Easy Onion Rings
Crispy Fried Onion Rings, the nightmare of some and the delight of others, onion is one ingredient with no half-measures; you hate it or love it with exaggerated intensity. I find myself among those who idolize it without reservations, and like fresh garlic, I consider it a fundamental part of my kitchen. Today's recipe is very simple, but it makes a difference when it accompanies countless meals. I am sure that when you try it, you'll fall in love as much as my family and I did!
Ingredients
- 3 large yellow onions , halved and thinly sliced on a mandoline
- 1-½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch or yellow cornmeal
- 2 cups Buttermilk , milk, or cold water
- 1- quart canola or vegetable oil for frying
- 2-½ teaspoons Kosher salt to taste , divided
- 1-½ teaspoon ground black pepper , divided
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
Instructions
- Peel the onions, slice them ½ to ¾-inch thick, and separate them into rings. Combine the buttermilk, 1 ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Add the onion rings, toss well, and allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes. (The onion rings can sit in the buttermilk for a few hours.)
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cornstarch, cornmeal, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon cayenne, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Set aside.When you're ready to fry the onion rings, preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
- Heat the oil to 350 degrees F in a large pot. (A candy thermometer attached to the side of the pot will help you maintain the proper temperature.)
- Working in batches, lift some onions out of the buttermilk and dredge them in the flour mixture. Drop into the hot oil and fry for 2 minutes, until golden brown, turning them once with tongs. Don't crowd them!
- Place the finished Crispy Fried Onions on the baking sheet, sprinkle with kosher salt, and keep them warm in the oven while you fry the next batch. Continue frying the onion rings and placing them in the warm oven until all the onions are fried. They will remain crisp in the oven for up to 30 minutes. Serve your Crispy Fried Onions on top of a burger, as a standalone appetizer, or as a side dish for just about any meal; the possibilities are endless!
Notes
How to Store & Re-Heat
If you have leftover fried onion rings, it's best to store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can use either the oven or the air fryer to reheat them. Preheat the oven to 400°F, place the onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 5-10 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.
For an air-fryer approach, reheat the air fryer to 375°F, place the Rings in the basket in a single layer, and cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy. Be careful not to overcook them when reheating, as they can become too dry or burnt. Reheat them in small batches to ensure they are evenly heated through.
Make-Ahead
This recipe is best when served hot and fresh, but it can also be made ahead to save time. To make them ahead of time, you can prepare the batter and slice the onions, then store them separately in the fridge until ready to fry. When prepared to cook them, heat the oil and coat the onions in the batter before frying them. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Then, to reheat them, place them on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Remember, when these are re-heated, they may not be as crispy as freshly made ones, but they will still taste delicious.
How to Freeze
If you want to freeze your fried onion rings, it's essential to let them cool to room temperature first. Once they have cooled down, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the onion rings do not touch each other so they don't stick together. Next, place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the onion rings for 1-2 hours or until they are firm.
Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, and label them with the date and contents. The fried onion rings can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat them, reheat the frozen onion rings in the oven or air fryer until they are crispy and heated. It's important not to thaw them before reheating, as this can make them soggy. Instead, reheat them from frozen in small batches for the best results.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Onion Rings
Amount per Serving
Calories
1528
% Daily Value*
Fat
161
g
248
%
Saturated Fat
26
g
163
%
Trans Fat
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
91
g
Monounsaturated Fat
37
g
Cholesterol
9
mg
3
%
Sodium
475
mg
21
%
Potassium
232
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
23
g
8
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
6
g
7
%
Protein
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
778
IU
16
%
Vitamin C
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
110
mg
11
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
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