If you’ve ever craved the satisfying crunch of deep-fried onion rings, look no further than this easy-to-follow recipe for making these delectable treats at home. Often found as a popular snack or side dish in restaurants, these homemade crispy onion rings are a must-try appetizer that will leave you reaching for more. Whether you opt for traditional deep-frying or prefer the air fryer method, these golden rings of goodness are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Pair them with your favorite condiment, like the irresistible fry sauce.
Ingredients & Substitutions
For this delightful culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- Onions: Choose yellow or sweet onions for a milder flavor, though white onions can also be used for a more pungent taste.
- Buttermilk: Opt for full-fat buttermilk to enhance the breading’s adherence and contribute a tangy flavor to the batter.
- Breading: Prepare a seasoned mixture using flour, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Oil: Select vegetable oil or canola oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavor for deep-frying. Alternatively, follow the air fryer instructions provided.
How To Choose The Best Onions For Onion Rings
Selecting the right onions is crucial for achieving perfect onion rings. Consider the following factors:
- Sweetness: Sweeter onions, such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui onions, complement the savory coating. Avoid overly pungent or bitter varieties like red or white onions.
- Size: Opt for large, round onions for easier slicing into uniform rings, especially if preparing for a crowd.
- Firmness: Choose onions that feel firm and solid when gently squeezed, avoiding soft or mushy ones.
- Thickness: Tailor the thickness of your rings by selecting onions with the desired shape and size.
Experimenting with different onion varieties can add exciting flavor profiles to your crispy creations.
How To Store Onion Rings
Store your deep-fried onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large onion, sweet or yellow
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fry sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, add room temperature buttermilk.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Slice the onion into ½-inch rings, separating each ring.
- Dip each ring into the buttermilk mixture and then into the flour mixture. Set onto the parchment-lined baking sheet until ready to fry. Repeat with each ring.
- For deep-frying, fill a large pot with 1-2 inches of vegetable oil, heating it to 375°F (190°C). Fry 2-3 onion rings at a time for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway. Drain excess grease on a paper towel-lined pan.
- Serve the hot onion rings with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
For air fryer enthusiasts:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the coated onion rings in the basket in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary.
- Spray the tops of onion rings with non-stick cooking spray.
- Air fry for 12-14 minutes, flipping and spraying halfway through cooking time. Enjoy your guilt-free crispy delights!
