Description
Crispy and flavorful homemade fried onion rings with a perfectly seasoned breading. These golden onion rings are coated in a buttermilk and egg wash, dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, and fried to crunchy perfection. Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Onions
- 1 large sweet or yellow onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
Breading and Batter
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Frying
- Oil for frying (canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Buttermilk Mixture: Whisk together 1 cup buttermilk and 1 large egg in a shallow dish until smooth and combined. This mixture will help the breading adhere to the onion rings.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. In a third shallow dish, place 1 cup panko bread crumbs.
- Coat Onion Rings: Take the onion rings and dredge them first in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Then dip them into the buttermilk and egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the onion rings into the panko bread crumbs to coat thoroughly. Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the breading to become tacky and adhere better during frying.
- Heat Oil: Pour oil into a large cast iron skillet or heavy-duty pot until it is about 1 inch deep. Heat the oil to a temperature of 350°F to 375°F, using a thermometer for accuracy to ensure crisp and non-greasy onion rings.
- Fry Onion Rings: Fry 3 to 4 onion rings at a time without overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the onion rings turn a light golden brown and achieve a crispy texture.
- Drain and Cool: Transfer fried onion rings to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows excess oil to drain away, keeping the rings crispy. Repeat the frying process with the remaining onion rings.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftover onion rings tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
- Air Fryer Option: Instead of deep frying, spray the breaded onion rings with cooking spray and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes until crispy, working in batches as needed.
- Oil Choice: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil for best frying results.
- Temperature Control: Maintaining the oil between 350°F and 375°F is critical to avoid greasy or burnt onion rings.
