Onion Rings
Onion Rings are a crunchy, flavorful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. These crispy onion rings deliver a golden, shatteringly crisp coating with a tender onion center. Fry or air fry this fried onion rings recipe and enjoy their irresistible crunch!
Ingredients
- 2 large yellow or sweet onions
- 1 ½ cups 360ml buttermilk (or 1 ½ cups milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 cup 125g all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups 90g panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup 30g cornmeal (optional, for extra crunch)
- Vegetable oil for frying or oil spray (for air frying)
Instructions
Prep Onions
- I peel 2 large onions and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds, separating them into rings. I save small inner rings for another dish.
Soak Onions
- I place the onion rings in a bowl with 1 ½ cups buttermilk and soak for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge) to soften and improve coating adhesion.
Set Up Breading Station
- I prepare three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: 1 cup flour, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper.
- Bowl 2: 2 lightly beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs mixed with ¼ cup cornmeal (if using).
- I drain the onion rings, then dredge each in flour, dip in egg, and coat in panko, pressing to adhere. I use one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet to stay clean.
Fry Onion Rings
- I heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F/175°C). I fry a few rings at a time, avoiding crowding, for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. I transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt immediately.
Air Fry Option
- For a lighter version, I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). I spray breaded rings lightly with oil spray, place in a single layer, and air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. I work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Serve
- I serve the golden onion rings hot with ketchup, ranch, or a dipping sauce of choice.