Description
Crispy Battered Onion Rings deliver a golden crunch that elevates classic comfort snacking. Southern-style seasoning and perfectly crisp exterior promise a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 cups buttermilk
Coating and Main Ingredients:
- 2 large onions, sliced into ¼-inch rings
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Gently separate whole onion rings, ensuring they remain intact and free from breakage, which can impact the final texture of the crispy coating.
- Immerse the delicate onion rings in cold buttermilk for 30-40 minutes, allowing the dairy to tenderize and enhance the onions’ natural sweetness and texture.
- Create a seasoned flour mixture by blending all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a wide, shallow dish.
- Pour panko breadcrumbs into a separate shallow container, preparing a crisp outer layer for maximum crunchiness.
- Warm vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to precisely 375°F (190°C), using a digital thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Extract each buttermilk-soaked onion ring, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then delicately coat with the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring even and light coverage.
- Dunk the floured ring back into buttermilk, then generously roll in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere completely.
- Carefully lower breaded rings into hot oil in small batches, avoiding overcrowding, and fry for 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Transfer fried onion rings to a wire rack lined with paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining optimal crispness.
- Serve immediately alongside complementary dipping sauces like ranch, spicy aioli, or classic ketchup for a delectable appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- Soak onion rings in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Double-dredge rings in flour mixture and panko breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy, golden-brown exterior that stays crunchy.
- Maintain oil temperature at 375°F to ensure perfect frying without absorbing excess oil or becoming greasy.
- Avoid overcrowding the fryer to prevent temperature drops and ensure each ring cooks evenly and becomes beautifully crisp.
- Use a slotted spoon to drain excess oil, keeping rings light and crunchy instead of soggy and heavy.
- Serve immediately while hot for maximum crispiness and enjoyment with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg