So So Crispy Fried Onion Rings

If you’re a fan of crispy, golden perfection, then So So Crispy Fried Onion Rings are about to become your new favorite snack. These onion rings are the definition of crunchy and crave-worthy. Each bite gives you a satisfying crunch followed by a sweet, mild onion flavor—perfectly seasoned and fried to crispy perfection. Whether you’re serving them as a side, an appetizer, or just because, these onion rings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Dip them in your favorite sauce, and you’ll be hooked! Trust me, you’re going to want to make these every time you’re craving something crispy and delicious.

Why You’ll Love So So Crispy Fried Onion Rings

Let me give you a few reasons why these onion rings are the ultimate snack or side:

Ultimate Crunch

The batter coating these onion rings is what makes them so crispy. No sogginess here! These bad boys have a satisfying crunch that’ll make you want to keep munching.

Perfectly Seasoned

The seasoning in the batter is just the right balance of savory and slightly tangy, making each bite burst with flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the onions. It’s the perfect harmony!

Easy to Make

Making crispy onion rings at home is surprisingly simple! With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can have homemade onion rings that rival any restaurant version.

Fun to Serve

These onion rings are great for dipping, and they pair perfectly with everything from ketchup to ranch, BBQ sauce, or even spicy mayo. Serve them at your next BBQ, family gathering, or game night for a guaranteed hit.

Customizable

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste! Add a little more spice with cayenne pepper or some garlic powder for extra flavor. The beauty of these onion rings is how easily you can make them your own.

Ingredients in So So Crispy Fried Onion Rings

Here’s what you’ll need to create these crispy, golden rings of goodness:

Yellow or White Onions

Choose onions with a sweet and mild flavor. The onion rings will be crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside.

All-Purpose Flour

The flour is the base for the batter that will give these onion rings their crunchy coating.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch helps make the batter extra crispy by absorbing moisture and allowing the coating to fry up light and crisp.

Baking Powder

A little baking powder will help the batter puff up slightly as it fries, giving the rings that crispy, airy texture.

Salt

A pinch of salt enhances the flavors in the batter and helps balance out the sweetness of the onions.

Black Pepper

Just a dash of black pepper for a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk makes the batter thick and creamy, helping it cling to the onion rings and adding a little tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk or make a quick substitute by adding lemon juice or vinegar to milk.

Egg

An egg is added to the batter to give it structure and help it coat the onions.

Panko Breadcrumbs

For that super crispy finish, panko breadcrumbs are key! These Japanese breadcrumbs create a crisp, airy crunch that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match.

Vegetable Oil

For frying the onion rings to golden perfection, vegetable oil is the way to go. You’ll want enough oil to submerge the onion rings so they fry evenly.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
• Total Time: 20-22 minutes

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 250
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 3g

Instructions

Ready to dive into making these So So Crispy Fried Onion Rings? Here’s how you can do it:

1. Slice the Onions

Start by slicing the onions into rings about 1/4 inch thick. If you want thinner or thicker rings, feel free to adjust, but make sure they’re all similar in size so they cook evenly.

2. Prepare the Batter

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. The batter should be thick and smooth.

3. Coat the Onion Rings

Place the panko breadcrumbs on a plate or shallow dish. Take each onion ring and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, press it into the breadcrumbs, gently pressing them onto the onion ring so they stick.

4. Heat the Oil

In a large frying pan or deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the onion rings when you fry them, but it doesn’t have to be deep frying. You’re aiming for a temperature of around 350°F (175°C). Test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter into it—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s ready!

5. Fry the Onion Rings

Carefully drop the breaded onion rings into the hot oil. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the onion rings for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Flip them carefully with tongs or a slotted spoon.

6. Drain the Oil

Once the onion rings are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your So So Crispy Fried Onion Rings hot, with your favorite dipping sauce. I recommend ketchup, ranch, or even a spicy aioli for a fun twist!

How to Serve So So Crispy Fried Onion Rings

These crispy onion rings are perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

As a Side to Burgers

Pair these crunchy onion rings with your favorite burger for the ultimate meal. They’re also great with a side of fries or coleslaw.

As an Appetizer

These onion rings are a hit at parties or casual gatherings. Serve them as an appetizer with a selection of dipping sauces for a fun snack.

With Fried Chicken or Fish

Onion rings are a classic accompaniment to fried chicken or fish. The crispy coating adds a satisfying texture that complements the tender meat perfectly.

With a Salad

Serve these crispy treats alongside a fresh salad for a delightful contrast of textures. They add a crispy crunch to the meal that everyone will love.

For Game Day

Nothing beats crispy onion rings during game day! Serve them with some buffalo wings, dips, and chips for a fun, crowd-pleasing spread.

Additional Tips

Use Yellow or White Onions

Yellow and white onions are sweet and tender, making them the best choice for onion rings. Avoid using red onions as they can have a more pungent flavor when fried.

Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature

It’s important to keep the oil at the right temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the rings will burn before they cook through. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Make it Extra Crunchy

For even more crunch, you can double dip your onion rings. After coating them in the batter and breadcrumbs, dip them back into the batter and then again into the breadcrumbs.

Try Adding Spices

Feel free to get creative with your seasoning! Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to the batter for extra flavor.

Make Ahead

If you’re making these for a big crowd, you can bread the onion rings in advance and store them in the fridge. Fry them just before serving for the crispiest results.

Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these onion rings ahead of time?

A1: While these onion rings are best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can bread them ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry.

Q2: Can I bake these onion rings instead of frying them?

A2: Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded onion rings on a baking sheet, and spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q3: What’s the best oil for frying onion rings?

A3: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all great options for frying onion rings. They have a high smoke point, which is ideal for frying.

Q4: Can I use a different type of breading?

A4: Yes! You can try using regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even cornmeal for a different texture.

Q5: How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?

A5: You can test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter in. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is hot enough for frying.

Q6: Can I freeze these onion rings?

A6: Yes, you can freeze the breaded but uncooked onion rings. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to fry, cook them straight from the freezer.

Q7: Can I use a deep fryer for this recipe?

A7: Absolutely! A deep fryer is perfect for frying these onion rings. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep the oil at the right temperature.

Q8: How can I keep the onion rings crispy?

A8: Once fried, place the onion rings on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them from getting soggy. This allows the air to circulate around them.

Q9: Can I use sweet onions instead of yellow onions?

A9: Sweet onions can be a great choice for a milder, sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind they may be a bit more delicate, so handle them carefully when frying.

Q10: What dipping sauces go well with onion rings?

A10: Ketchup, ranch, BBQ sauce, and spicy mayo are all fantastic options for dipping! You could also try a tangy blue cheese dressing or homemade aioli.

Conclusion

These So So Crispy Fried Onion Rings are the ultimate snack or side dish for any occasion. Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, they’re perfect for dipping and even better for sharing. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought versions! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

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