Description
Crispy and golden fried homemade onion rings with a perfectly seasoned coating, made from scratch using simple ingredients and a buttermilk batter for the best crunch and flavor.
Ingredients
Onions and Wet Ingredients
- 1 large sweet or yellow onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
Dry Coating Mixture
- 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
Breading
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Frying
- Oil for frying (canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Buttermilk Mixture: Whisk together the buttermilk and egg in a shallow dish until thoroughly combined, creating the wet batter to soak the onion rings.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate shallow dish, thoroughly mix the flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to create the seasoned flour coating.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Add the panko bread crumbs to a third shallow dish to complete the breading process.
- Coat the Onion Rings: Dredge each onion ring first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat it completely with the panko bread crumbs. Place the coated rings aside for 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from falling off during frying.
- Heat Oil: In a large cast iron skillet or a heavy-duty pot such as a Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of oil to a temperature between 350°F and 375°F, optimal for frying.
- Fry the Onion Rings: Carefully fry 3 to 4 onion rings at a time without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the onion rings turn a light golden brown and become crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the onion rings with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat frying with the remaining onion rings. Serve hot and enjoy crispy homemade onion rings.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Allowing the coated onion rings to rest before frying helps the breading stick better and results in crunchier onion rings.
- Use an oil with a high smoke point such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil for best frying results.
- Adjust seasoning in the flour mixture to taste if desired, adding more spices or heat for variation.
- Use a wire rack instead of paper towels for draining fried onion rings to keep them crispier longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
