Description
These So So Crispy Fried Onion Rings are a perfect homemade appetizer featuring sweet yellow onions dipped in a light, flavorful batter and coated with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, then fried to golden perfection. Ideal for serving hot with your favorite dipping sauce, these onion rings deliver a crispy, satisfying snack that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Onion Rings
- 2 large yellow onions, cut into ½-inch rings and separated
Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups cold club soda (or beer)
Breading
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Peel the yellow onions and slice them into ½-inch thick rings. Gently separate the rings and set them aside to prepare for battering.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Slowly pour in the cold club soda, whisking continuously until a smooth batter forms with no lumps.
- Prepare Breading Station: Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish to make coating the onion rings easier and more even.
- Batter and Bread the Onion Rings: Dip each onion ring into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the battered ring with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well to the surface of the ring.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pot or large skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for optimal frying results.
- Fry the Onion Rings: Carefully fry the onion rings in batches, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and are crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
- Drain and Keep Warm: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried onion rings from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. To keep batches warm and crispy, place finished rings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until all are done.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried onion rings hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch, or spicy aioli for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For extra flavor and a mild kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- To keep onion rings warm and crispy when frying in batches, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until all are cooked.
- Use cold club soda or beer to create a lighter and crispier batter texture.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for best frying results and to avoid greasy onion rings.