Description
These extra crispy onion rings are golden, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. Coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in buttermilk batter, and covered with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, they are perfectly fried to a crispy finish. Ideal as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these onion rings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions
- 2 large yellow onions (peeled, ends trimmed, and sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rings)
Batter and Coating
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2 inches deep)
Instructions
- Prepare Onion Rings: Separate the onion slices into individual rings and set them aside to be coated.
- Make Buttermilk Mixture: In one shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and the egg until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a second shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Prepare Panko Breadcrumbs: Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a third shallow dish for easy breading.
- Coat Onion Rings: Dredge each onion ring first in the flour mixture, making sure each ring is fully coated. Then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press both sides of each ring into the panko breadcrumbs until completely covered. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches into a heavy-duty pan or cast-iron skillet. Heat it over medium heat and maintain the temperature at 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer.
- Fry Onion Rings: Fry the onion rings in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping the rings halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried onion rings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still hot, sprinkle lightly with salt. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauces and enjoy!
Notes
- Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is crucial for crispy, non-greasy onion rings.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch; regular breadcrumbs will yield a softer texture.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; onion rings tend to lose crispness if left standing.
