Are you tired of limp, greasy onion rings? Do you crave that satisfying crunch and explosion of oniony goodness? Well, look no further! This recipe delivers incredibly easy and delicious onion rings, perfect for a satisfying side dish, game-day snack, or anytime treat.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Choose between the air fryer for a lighter, healthier option, or bake them in the oven for a classic crispy experience. Either way, you’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding homemade onion rings can be.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla work great!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispness)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar added, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1-2 cups panko breadcrumbs (depending on desired coating thickness)
- Canola oil for frying (if using oven method)
Instructions:
- Slice and Separate: Slice your onion into ¼ – ½ inch thick rings. Carefully separate the rings, trying to keep them intact. Discard the center core.
- Dry Dredge: In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Wet Bath: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
- Bread It Up: Prepare your panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
- Coating Chaos: Dredge each onion ring in the dry mixture, then dip it in the wet mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat generously in panko breadcrumbs. Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the onion rings in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Oven Method: Heat canola oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully fry the onion rings in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Tips and Tricks:
- Chill Out: For extra crispy onion rings, place the breaded rings in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating set.
- Spice It Up: Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry dredge mixture for a hint of heat.
- Dipping Delights: These onion rings pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, or a cool and creamy sriracha mayo.
Conclusion:
With this easy recipe, you can ditch the frozen onion rings and create restaurant-worthy goodness at home. So next time the craving strikes, whip up a batch of these crispy delights. You won’t be disappointed!