Crunchy Onion Rings 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Crunchy Onion Rings are crispy, flavorful, and perfectly golden brown. The combination of a light, crunchy coating with the sweet, tender onion makes every bite delicious. Unlike store-bought onion rings, these are homemade, so you can control the seasoning and make them fresh. Whether you’re serving them at a BBQ, game day party, or as a side to your favorite sandwich, this recipe is sure to impress. The crispy texture is achieved by double-coating the onion rings, making them extra crunchy.

Ingredients

• 2 large onions, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the onions: Peel the onions and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rings. Gently separate the rings from each other and set aside.

2. Make the flour mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be the first coating for the onion rings.

3. Make the egg mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until smooth. This will help the coating stick to the onion rings.

4. Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a third shallow bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. These will give the onion rings their crispy crunch.

5. Coat the onion rings: Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, you can repeat the process by dipping the onion ring back into the egg and then the breadcrumbs for a double coating.

6. Fry the onion rings: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or a frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C). Fry the onion rings in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

7. Drain and serve: Once fried, remove the onion rings from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch, or a spicy aioli.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Onion Rings: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.

• Baked Onion Rings: For a healthier version, spray the coated onion rings with cooking spray and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Cheese-Coated Onion Rings: For a cheesy twist, add grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese to the panko breadcrumbs before coating the onion rings.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make a gluten-free version of these onion rings.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover onion rings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked, breaded onion rings for up to 2 months. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container.

• Reheating: Reheat leftover or frozen onion rings by baking them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they’re crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular onions instead of sweet onions?

Yes, you can use any type of onion, but sweet onions tend to have a milder, sweeter flavor that works well for onion rings.

2. Can I make these onion rings without buttermilk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk, or make a DIY buttermilk by mixing 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.

3. How do I make onion rings crispy without deep frying?

For a healthier option, you can bake the onion rings. Spray them with cooking spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

4. How do I keep onion rings from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, be sure to drain the fried onion rings on a paper towel-lined plate. You can also double-coat the onion rings for extra crispiness.

5. Can I use a deep fryer to make onion rings?

Yes, you can use a deep fryer. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and monitor the oil temperature to keep it around 350°F (175°C).

6. Can I make onion rings ahead of time?

It’s best to fry them just before serving to maintain their crispy texture. However, you can bread the onion rings ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to an hour before frying.

7. How do I keep the oil at the right temperature for frying?

Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil. If the oil gets too hot, the onion rings may burn; if it’s too cool, they may become soggy. Keep the oil around 350°F (175°C) for the best results.

8. How do I make sure the batter sticks to the onion rings?

Be sure to dip the onion rings in the flour mixture first, followed by the egg mixture, and then the breadcrumbs. The flour helps the egg mixture stick, and the egg helps the breadcrumbs adhere.

9. Can I make onion rings without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use crushed crackers or cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs for a different texture.

10. What dipping sauce goes best with onion rings?

Classic dipping sauces for onion rings include ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy aioli for a flavorful twist.

Conclusion

Crunchy Onion Rings are the perfect snack or side dish for any occasion. With a golden, crispy coating and a sweet, tender onion interior, they’re sure to please any crowd. This easy recipe allows you to enjoy homemade onion rings that are much better than those from a restaurant or the freezer aisle. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or pairing them with burgers, they’re a delicious and fun treat that everyone will love.

Crunchy Onion Rings 

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Crunchy Onion Rings are a classic appetizer or side dish that offers a perfect balance of crispy, golden batter and tender, sweet onion inside. This easy-to-make recipe brings out the best in onions, with a crunchy exterior that’s irresistible and a soft, flavorful interior. Whether served as a snack, alongside burgers, or with a dipping sauce, these onion rings are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: undefined
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: undefined
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 large onions, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Peel the onions and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rings. Gently separate the rings from each other and set aside.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be the first coating for the onion rings.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until smooth. This will help the coating stick to the onion rings.
4. In a third shallow bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. These will give the onion rings their crispy crunch.
5. Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, you can repeat the process by dipping the onion ring back into the egg and then the breadcrumbs for a double coating.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C). Fry the onion rings in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Once fried, remove the onion rings from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch, or a spicy aioli.

Notes

• For a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture.
• For a healthier option, bake the onion rings by spraying them with cooking spray and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For a cheesy twist, add grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese to the panko breadcrumbs before coating the onion rings.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg