Crispy Golden Onion Rings (Printable Version)

Golden, crispy battered onion rings fried to perfection. A classic American appetizer that's irresistibly crunchy and ready in just 30 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rings

→ Batter

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 cup cornstarch
04 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 cup cold sparkling water (or cold beer for extra crispiness)

→ Coating

09 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)

→ For Frying

10 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying

# How to Make It:

01 - Separate onion slices into individual rings and set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
03 - Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water (or beer) until a smooth, thick batter forms.
04 - Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
05 - Working in batches, dip onion rings into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. For extra crunch, dredge battered rings in panko breadcrumbs before frying.
06 - Carefully lower onion rings into the hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp.
07 - Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sparkling water in the batter creates these incredible bubble pockets that make every bite impossibly light
  • They come out of the fryer with this golden crunch that shatters beautifully when you bite through to the sweet onion inside
02 -
  • Cold sparkling water is non-negotiable here, as warm or still liquid will make the batter heavy and the onion rings soggy
  • Do not overcrowd the fryer, or the oil temperature will drop and you will end up with greasy, limp rings instead of crisp ones
03 -
  • Soaking the sliced onion rings in ice water for 30 minutes before battering removes some of the harsh sulfur compounds and makes them sweeter
  • For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce directly into the batter instead of serving spicy dipping sauces on the side
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