How to Make Homemade Clam Fritters with Fresh Clams

Clam fritters may not be the healthiest food, at least not how I make them, but they are so good it makes cheating on a diet less shameful. I grew up on seafood and clam fritters were one of the first seafood recipes I learned. Today I’m sharing the best clam fritters with fresh clams.

What Are Clam Fritters?

Clam fritters are a seafood dish where minced or chopped clams are mixed into a batter, usually containing flour and eggs, then deep-fried until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Clam fritters can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish with some sides.

Clam Fritters With Fresh Clams

First, let’s start with the main ingredient: fresh clams.

Clam fritters taste best with fresh clams, not canned or frozen ones. The type of clam you use is up to you, but I prefer littleneck clams for their smaller size and sweeter taste.

Different Types Of Clams

Here are the most popular types of clams.

Littleneck Clams: small and sweet, great for fritters.

Cherrystone Clams: large with a slightly bolder taste, good for stuffing.

Quahog Clams: larger size, meatier taste.

Manila Clams: smaller size, firm texture.

Razor Clams: long and thin, briny taste.

Longneck Clams: larger and tougher, better for steaming.

Best Clam Fritters Recipe

It’s super easy to make homemade clam fritters, and there are a few secrets to getting them just right! I’ll share my tips for making clam fritters the best way!

Ingredients For Fresh Clam Fritters

Here are the ingredients needed to make clam fritters using fresh clams.

• 1 Pint of Shucked Clams (about 18 clams)
• ½ Cup Reserved Clam Juice
• 2 Teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ¾ Cups Flour
• 2 Eggs
• 2 Teaspoons Minced Onion
• 1 Teaspoon Old Bay
• 1⁄8 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 4 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil (for frying)

How To Shuk A Clam

Here are my top tips for how to shuck clams:

The first secret to getting the clams open is a trick my grandmother taught me. It’s great for keeping the mess down too!

Just put the clams on a cookie sheet and pop them in the freezer for about an hour. Slip a knife through the slit and tap the end with a small hammer if it’s not popping open.

Once the clam is open you can use a spoon to scoop everything out. Since the clams are frozen there’s no juice to fly around everywhere, which is a major bonus.

How To Chop Clams

The second tip for a great clam fritter is chopping up the clams.

Doing this by hand is time-consuming so I like to use a manual food chopper. I found this manual food chopper on Amazon and it has been perfect for so many things. It chops clams perfectly and does a lot of other things too like mixing, slicing and shredding.

You just pull the handle repeatedly until you get the results you want. I LOVE it, and it’s super easy to use. You want minced clams, with as few large pieces as possible. This helps to distribute the flavor of your clam fritters evenly.

Making The Perfect Clam Fritter Batter

The final tip I have for the perfect homemade clam fritters is baking powder. It gives the fritters a beautiful puff that takes them from flat and floppy to fluffy and crisp.

How To Make Clam Fritters

Here are the step for making the best clam fritters:

Step One: Preheat Your Oil.

In a large skillet reheat your oil to 360°F     

Step Two: Mix Flour And Seasonings

Mix the flour and seasonings together in a large bowl.

Step Three: Mix Fritter Batter

Add the reserved clam juice, minced onions and remaining ingredients and whisk together to form a batter.   

Step Four: Fry Your Clam Fritters

Use a ladle to drop the batter into the hot oil like pancakes. Be sure to make sure that the clam fritters are not too big. Form patties about 2-3 inches in diameter.

Step Five: Cook Your Fresh Clam Fritters

Cook for 3 – 4 minutes or until golden brown on each side.      

Step Six: Drain Clam Fritters

Remove the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and repeat until you use up all of the batter.

Paper towels are better than a wire rack because they absorb more of the excess oil from the fritters.

Step Seven: Garnish and Serve Clam Fritters

Garnish with diced parsley and serve hot with tartar sauce or your favorite seafood dip.

Enjoy your homemade clam fritters!

Can I Add Other Ingredients To These Clam Fritters

The best part about making homemade clam fritters is that you can customize them with your favorite seasonings and toppings.

Try experimenting with adding herbs like dill or cilantro, or add some diced bell pepper for extra texture and flavor. You could add different seasonings such as garlic powder or onion powder to your dry ingredients to make the fritters.

Do I Have To Use Vegetable Oil?

You can use any type of oil that has a high smoke point for frying the fritters. Some alternatives include canola oil or peanut oil. Experiment with different oils to find your favorite flavor and texture in your clam fritters.

Minced V’s Chopped Clams

When making Clam fritters, some people prefer using minced clams while others prefer chopped clams. It really just comes down to personal preference.

Minced clams will have a smoother texture, while chopped clams will give your fritters more of a bite. Feel free to mix it up and try both versions!

Can I Bake Clam Fritters Instead Of Frying Them

While frying these clam fritters will give them a crisp outer layer, you can definitely bake them as well.

Simply preheat your oven to 350°F and place the formed fritter patties on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

What To Serve With Clam Fritters

These clam fritters pair well with dipping sauce or sides.

Try serving them with tartar sauce, hot sauce, cocktail sauce, vinegar-based coleslaw, lime juice, or even lemon wedges for squeezing lemon juice over the top.

You could also serve your clam patties with a side salad, Macaroni salad, or potato salad. These fritters make a great addition to any seafood feast or as an appetizer at a party.

Can Clam Fritters Be Made Ahead Of Time

Yes, you can make these clam fritters ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe steps and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

When ready to serve, simply heat them up in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Can You Freeze Fritters?

You can also freeze these fritters for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

I hope you love this clam fritter recipe as much as I do and I’d love to hear any variation on the recipe that you have. Be sure to check out our other recipes while you’re here.