Homemade Onion Rings
Onion rings are a classic snack or side dish that can take any meal to the next level. They are crispy, crunchy, and have a delicious onion flavor. Making them at home lets you control the ingredients and the level of crispiness, making it a fun and rewarding cooking project. Plus, homemade onion rings are perfect for sharing with family and friends during game nights or casual get-togethers.
Why make this recipe
Homemade onion rings are easy to prepare and a lot tastier than store-bought options. You can customize the spices and make them as crispy as you prefer. When you make onion rings at home, you also save money and avoid unnecessary preservatives. They are a fun way to enjoy a simple snack that everyone loves.
How to make Homemade Onion Rings
Ingredients:
- 2 large yellow onions (sliced into 1/2 inch rings)
- 2 cups panko
- 1/2 cup flour (for dusting)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Directions:
- With a sharp knife, remove the outer skins of the two large yellow onions. Slice each onion into ½ inch thick rings. Push out the individual rings with your hands.
- In a large bowl, place ½ cup of flour for dusting.
- In a second bowl, combine ½ cup flour, 1 cup of milk, and 1 egg. Whisk together until a batter forms.
- To your batter, add ½ tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp cayenne, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix well.
- In a third bowl, add 2 cups of panko.
- Coat each onion ring in flour first. Then dip each into the flavored batter and coat in panko. Make sure the entire ring is covered. Place on a sheet tray.
- Heat about 1 cup of canola oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, gently drop your rings into the oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined tray. Season each ring with kosher salt.
- Serve hot with a dip of your choice!
How to serve Homemade Onion Rings
Homemade onion rings are best served hot and crispy. You can enjoy them alone or with dips like ranch, ketchup, or spicy mayo. They pair well with burgers, sandwiches, or just as a fun snack on their own.
How to store Homemade Onion Rings
If you have any leftover onion rings, let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat them, place them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness, rather than using the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Tips to make Homemade Onion Rings
- Use a sharp knife for better slicing.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy texture.
- You can adjust the spices based on your taste. Add more cayenne for heat or more smoked paprika for flavor.
Variation
You can try adding grated parmesan cheese to the panko for an extra cheesy flavor. Another option is to spice things up by using different spices like cumin or chili powder. You can also experiment with dipping the rings in different batters, like a beer batter for a different texture.
FAQs
- Can I use sweet onions instead of yellow onions?
- Yes, sweet onions will give you a milder flavor, but they can still be delicious!
- Can I bake the onion rings instead of frying them?
- Yes, you can bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not be as crispy as fried, but it’s a healthier option.
- How can I make these onion rings gluten-free?
- You can use gluten-free flour and panko instead of regular flour and panko. They will still taste great!
