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Crispy Onion Rings Recipe Easy Hand-Breaded Crunch for Perfect Snack

crispy onion rings recipe - featured image

These crispy onion rings feature a hand-breaded technique that delivers a perfect crunchy, golden crust with a subtle smoky kick. Quick and easy to make, they are ideal for snacks, parties, or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium large yellow onions, sliced into ½-inch thick rings (sweet onions work well too)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • ¼ cup cornstarch (30g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240ml), room temperature (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (100g), preferably Japanese style
  • About 4 cups vegetable oil (canola or sunflower) for frying

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice two medium yellow onions into ½-inch thick rings. Separate rings carefully to keep intact (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk and 2 beaten large eggs. Mix until smooth.
  4. Place 2 cups panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  5. Dredge onion rings first in the dry flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the buttermilk-egg mixture. Finally, press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. Set coated rings on a plate.
  6. Pour about 4 cups vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or Dutch oven. Heat over medium heat until oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer or test with a breadcrumb (should sizzle immediately).
  7. Fry a few rings at a time without overcrowding for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Turn halfway using a slotted spoon.
  8. Remove rings with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.
  9. Repeat frying with remaining rings. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Pat onion rings dry with paper towels before breading to help coating stick better. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy or burnt rings. Drain fried rings on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy. Season immediately after frying with salt. For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives. Vegan adaptations include using flax eggs and plant-based milk with vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy onion rings, hand-breaded onion rings, fried onion rings, snack recipe, easy onion rings, crunchy onion rings