Homemade onion rings are a classic favorite, known for their crispy exterior and tender, sweet interior. This recipe offers a delightful twist with the addition of smoked paprika and garlic powder, enhancing the flavors and bringing a touch of warmth and complexity to the dish. Using panko bread crumbs for the coating ensures a light, crunchy texture that's irresistibly good. Let's dive into how to create these crispy delights from scratch.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet or yellow onion
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Oil for frying (canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil are recommended)
Preparation
Step 1:
Start by peeling the onion and cutting it into ¼-inch thick rings. Carefully separate the rings from each other.
Step 2:
In a shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until well combined.
Step 3:
In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform flour mixture.
Step 4:
Place the panko bread crumbs in a third shallow dish. This will be your final coating for the onion rings.
Step 5:
Take an onion ring and first dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it's completely coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 6:
Dip the flour-coated onion ring into the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
Step 7:
Finally, coat the onion ring in the panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the surface. Set the coated onion ring aside on a tray or wire rack. Repeat this process with all the onion rings.
Step 8:
Let the coated onion rings rest for 10-15 minutes before frying. This resting time helps the coating to set and become more adhesive.
Step 9:
Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches and maintains the correct temperature for frying.
Step 10:
Fry the onion rings in batches, 3-4 at a time, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 11:
Transfer the fried onion rings to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain off any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy.
COOKING Note
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before adding the onion rings to prevent them from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crispy onion rings as a snack with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or a spicy mayo.
Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add different spices to the flour mixture, such as cayenne pepper for heat or dried herbs for a herby touch.
- Keeping the coated onion rings in the refrigerator for a few minutes before frying can help the coating stick better and result in crispier onion rings.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes (includes time for preparing and coating the onion rings)
Cooking Time:
- 15 minutes (depending on batch size)
Total Time:
- 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx. 200-300 per serving
- Protein: Approx. 3g per serving
- Sodium: Approx. 400mg per serving
Conclusion
Crispy homemade onion rings are a delicious treat that's perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to game day snacks. With their crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, these onion rings are sure to satisfy any craving for something savory and crispy. By making them at home, you can enjoy the fresh taste and adjust the flavors to your liking, creating the perfect appetizer or side dish.
Leave a Reply