Description
Crisp homemade onion rings highlight classic American comfort fare with perfect golden crunch. Seasoned batter and careful frying create delightful rings you’ll savor alongside burgers or as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large onion
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 2 tablespoons flour (additional)
- 12 fluid ounces (355 milliliters) seltzer water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prep Station: Position cooling racks over a baking sheet for efficient oil drainage and quick accessibility during the frying process.
- Onion Preparation: Peel onion with stem facing outward, slice into precise 0.5-inch rings, carefully separating each individual ring.
- Moisture Management: Submerge onion rings in ice water for 15 minutes to neutralize sharp flavors, then meticulously dry using paper towels to guarantee optimal coating adherence.
- Coating Foundation: Evenly dust rings with cornstarch, creating a protective barrier that enhances batter connection and minimizes potential moisture interference.
- Batter Creation: Combine flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until uniformly integrated.
- Liquid Integration: Gradually pour cold seltzer water into dry ingredients, stirring continuously until achieving a smooth, thin pancake-like consistency.
- Oil Calibration: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 365-375 degrees Fahrenheit, utilizing a kitchen thermometer for precise temperature control.
- Battering and Frying: Dip cornstarch-coated rings into prepared batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully lower into hot oil using tongs, cooking for approximately 1 minute and 20 seconds while flipping midway to ensure consistent golden-brown coloration.
- Finishing Touch: Transfer crispy rings to prepared cooling racks, allowing excess oil to drain, and serve immediately alongside preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Chill Onion Rings: Soak in ice-cold water to remove sharp onion edges and soften texture, ensuring a milder, more pleasant flavor profile.
- Control Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 365-375°F heat to prevent soggy or burnt rings, using a reliable kitchen thermometer for precision.
- Drain Excess Oil: Place fried rings on cooling racks to keep crispy coating crunchy and prevent becoming greasy or soggy.
- Batter Consistency Matters: Mix seltzer water gradually to achieve thin pancake-like batter, creating light, airy, and crisp coating that adheres perfectly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg