The BEST Onion Rings
The BEST Onion Rings
Ingredients
For the Onion Rings
- 1 yellow onion, medium-sized
- 2 cups buttermilk, or as needed to cover onion rings
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 3 cups Panko breadcrumbs, or as needed to coat onion rings
- 4 cups vegetable oil, or as needed for frying
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky salt, or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the onion by slicing it down from the root, then turning it around and slicing the top. Gently peel the onion, ensuring to remove the thin membrane if possible.
⏱️ 3 min
- 2
Slice the peeled onion in half horizontally across the rings. Separate the onion into individual rings.
⏱️ 2 min
- 3
In a large metal bowl, combine the separated onion rings, buttermilk, hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder. Ensure the onion rings are fully covered. With a gloved hand, very carefully mix the onion rings in the seasoned buttermilk, trying not to break them.
⏱️ 5 min
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, remaining 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, remaining 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder.
⏱️ 3 min
- 5
Take a few onion rings from the wet batter, allowing any excess moisture to drip off. Instantly transfer them into the flour mixture and coat them thoroughly. Set aside on a plate or wire rack to allow the coating to 'dry out and vibe'. Repeat with remaining onion rings.
⏱️ 7 min
- 6
Once all onion rings have received their first dry coating, dip them back into the wet buttermilk batter for a second wet coating.
⏱️ 5 min - 7
Gently and carefully toss the wet-battered onion rings into a metal pan or shallow dish filled with Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. This completes the 'wet, dry, wet, dry' battering process. Place the breaded onion rings on a clean plate or wire rack.
⏱️ 5 min
- 8
Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 350
- 9
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, very carefully place the breaded onion rings into the hot oil. Fry for about 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the onion rings from the oil.
⏱️ 4 min•🌡️ 350
- 10
Place the fried onion rings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with flaky salt. Repeat with remaining onion rings. Serve hot and enjoy!
⏱️ 6 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
The BEST Onion Rings
For the Onion Rings
- 1 yellow onion, medium-sized
- 2 cups buttermilk, or as needed to cover onion rings
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 3 cups Panko breadcrumbs, or as needed to coat onion rings
- 4 cups vegetable oil, or as needed for frying
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky salt, or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the onion by slicing it down from the root, then turning it around and slicing the top. Gently peel the onion, ensuring to remove the thin membrane if possible.
⏱️ 3 min - 2
Slice the peeled onion in half horizontally across the rings. Separate the onion into individual rings.
⏱️ 2 min - 3
In a large metal bowl, combine the separated onion rings, buttermilk, hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder. Ensure the onion rings are fully covered. With a gloved hand, very carefully mix the onion rings in the seasoned buttermilk, trying not to break them.
⏱️ 5 min - 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, remaining 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, remaining 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder.
⏱️ 3 min - 5
Take a few onion rings from the wet batter, allowing any excess moisture to drip off. Instantly transfer them into the flour mixture and coat them thoroughly. Set aside on a plate or wire rack to allow the coating to 'dry out and vibe'. Repeat with remaining onion rings.
⏱️ 7 min - 6
Once all onion rings have received their first dry coating, dip them back into the wet buttermilk batter for a second wet coating.
⏱️ 5 min - 7
Gently and carefully toss the wet-battered onion rings into a metal pan or shallow dish filled with Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. This completes the 'wet, dry, wet, dry' battering process. Place the breaded onion rings on a clean plate or wire rack.
⏱️ 5 min - 8
Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 350 - 9
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, very carefully place the breaded onion rings into the hot oil. Fry for about 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the onion rings from the oil.
⏱️ 4 min•🌡️ 350 - 10
Place the fried onion rings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with flaky salt. Repeat with remaining onion rings. Serve hot and enjoy!
⏱️ 6 min