Homemade Extra Crispy Onion Rings Recipe

There’s something truly magical about transforming a humble onion into a crispy, golden delight, and I’m about to take you on that flavorful journey with this crowd-pleasing onion rings recipe!

I enjoy making the ideal extra crispy homemade onion rings, using a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder to produce a light batte r. Paprika and cayenne pepper add a warmth that makes the onion rings sing, while cold seltzer ensures that the coating stays crispy.

Panko and plain breadcrumbs deliver an irresistible crunch.

Homemade Extra Crispy Onion Rings Recipe Ingredients

• Onions: Rich in antioxidants, add sweetness and flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure, high in carbohydrates.
• Cornstarch: Ensures crispiness, gluten-free starch.
• Paprika: Adds mild heat, rich in vitamins.
• Cayenne pepper: Spicy kick, boosts metabolism.
• Sparkling water: Lightens batter, enhances texture.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Ultra-crisp texture, low in fat.
• Vegetable oil: Cooking medium, high smoke point.

Homemade Extra Crispy Onion Rings Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large onions, sliced into rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup cold sparkling water or club soda
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

How to Make this Homemade Extra Crispy Onion Rings Recipe

1. Vegetable oil is heated to 350 °F (175 °C) in a deep fryer or large pot.

2. In a big bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

3. Slowly incorporate the cold sparkling water or club soda into the dry ingredients, whisking until the batter is smooth.

4. Cut the onions into rings. Avoid cutting too deeply into the onion—it should remain intact in the middle. And while cutting, pay attention to the nature and direction of the fibers. An onion has one main fiber direction, and for this recipe, you want to cut against it.

5. In a dish that is not deep, panko breadcrumbs and plain breadcrumbs are combined.

6. Soak each onion ring in the batter, and let any extra weep back into the bowl.

7. Coat the battered onion rings with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres.

8. Sauté the onion rings in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pot, for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

9. With a slotted spoon, take the onion rings out of the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

10. Add a small amount of extra salt, if you want, and serve hot with your preferred dipping sauce.

Homemade Extra Crispy Onion Rings Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Deep fryer or large pot
2. Thermometer for checking oil temperature
3. Large bowl
4. Whisk
5. Cutting board
6. Sharp knife
7. Shallow dish
8. Slotted spoon
9. Plate lined with paper towels

FAQ

• Q: Can I use sweet onions for this recipe?A: Yes, sweet onions can add a delicious flavor to the rings, but feel free to use any type of onion you prefer.
• Q: Do I need to use both panko and plain breadcrumbs?Both types of breadcrumbs work to create an extra crispy texture in this dish, but you can use just one type if you’d prefer or if you’d rather not deal with two types of breadcrumbs.
• Q: Can I prepare the batter in advance?A: Prepare the batter just prior to frying for the best possible crispness. The carbonation in the sparkling water imparts the best texture when the batter is fresh.
• Q: What oil is best for frying onion rings?A: It’s best to use vegetable oil because it has a neutral taste and a high smoke point, but you can also use canola or peanut oil.
• Q: How do I keep the onion rings crispy after frying?A: Put them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and hold them in a warm oven (about 200°F) until you’re ready to serve.
• Q: Can I make these onion rings in an air fryer?A: Yes, but they might not be quite as textured. Spray the oiled rings with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.

Homemade Extra Crispy Onion Rings Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Shallots are a good substitute for onions if you want something with a milder flavor. Onions are pretty versatile and a common bulwark in savory cooking across the globe. They can be found in many recipes, sometimes used in a way that they serve as the base of the dish. If you’re making something that requires onions, you can use shallots as a substitute and not miss a beat.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Cornstarch: Use potato starch or arrowroot powder instead for an effect that’s similar.
Soda club: Use the same quantity of cold beer instead of this for a more profound taste in the batter.
Use crushed cornflakes instead of panko for extra crunch.

Pro Tips

1. Use Cold Sparkling Water: Ensure the sparkling water or club soda is ice-cold when mixing it into the dry ingredients. The cold temperature helps create a lighter, crispier batter when fried.