Introduction
Onion rings are a classic indulgence that can elevate any meal or serve as a delicious snack on their own. With their crispy coating and sweet onion flavor, homemade onion rings are a treat everyone can enjoy. This recipe provides a simple yet effective way to create perfectly breaded onion rings that are golden and crunchy.
Ingredients
2 medium-sized sweet yellow onions (approximately 1 pound)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons onion powder
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon table salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup whole milk
1 extra-large egg
1½ cups plain panko bread crumbs
1 cup plain bread crumbs
Vegetable oil for frying
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
4-6 minutes per batch
Total Time
Approximately 1 hour
Yield
Serves 4-6
Instructions
1. Prepare Onions:
Peel the outer skin of the onions. Slice the onions into ¼-inch thick rings and separate them.
2. Set Up:
Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and place a cooling rack over it. Line another baking sheet with paper towels for the cooked onion rings.
3. Heat Oil:
Add vegetable oil to a 10 to 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, filling it to about ½ inch depth, or set up your deep fryer. Heat the oil to 365°F.
4. Prepare Coatings:
In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the flour, onion powder, baking powder, paprika, table salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well incorporated. In another separate bowl, whisk together the panko and plain bread crumbs.
5. Coat Onion Rings:
Dredge each onion ring in the flour mixture. Dip the flour-coated onion rings in the milk and egg mixture. Finally, coat the onion rings in the breadcrumb mixture. Place them on the cooling rack over the baking sheet.
6. Deep Fryer Method:
Heat the oil in your deep fryer to 365°F. Add a single layer of breaded onion rings to the deep fryer basket. Cook the onion rings for 1½ to 2 minutes per side, or until they are a deep golden brown. Repeat for the remaining onion rings.
7. Skillet Method:
Once the oil reaches 365°F, use tongs to carefully add the coated onion rings in batches, ensuring not to crowd the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until deep golden brown. Monitor the heat to prevent burning. Transfer cooked onion rings to the paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining onion rings.
Notes
– Sweet yellow onions can be substituted with plain yellow or white onions.
– Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola or peanut oil.
– For a spicier version, add chipotle powder or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Nutrition
Calories: 186 kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0.002g
Cholesterol: 24mg
Sodium: 450mg
Potassium: 213mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 169 IU
Vitamin C: 2mg
Calcium: 118mg
Iron: 2mg
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Onions:
– Peel the outer skin of the onions.
– Slice the onions into ¼-inch thick rings and separate them.
Set Up:
– Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and place a cooling rack over it.
– Line another baking sheet with paper towels for the cooked onion rings.
Heat Oil:
– Add vegetable oil to a 10 to 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, filling it to about ½ inch depth, or set up your deep fryer.
– Heat the oil to 365°F.
Prepare Coatings:
– In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the flour, onion powder, baking powder, paprika, table salt, and black pepper.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well incorporated.
– In another separate bowl, whisk together the panko and plain bread crumbs.
Coat Onion Rings:
– Dredge each onion ring in the flour mixture.
– Dip the flour-coated onion rings in the milk and egg mixture.
– Finally, coat the onion rings in the breadcrumb mixture.
– Place them on the cooling rack over the baking sheet.
Deep Fryer Method:
– Heat the oil in your deep fryer to 365°F.
– Add a single layer of breaded onion rings to the deep fryer basket.
– Cook the onion rings for 1½ to 2 minutes per side, or until they are a deep golden brown.
– Repeat for the remaining onion rings.
Skillet Method:
– Once the oil reaches 365°F, use tongs to carefully add the coated onion rings in batches, ensuring not to crowd the skillet.
– Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until deep golden brown. Monitor the heat to prevent burning.
– Transfer cooked onion rings to the paper towel-lined baking sheet.
– Repeat with the remaining onion rings.
Notes
Substitutions:
– Sweet yellow onions can be substituted with plain yellow or white onions.
– Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola or peanut oil.
Variations:
– For a spicier version, add chipotle powder or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Cook techniques
Preparing Onions
Peel the outer skin and slice the onions into ¼-inch thick rings, then separate them.
Setting Up
Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and place a cooling rack over it. Use another baking sheet lined with paper towels for cooked onion rings.
Heating Oil
In a 10 to 12-inch skillet, add vegetable oil to about ½ inch depth. Heat the oil to 365°F or set up your deep fryer accordingly.
Preparing Coatings
Whisk together the flour, onion powder, baking powder, paprika, table salt, and black pepper in one bowl. In another, whisk together the milk and egg. In a third bowl, combine the panko and plain bread crumbs.
Coating Onion Rings
Dredge each onion ring in the flour mixture, dip in the milk and egg mixture, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Place them on the cooling rack.
Deep Fryer Method
Heat the oil in your deep fryer to 365°F and fry a single layer of breaded onion rings for 1½ to 2 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
Skillet Method
Add the coated onion rings to the skillet in batches, cooking for about 2 minutes per side until they achieve a deep golden color. Transfer to the paper towel-lined baking sheet.
FAQ
Can I use different types of onions?
Yes, sweet yellow onions can be substituted with plain yellow or white onions.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola or peanut oil.
How can I make the onion rings spicier?
Add chipotle powder or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicier version.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
Use a thermometer to check that the oil is at 365°F before frying the onion rings.
What if I don’t have a deep fryer?
You can use a skillet on the stove to fry the onion rings in batches. Ensure the oil is heated properly.
Conclusion
The recipe for these crispy, golden onion rings is a delightful way to enjoy a classic snack. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, they can become a favorite appetizer or side dish. Whether served alone or paired with dips, these onion rings are sure to please a crowd.
Spicy Onion Rings
For a kick of heat, add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the flour mixture before coating the onion rings.
Onion Ring Toppers
Top cooked onion rings with freshly grated parmesan cheese or sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra burst of flavor.
Stuffed Onion Rings
Consider stuffing the onion rings with cheese or seasoned ground meat before frying for a hearty twist.
Onion Ring Sandwich
Use the onion rings as a topping for burgers or sandwiches to add a crunchy texture and rich flavor.
Onion Ring Salad Topping
Crush cooked onion rings to use as a crunchy topping for salads, giving them an appealing texture.
Sweet and Spicy Glaze
Create a sweet and spicy glaze using honey mixed with sriracha to drizzle over the onion rings after frying for a unique flavor combination.
Vegetable Variations
Try breading and frying other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers using the same coating method for a delicious vegetable platter.
