Onion Rings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These onion rings are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. They’re easy to make at home with simple ingredients and can be deep-fried, air-fried, or baked to suit your preference. You’ll also love how customizable they are — choose your batter, spice level, and dipping sauces to make them your own.

Ingredients

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

• Large yellow or white onions
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
• Baking powder
• Eggs
• Milk or buttermilk
• Breadcrumbs or panko (optional for extra crunch)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder or paprika (optional for seasoning)
• Oil for frying or cooking spray for baking/air frying

Directions

1. Peel and slice the onions into ½-inch thick rings, then separate them.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch (if using), baking powder, salt, and any seasonings.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
4. Dip each onion ring first in the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally into breadcrumbs if using.
5. For frying: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the rings in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
6. For baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), place rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
7. For air frying: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying lightly with oil.
8. Serve hot with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dip.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Onion Rings: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter.
• Cheesy Onion Rings: Mix grated parmesan into the breadcrumb layer.
• Beer-Battered: Replace milk with cold beer for a pub-style batter.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Vegan: Substitute eggs with a plant-based milk and flour mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until hot and crispy.
Microwaving is not recommended, as it softens the coating.
To freeze, arrange cooked and cooled onion rings in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen.

FAQs

What onions are best for onion rings?

Sweet onions like Vidalia, yellow, or white onions work best due to their mild, sweet flavor.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Make sure to dredge the onions in flour before dipping in the wet mixture, and press breadcrumbs on gently if using.

Can I make onion rings without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use just a flour or batter coating for a softer, classic-style ring.

How do I get extra crispy onion rings?

Use panko breadcrumbs or a mix of cornstarch and flour in the batter for more crunch.

Can I make these in advance?

You can prep and coat the onion rings ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking.

Are onion rings healthier when baked or air-fried?

Yes, both methods use less oil and still give a satisfying crunch.

What dips go well with onion rings?

Ranch, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, chipotle sauce, or classic ketchup are all great options.

Can I use red onions?

You can, but they have a sharper flavor and may taste less sweet after cooking.

Why are my onion rings soggy?

The oil might not be hot enough when frying, or they may have steamed instead of baked if crowded in the oven.

Can I freeze uncooked onion rings?

Yes, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a bag. Bake or air fry from frozen for best results.

Conclusion

Onion Rings are a crispy, golden treat that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, they’re a flavorful and satisfying snack or side that goes with just about anything. With a few simple ingredients and endless variations, you’ll want to make these homemade onion rings part of your regular rotation.

Onion Rings

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Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these homemade onion rings are a delicious snack or side dish that can be fried, baked, or air-fried. Perfect for dipping and serving with burgers or as a party appetizer.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Fry, Bake, or Air Fry
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 large yellow or white onions
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or paprika (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk or buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs or panko (optional)
• Oil for frying or cooking spray for baking/air frying

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Instructions

1. Peel and slice the onions into 1/2-inch thick rings and separate them.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch (if using), baking powder, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
4. Dip each onion ring first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally into breadcrumbs if using.
5. For frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan and fry onion rings in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.
6. For baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. For air frying: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying with oil.
8. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

• Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy coating.
• Pre-coating in flour helps the batter stick better and prevents sogginess.
• Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure crispiness.
• For a pub-style version, use beer in place of milk in the batter.
• Freeze cooked onion rings in a single layer before storing in a bag to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 340mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg