Onion Rings

Introduction

Onion rings are a classic snack that brings joy to many people. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are perfect for munching at home, serving at parties, or enjoying as a side dish. Whether you dip them in ketchup, ranch dressing, or other sauces, they are a treat anyone can enjoy!

Why Make This Recipe

Making onion rings at home is a great way to treat yourself and your loved ones. You can control the ingredients to ensure they are fresh and tasty. Plus, nothing compares to the delicious crunch of homemade onion rings. They are simple to make and can impress your friends and family. If you love a good crunch, this recipe is for you!

How to Make Onion Rings

Making onion rings is straightforward. Just follow the steps below, and you will end up with a crispy batch ready to be devoured!

Ingredients

1 large yellow onion (about 1 pound)
¼ cup cornstarch
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 large egg
1 cup milk
4 cups plain panko bread crumbs
4½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Bloomin’ onion sauce (for dipping)
Zesty ranch dressing (for dipping)
Ketchup (for dipping)

Directions

Fill a large mixing bowl (4 quarts) with water and add 2 cups of ice.
Peel the outer husk off the onion. Slice off the top of the onion, keeping the bottom intact. Cut the onion into ½-inch rings.
Carefully separate the onion rings and place them in ice water for about 5 minutes to reduce sulfur smell. If using a sweet onion, you can skip this step. Drain the rings on paper towels.
Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place a cooling rack on top. Set this aside.
Prepare a second baking sheet lined with wax paper or a disposable pan.
In a shallow bowl, add ¼ cup of cornstarch. Dip the onion rings in the cornstarch, shaking off the excess, and place them on the wax paper.
In a larger bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk them together.
In another bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Combine this mixture with the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 370°F-375°F. While the oil heats, coat the onion rings.
Add 2 cups of panko bread crumbs to another shallow bowl. Dip each ring in the batter and coat with panko crumbs. Place them back on the wax paper.
Once the oil is hot, fry 3 to 4 rings at a time, cooking each side for 45 seconds to 1 minute until golden brown. Drain the cooked onion rings on the cooling rack.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces!

How to Serve Onion Rings

Onion rings are best served hot and crispy. You can serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Pair them with your favorite sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, or a special blooming onion sauce for extra flavor!

How to Store Onion Rings

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let the onion rings cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to regain their crunch. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy.

Tips to Make Onion Rings

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Experiment with different spices in the batter to make them uniquely yours.
Ensure the oil is hot enough to avoid greasy rings.

Variation

You can swap out yellow onions for sweet onions if you like a milder taste. Additionally, try adding Parmesan cheese to the panko bread crumbs for extra flavor!

FAQs

Q: Can I use any type of onion?
A: Yes, but yellow onions offer the best flavor. Sweet onions are milder and work well too!

Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and panko bread crumbs to make the onion rings gluten-free.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes, you can bake them at a high temperature (around 425°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not be as crunchy as fried ones, but they will still be delicious!

Enjoy making and indulging in these crispy onion rings!