Fried Onion Rings (CRISPY AND DELISH!)

Classic homemade crispy fried onion rings are dredged in buttermilk and battered in a highly seasoned flour.  The results are absolutely delicious!  Now you can make restaurant quality onion rings at home!  If you love fried appetizers like these, try this Fried Okra and Fried Pickles!

There are two types of people in the world: Fry people and Onion Ring people.  I happen to be one of the later.  This doesn’t mean that I dislike or hate fries.  In fact, I love fries.  Absolutely love fries.  But I ADORE onion rings.

There is no secret that I love to fry things on this site.  I fry chicken regularly; I fry steak; I fry tomatoes; I fry okra and more.  I’m a great fryer.  We get that.   It was only a matter of time before I dropped my crispy fried onion rings recipe on ya!  And it was well worth the wait.

While fried food isn’t all that healthy for you, I believe that it’s perfectly reasonable to enjoy it in moderation. I don’t eat something fried every single day. Most of the time, we bake in my house so I feel no qualms about indulging in these heavenly homemade Crispy Fried Onion Rings from time to time. So, let me tell you about how special these things are!

HOW TO MAKE ONION RINGS

There are three simple, delicious components to this recipe: onions, buttermilk and seasoned flour. It’s important to use good quality, well-balanced ingredients that best compliment one another. The result is a crispy onion ring that bursts with flavor with each bite!
Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:

Onions

Onions are aromatic, acidic, salty, sweet, sour and all-around delicious! Slice the onions to your preferred thickness; I would suggest anything from ⅓-½ inch.

Seasoned Flour

I love using seasoned flour when I fry. I keep a batch on hand for most frying needs. This flour contains tons of flavor with a bit of spicy heat to make your tastebuds sing.

TIP: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your seasoned flour! Adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne or add in a new spice. I love the idea of adding in dried mustard or a bit of cumin. Yum!

Buttermilk

To make sure these babies get super crispy with a fantastic crust, I dipped first in flour then into buttermilk and then back into the flour. Buttermilk not only helps the flour to stick to the onion, but it also layers in a slight tang.

The results are the most perfect crust imaginable. I know for sure that you will absolutely adore this! And you should trust me by now.

WHAT KIND OF ONIONS SHOULD I USE?

Use anything you’ve got on hand! I almost alway use a standard yellow or white onion. I find that both varieties make for crisp, tangy rings.

TIP: If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the onion slices in ice water for about 15 minutes before use. The cold water will help to pull out starch and soften their flavor.

TIPS & TECHNIQUES FOR PERFECT ONION RINGS

It’s way too easy to set out with the intention of making fried food and ending up with sad, greasy scraps. There are tricks of the fried trade that everyone should know. I’m here to spill the tea y’all!

These are my Top 3 BEST tips for frying up perfection:

1. Delegate! To avoid mess, designate a dry hand and a wet hand. Setting up a small station and working slowly will avoid clumpy, messy hands.
2. Choose the Oil Carefully. Refined oils such as safflower, canola, vegetable, sunflower or peanut are all high-heat oils. They’re capable of withstanding higher temperatures and staying stable without imparting flavor.
3. Work in Batches! Don’t overcrowd the pot with too many rings or they’ll clump together and lower the oil temperature. Be patient and enjoy the process!

BONUS: You don’t need a huge vat to fry onion rings; try using a saute pan or wok. Just note that the wider the pan, the more rings you’ll be able to fry at once.

GRANDBABY CAKES’ BEST FRIED FARE

Crispy Fried Onion Rings

Classic homemade crispy fried onion rings dredged in buttermilk and battered in a highly seasoned flour. The results are absolutely delicious! Now you can make restaurant quality onion rings at home!

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cast iron, game day recipes, kid-friendly recipes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 147kcal

Author: Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby-Cakes.com

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 3 tablespoons seasoned salt
• 2 tablespoons yellow corn meal
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 onions sliced into 1/3-1/2 inch rings
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

• Add flour, seasoned salt, corn meal, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper to a paper bag and shake to mix well.
• Dip each onion ring into seasoned flour then dip into buttermilk then back into seasoned flour coating all sides. Set each battered onion ring on a parchment covered baking sheet to rest until all onion rings are battered.
• While coating sets, add 3-3 1/2 inches of oil to a cast iron or heavy bottom pot and heat over medium high heat. Also turn on oven to 275 degrees.
• Fry onion rings 4 at a time, not over crowding. Fry on each side until golden brown then remove and place on paper towels to drain.
• Add finished onion rings to a parchment paper lined baking sheet and place in the oven to keep warm until all are fried. Serve when ready.

Notes

TIP: If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the onion slices in ice water for about 15 minutes before use. The cold water will help to pull out starch and soften their flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 2120mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 320IU | Vitamin C: 1.8mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1.7mg

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