossoms in a light batter and frying them until golden and crisp. The result is a wonderfully airy fritter with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s ideal for snacking or serving as a side at a summer gathering. In fact, edible flowers like daylilies have long been popular in East Asian cuisine, where they’re enjoyed for their subtle taste and unique texture.
For this recipe, using daylilies that are just about to bloom or freshly opened brings out the best flavor. When selecting flowers, stick to the common orange daylilies, scientifically known as Hemerocallis fulva, which are edible and easy to find in gardens or markets. Some lilies are toxic, so it’s important to stick to this variety. Once you’ve tried daylilies in fritters, you may even be inspired to experiment with other floral ingredients, like the fresh herbs in this Crookie Recipe or the vibrant, tangy twist in Apricot Jam with Bachan's BBQ Twist.
Ingredients for Daylily Fritters
Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient in this daylily fritter recipe, with tips for getting the best results.
Fresh Daylily Blossoms: Look for flowers that are pesticide-free, fresh, and in season. This is key for a mild floral flavor. Pick or purchase Hemerocallis fulva daylilies, as they are safe to eat and carry that unique sweetness perfect for fritters.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour creates a light batter that crisps up well without overpowering the delicate flavor of the flowers. For a gluten-free option, a mix of rice flour and cornstarch works beautifully.
Sparkling Water: Adding a splash of sparkling water makes the batter airy and light, resulting in fritters that are crisp without being too dense. Make sure the water is cold to help the batter bind well and stay crisp.
Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the natural flavors of the daylilies and brings balance. Sea salt or kosher salt is recommended for its clean flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Choose a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. These oils have a high smoke point, perfect for frying without adding any extra flavors.
For a sweet finish, some like to sprinkle powdered sugar over the finished fritters or drizzle a touch of honey. This pairs beautifully with the earthy flavor of the flowers and brings a dessert-like touch.
Why You’ll Love This Daylily Fritter Recipe
There’s a lot to love about daylily fritters. First, they’re versatile. You can enjoy them as a snack, an appetizer, or even a surprising addition to a brunch spread. Second, they’re a fantastic way to incorporate edible flowers into your cooking without needing complex techniques. Each bite offers a delicate floral aroma with just the right amount of crunch—think tempura, but with a twist.
This recipe is also perfect for celebrating special events like spring gatherings, garden parties, or casual summer afternoons with friends. If you’re hosting, you might even pair them with a bowl of Captain D's Slaw for a refreshingly crisp contrast. And if you’re feeling adventurous, serve alongside Bertucci Sausage Soup for a hearty, rustic combo.
How to Make Daylily Fritters
This step-by-step guide will walk you through making perfect daylily fritters. Grab your ingredients and let’s dive into the process.
Step 1: Prepare the Daylilies
Begin by rinsing the daylily blossoms under cool water to remove any dirt or bugs. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Trim the ends if necessary, but keep the blossoms intact. If you want smaller bites, you can cut the flowers in half.
Tip: To get the best flavor, use fresh daylilies that are either buds or have just opened. Older flowers can be bitter.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cold sparkling water until the batter is smooth. The consistency should be light and similar to pancake batter. If it’s too thick, add a bit more sparkling water.
Cold, sparkling water is essential here; it gives the batter a tempura-like texture and helps it stick to the flowers without being heavy.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a frying pan, heat about an inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F. You’ll know it’s ready if a drop of batter sizzles and rises to the surface.
Using oil at the right temperature is crucial; too hot, and the fritters will burn, too cool, and they’ll soak up too much oil.
Step 4: Dip and Fry the Daylilies
Once the oil is hot, it’s time to coat and fry the daylilies. Hold each blossom by the stem or base, dip it into the batter, and allow any excess to drip off. Gently place it in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the fritters are a beautiful golden brown. They should feel crisp to the touch. If you’re a fan of light, crispy textures, this is the moment that will get you hooked! The bubbling oil creates a deliciously airy crunch that complements the subtle floral taste.
Step 5: Drain and Season
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove each fritter and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the hot fritters as they drain—this step adds a little more flavor, especially if you’re going for a savory option.
