Crispy Onion Rings Recipe
Learn how to make the crispiest homemade onion rings with this easy recipe. Perfectly golden, crunchy, and delicious—your new favorite snack!
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet onions sliced into ½-inch rings
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Coat the Onions: Dip each onion ring into the batter, shaking off excess. Dip again for a double coating.
- Chill: Place the coated onion rings on a baking sheet and chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat oil to 375°F.
- Fry: Fry the onion rings in small batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Here are some additional tips and variations to help you make the best crispy onion rings:
- Use Cold Ingredients: For an extra crispy coating, make sure your buttermilk and batter ingredients are cold before mixing.
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: Dipping the onion rings twice in the batter ensures a thick, even coating that fries up beautifully.
- Chill Before Frying: After coating the onion rings, chill them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This helps the batter set and prevents it from sliding off during frying.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn; if it’s too cool, the rings will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake the onion rings at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray them lightly with cooking oil to help them brown.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook the onion rings in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method uses less oil but still delivers a crispy texture.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
- Dipping Sauce Ideas: Serve your onion rings with classic ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or tangy barbecue sauce for extra flavor.