Description
Crispy Golden Onion Rings celebrate classic American comfort snacking with a perfectly seasoned crunch. Delicate onion slices wrapped in a light, golden batter deliver a mouthwatering experience that companions will crave at backyard gatherings and game nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 2 tablespoons flour (additional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 12 fluid ounces (355 milliliters) seltzer water
Main Ingredient:
- 1 large onion
Cooking Ingredient:
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare for frying by setting up cooling racks over a baking sheet near the cooking area to drain excess oil efficiently.
- Carefully peel the onion, positioning the stem outward, then slice into uniform 0.5-inch (1.27 centimeters) thick rings, gently separating each ring.
- Optionally soak onion rings in ice-cold water for 15 minutes to remove sharp edges, then thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to ensure crisp coating.
- Dust onion rings evenly with cornstarch, which creates a protective barrier and helps the batter adhere more effectively while reducing moisture.
- Create a light, airy batter by whisking together all-purpose flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
- Gradually pour cold seltzer water into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a consistency similar to thin pancake batter.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 365-375 degrees Fahrenheit (185-190 degrees Celsius), using a reliable kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Dip each cornstarch-coated onion ring into the prepared batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully lower into the hot oil using tongs.
- Fry the battered rings for approximately 1 minute and 20 seconds, gently flipping halfway through cooking to ensure even golden-brown coloration.
- Transfer crispy onion rings to prepared cooling racks, allowing excess oil to drain, and serve immediately with preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Chill onions in ice water to enhance crispiness and remove sharp bite before frying.
- Coat onion rings generously with cornstarch to create an extra-crispy, perfectly sealed exterior.
- Maintain precise oil temperature between 365-375°F for golden, non-greasy rings that are crunchy outside and tender inside.
- Use seltzer water instead of regular water to create a lighter, airier batter that guarantees maximum crispness.
- Place fried rings on cooling racks to prevent soggy bottoms and preserve their delightful crunch.
- Experiment with various dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard to elevate flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 248 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg