If you like it then you should put a (onion) ring on it!
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Everyone’s heard that, in America, we deep fry everything! There’s a substantial number of snacks that have resulted from our curiosity to see what would happen if we dunked them in oil. Whether you’re a fierce fan of french fries or a connoisseur of carnival fare (my partner loves funnel cakes!), you’ve no doubt indulged in something that tastes better when deep fried in oil. Even deep-fried vegetables taste delicious—but it might surprise you to learn that they aren’t American!
Onion rings, for example, are so synonymous with sports-bar appetizers and stadium snacks that it can be difficult to believe that they didn’t originate in the U.S. But one of the early recipes for onion rings comes out of the 1802 publication The Art of Cookery Made Easy and Refined by British author John Mollard. Back then, onion rings were made with a seasoned crust of Parmesan and fried in lard. Modern recipes riff on Mollard’s recommendations, typically calling for a deep fry in cooking oils and a panko crust, all while remaining one of the more notoriously unhealthy indulgences on a menu.
Our onion rings straddle the line between indulgence and prudence. They are relatively healthy (as all things made by your own hand tend to be!) while also being totally DEVOURable! Overall, these shareable, sharp onions cloaked in crispy breading make for a fantastic appetizer, side dish, or anytime snack!
Are Onion Rings Healthy?
While onions are a nutrient-dense vegetable, being low in calories yet high in vitamins and minerals, frying them typically counters their health benefits. Just try to be as cognizant as possible of the ingredients you’re using so that your finished product remains as nutritious as it is delicious!
The secret Sauce
Typical onion rings are served with a dipping sauce that hits all of the indulgent cravings you could possibly have. A classic, creamy onion ring sauce is zesty, a little spicy, and oh so delicious! The secret? Making it from scratch!
Combining apple cider vinegar, cayenne, ketchup, and mayonnaise makes a scrumptious sauce that will fit right alongside a big blooming onion. Alternatively, you could mix together your favorite spicy sauces (like Tabasco and sriracha) and some mayo for a quick and easy dip. If you want something a little cooler, try a homemade ranch by combining sour cream, Greek yogurt, garlic, mustard, and herbs.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large sweet onion, sliced into 1/4-inch rings
- 1 quart (4 cups) vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
INSTRUCTIONS
Slice
Prepare onion rings.
Heat
Get oil ready for frying.
Dredge
Coat onion rings in flour, buttermilk, and breadcrumbs.
Fry
Cook until crispy and golden.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Onion rings are easy enough to make: just dredge, fry, and dine! They do, however, require a little work to get them back to crispy and delicious appetizers after being stored in the fridge. The longer they’re refrigerated for, the limper onion rings become, which is why I recommend baking or toasting leftovers in your oven.
You can reuse cooking oil, but you will want to strain it and store it properly in an airtight container either in the fridge or a cool, dark place. You may also want to use it only for certain foods. If you used it for onions, it will have an onion flavor that might not complement the next food you fry up. You can reuse oil a handful of times but inspect it before each usage.
Really light onion rings are often the cause of cooking oil that isn’t hot enough. Always wait until your oil is at the desired cooking temperature before dropping breaded snacks into it.
Serving Suggestions
Onion rings go perfectly with so many entrées, it’s no wonder almost every restaurant serves them as a side option or appetizer! Serve up these ringlets with other classic American fare like fantastic air fryer cauliflower wings and beautiful black bean burgers! Or, if you’re looking to entertain a ravenous sports crowd, serve up a platter of air fryer chicken tenders (wrapped in bacon!!!), sweet potato tater tots, and serve it all with gourmet guacamole made from scratch!
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion sliced into 1/4-inch rings
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying (4 cups)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Slice the onion into 1/4-inch-thick rings and separate them carefully.
- Heat the oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 365°F.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another dish, whisk the buttermilk and egg. Place the breadcrumbs in a third dish.
- Dredge each onion ring in the flour mixture, dip into the buttermilk mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs. Place on a wire rack.
- Fry the onion rings in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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