Description
Crispy and flavorful homemade deep fried onion rings featuring sweet onion slices coated in a seasoned flour and buttermilk batter, perfect as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Onion Rings
- 1 extra large sweet onion, sliced into ½ inch rings and separated
Batter and Coating
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
For Frying
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep)
- Cooking spray (optional)
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic salt, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper until evenly combined to create the seasoned coating.
- Coat the Onion Rings: Dip the onion rings one at a time first into the buttermilk, ensuring each ring is fully coated, then dredge them in the flour mixture, covering thoroughly. Place each dipped ring on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pot or Dutch oven, pour vegetable or canola oil to about 2 inches depth. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C), which is the ideal temperature for frying crispy onion rings without greasiness.
- Fry the Onion Rings: Carefully add 3 onion rings at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even golden crispiness on both sides.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried onion rings and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Repeat Frying: Continue frying the remaining onion rings in batches until all are cooked, maintaining the oil temperature for consistent results.
- Serve: Serve the onion rings immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy as a snack or side dish.
Notes
- Maintaining the oil temperature at 375°F is crucial to avoid soggy onion rings.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pot to ensure even cooking and temperature control.
- You can keep fried onion rings warm in a low oven (around 200°F) if cooking in batches.
- Use a sweet onion variety like Vidalia for best flavor and mild sweetness.
- For a spicier variation, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