If you’re leaning towards a sweet variation, now’s the time to add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey. The natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the floral notes of the daylilies, giving a mild, dessert-like feel.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Daylily fritters are best enjoyed hot, fresh out of the oil, when they’re at their crispiest. Serve them as an appetizer, a unique side dish, or even a centerpiece snack for a summer brunch. These fritters pair beautifully with dips and salads that add freshness, like a tangy Blue Jam Garlic Aioli, perfect for dipping, or a light salad tossed with Lefrois Sauce to balance the flavors.
If you’re hosting a gathering, try offering them alongside other unique, rustic dishes like the Pappadeaux Crawfish Etouffee for a Southern-inspired spread. The rich, spiced flavors of the etouffee provide an exciting contrast to the light, crispy fritters, creating a memorable meal.
Tips for Making Perfect Daylily Fritters
Use Fresh Flowers: Daylilies taste best when they’re freshly picked. Avoid older blooms, as they can taste bitter. Make sure to wash them gently to preserve their delicate petals.
Cold Sparkling Water: The coldness and carbonation of the water are what give these fritters their airy, tempura-like texture. Don’t skip this step, as it’s essential for achieving the right consistency.
Mind the Oil Temperature: A thermometer helps here, but if you don’t have one, test with a drop of batter. It should sizzle immediately and float. If the oil smokes, lower the heat to prevent burning the fritters.
Serve Immediately: Fritters are best eaten fresh. Their crispiness fades over time, so enjoy them right out of the fryer for the best experience.
Why Daylily Fritters Make the Perfect Seasonal Dish
Daylily fritters celebrate seasonal ingredients in a way that’s simple yet impressive. Perfect for spring or summer gatherings, these fritters bring a touch of nature to the table, making them ideal for outdoor picnics, casual brunches, or even garden parties.
Historically, daylilies have been used in both East Asian and European cuisines, recognized for their mild, almost vegetable-like flavor. Incorporating edible flowers like daylilies into a recipe feels like paying homage to culinary traditions while also adding a fresh, modern twist. These fritters offer a sensory experience that’s both earthy and elegant, a true celebration of seasonal flavors.
Storing and Reheating Daylily Fritters
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to bring back some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fritters soggy.
Daylily Fritter Recipe
Crispy, light daylily fritters make for an incredibly unique appetizer or snack. With a tempura-like batter that lets the delicate, slightly sweet flavors of the daylilies shine, these fritters are a spring and summer favorite that’s both simple and impressive. Perfect for garden parties or special brunches, they're a floral treat that brings elegance and crunch to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh daylily blossoms, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional: powdered sugar or honey for sweet fritters
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly pour in the cold sparkling water, whisking until the batter is smooth and slightly thick. Adjust with a bit more water if needed.
- Dip each daylily blossom into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Gently place the battered flowers into the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. If desired, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, powdered sugar, or drizzle with honey for sweetness.
prep time with cook time.
Serves 4 and contains approximately 150 calories per serving.
American / Appetizer, Snack
Rated 4.8 by 1274 reviewers.
Recipe Tags: daylily fritter recipe, edible flowers, tempura daylily, easy fritters, unique appetizer
Published by: Show Recipe
FAQs on Daylily Fritters
Can I use other flowers for this recipe?
Yes, other edible flowers like zucchini blossoms, nasturtiums, or elderflowers can also work beautifully with this batter. However, it’s important to research each flower’s edibility first, as some flowers can be toxic.
What if I don’t have sparkling water?
While sparkling water gives the lightest texture, you can substitute with ice-cold regular water. Keep the water very cold to achieve the best results.
Are daylilies safe to eat?
Yes, Hemerocallis fulva (the common orange daylily) is safe for consumption. Be sure to avoid other types of lilies, as some are toxic.
Daylily fritters are one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, especially once you realize how easy they are. They offer a mix of crunchy, airy textures and a subtle floral sweetness that makes each bite irresistible. Plus, if you’re looking for other ways to explore seasonal, fresh ingredients, try something hearty like the Lamb Ragu D'Rose Mary for dinner or something sweet like the Zamorano Buns as a delightful snack.
Daylily fritters are not just food—they’re an experience, a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and seasonality. So, go ahead, try this recipe, and enjoy the beauty of edible flowers in every delicious bite!
