Crispy, golden, and irresistible, homemade onion rings are the ultimate snack or side dish for any occasion. These crunchy delights are easy to make and are perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a satisfying treat, onion rings never fail to impress. Let’s dive into this simple recipe and discover the joy of making this classic at home!
Why You’ll Love It
- Crunch Factor: These onion rings are incredibly crispy and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze.
- Customizable: Spice up the batter or pair with your favorite dips for variety.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at gatherings or as a snack.
How to Make Onion Rings
The secret to perfect onion rings is in the batter and frying technique. A combination of flour, cornstarch, and spices ensures a crispy coating that clings to the onions while keeping them tender and flavorful inside.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Onions:
Cut large onions into ½-inch thick rings and carefully separate them.
Make the Batter:
In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and seasonings. Gradually whisk in cold water or soda water until smooth.
Coat the Onions:
Coat each onion ring in the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Fry Until Golden:
Heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the rings in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Drain and Serve:
Arrange the cooked onion rings on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dips.
Variations
- Spicy Onion Rings: Spice up the batter by adding cayenne pepper or chili powder for an extra kick.
- Cheese-Coated: Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for a cheesy crust.
- Air Fryer Version: Cook in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage Tips for Onion Rings
Refrigerator: Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days to stay fresh.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked onion rings in a single layer on a baking sheet. After freezing, move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 1 month.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place onion rings on a baking sheet and heat for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
- Air Fryer: Heat them up at 375°F (190°C) for 5-6 minutes.
- Avoid Microwave: Microwaving may make them soggy.

Onion Rings
4
servings15
minutes15
minutesIngredients
2 large onions
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cold water or soda water
1½ cups breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
Vegetable oil for frying
Directions
- Slice onions into rings and separate them.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly whisk in cold water until the batter reaches a smooth consistency.
- Dip each onion ring in batter and coat with breadcrumbs (optional).
- Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry onion rings in batches until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
FAQ
1. Can I make onion rings without breadcrumbs?
Yes! Breadcrumbs add extra crunch, but you can skip them for a lighter coating.
2. How can I make these onion rings gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
3. What oil is best for frying onion rings?
Vegetable oil or canola oil works best due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.