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Crispy Onion Rings, whether baked or fried, will be a huge hit appetizer that you will want to make again and again.  The sweet onion wrapped in a crunch of perfectly crispy panko breading is just as delicious as any restaurant version, and surprisingly easy to make at home!

For more delicious appetizers that are warm and crispy try Baked Buffalo Cauliflower, Crispy Parmesan Fried Zucchini, or Mozzarella Sticks.  They will start any meal off right with vibrant flavors your family and friends will rave about!

Finished onion rings on a plate with dipping sauce.

Crispy Onion Rings (Baked or Fried!)

Crispy onion rings that you crave from your favorite restaurant or fast food chain can be made easily at home!  They are great as a side dish with hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, or served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.  Everyone will be so impressed at the crispy breading you are able to make from scratch at home.  You will never have to go out to enjoy these delicious onion rings again!

These homemade onion rings are can be fried or baked in the oven and either way you will end up with the best onion ring you have ever had.  It so crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.  Each bite gives the perfect crunch.  The sweet onion flavor is perfectly balanced by the warm paprika and garlic spices and the nutty parmesan cheese.  Pair these onion rings with a favorite dipping sauce and you will be amazed how quickly they are eaten and enjoyed!

What is Onion Ring Batter Made of?

These onions are so irresistible at any restaurant, and now they can be made from scratch in your kitchen using just a few common ingredients.  Most of these are staples in any pantry and are very easy to work with.  You will be shocked how fast these come together and how delicious they are!

  • Oil for frying: Canola, peanut, or vegetable oil are best for deep frying.
  • Onions: White or yellow onions work well. In the summer months Walla Walla or Vidalia are in season and are a great option for a sweeter onion.
  • Flour: Holds the crispy coating on to the onion.  Shake off any excess before dipping in the egg.
  • Baking powder: Adds a little more crispiness to the batter and helps hold the batter to the onion.
  • Eggs: Whisk eggs lightly before dredging onion rings through them.
  • Panko: Extra crispy Japanese breadcrumb that is light and airy.
  • Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a great nutty flavor to the batter.
  • Paprika: Adds great color and a very mild spice.
  • Garlic powder: Garlic flavor makes everything better and these onion rings are no exception!

How do You Make Onion Rings From Scratch?

Whether you are frying or baking your onion rings, this recipe is an easy way to create a delicious and crispy appetizer.  Simply follow the directions through step 4, then depending on your preferred cooking method you will complete step 5 accordingly.  Your family will go crazy over these delicious onion rings no matter which way you choose!

  1. Heat oil: In a medium sized skillet add oil 1/2 inch up the pan and preheat to medium high or 375 degrees.
  2. Slice onions: The onions should be about 1/4 inch thick.
  3. Prepare batter: In a small bowl add the flour and baking powder. In another bowl add the eggs and whisk. And in the last shallow dish add Panko, parmesan cheese, paprika and garlic powder.
  4. Dip: First dip onion slice in the flour, then the egg, and lastly in the Panko mixture. Repeat with all of the onion rings.
  5. To Fry: Add the onion rings to the oil and fry until they are golden brown. To Bake: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. After coating the onion rings line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
  6. Serve: Plate these up with your favorite dipping sauce.

Steps to make onion rings.

Tips for Crispy Onion Rings:

When it comes to making the perfect batter for a fried (or baked) onion ring, there may be a few questions that come to mind.  Here is my advice on making the BEST onion rings you have ever had.  Follow these tips to master the art of a crispy onion ring your family will go crazy over!

  • How to get the best onion flavor: When biting into an onion ring, you want to get a sweet and bright onion flavor.  To achieve this unique flavor, you will need to start by soaking the onion slices in cold water.  Allow them to chill in the water for at least 10 minutes.  Dry them off completely before beginning to batter them.
  • How to keep batter from falling off onion rings: In order to keep that tasty and crispy breading on your onion you will want to use cold batter and hot oil.  Also, make sure you shake off any excess flour before dipping the onion in the egg mixture.  You need thin layers as you go.
  • How to cut the onion: Cut the stem end off and remove the peel. Then trim off the root end. Now cut a thin slice off the end of the onion to keep the onion from rolling while you slice it.  Finally, place the onion flat side down and cut cross wise into thick slices for the perfect onion rings.
  • How to get extra crispy onion rings: For an extra crispy coating, double dip the onion rings in the egg and panko mixture. Also, when cooling the onion rings, place them on a wire cooling rack with paper towels below it so that the crispy rings are not laying directly on the oil soaked paper towel as they cool.

Can I Freeze Battered Onion Rings?

Yes!  Place your onion rings in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to a year.  To reheat, place in a 375 degree oven until heated through.

Dipping onion rings in sauce.

More Crispy Appetizer Recipes:

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Crispy Onion Rings

By: Alyssa Rivers
Crispy Onion Rings, whether baked or fried, will be a huge hit appetizer that you will want to make again and again.  The sweet onion wrapped in a crunch of perfectly crispy panko breading is just as delicious as any restaurant version, and surprisingly easy to make at home!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 People

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • In a medium sized skillet add oil 1/2 inch up the pan and preheat to medium high or 375 degrees. Slice the onions 1/4 inch thickness into rings.
  • In a small bowl add the flour and baking powder. In another bowl add the eggs and whisk. And in the last shallow dish add Panko, parmesan cheese, paprika and garlic powder.
  • Dip one onion ring in the flour, then the egg, and lastly in the Panko mixture. Repeat with all of the onion rings.
  • Add the onion rings to the oil and fry until they are golden brown. Serve with favorite dipping sauce.

To Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. After coating the onion rings line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 309mgPotassium: 256mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 355IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 186mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!
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About Alyssa Rivers

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Alyssa Rivers and the food blogger behind The Recipe Critic. The blog launched in 2012 as a place to share my passion for cooking. I love trying new things and testing them out with my family. Each recipe is tried and true, family-tested and approved.

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