Crispy Onion Rings Recipe – Baked or Fried, Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Crispy Onion Rings Recipe – Baked or Fried, Step-by-Step Guide

Hey everyone! There’s just something about a perfectly crispy onion ring, isn’t there? They’re the ultimate comfort food, and honestly, I can never resist them when I see them on a menu. I first made these at home when my kids were little, and they’ve been a family favorite ever since. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for incredibly crispy onion rings – and the best part? You can bake them or fry them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s surprisingly easy, even for beginner cooks. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Plus, the option to bake them makes it a little healthier (though let’s be real, sometimes you just need fried food!). They’re perfect as a snack, a side dish, or even a fun appetizer for a get-together.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these golden beauties:

• 2 large onions
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
• 1 cup cornstarch (120g)
• 1 cup club soda (240ml)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (5ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (2.5ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (1.25ml)
• Oil for frying or baking

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using club soda is key to getting a light and airy batter. The carbonation creates little bubbles that make the onion rings super crispy. Don’t substitute with regular water – it just won’t be the same!

If you’re frying, you have a few oil options. Peanut oil is fantastic because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor. Vegetable or canola oil work well too. Just make sure whatever you choose can handle the heat.

And onions! Yellow onions are classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Red onions give a slightly sharper flavor and a beautiful color, and sweet onions (like Vidalia) are, well, sweet!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) if you’re baking, or heat your oil for frying.
2. Slice those onions into about 1/4-inch (6mm) thick rings. It doesn’t have to be perfect!
3. Now, soak the onion rings in cold water for 15-20 minutes. This helps remove some of the sharpness and makes them extra crispy.
4. Pat the onion rings really dry with paper towels. This is important – wet onion rings won’t get crispy.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
6. Gradually add the club soda to the dry ingredients, whisking until you have a smooth batter. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay.
7. Dip each onion ring into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess batter.
8. For baking: Arrange the coated onion rings on a wire rack set over a parchment-lined baking sheet. This helps them get crispy all around. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
9. For frying: Carefully lower the onion rings into the hot oil (around 350°F/175°C) and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
10. Transfer the cooked onion rings to a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
11. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!

Expert Tips

Want to take your onion rings to the next level? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Double Dip: For extra-thick and crispy rings, dip them in the batter twice.
• Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to coat the onions, but not so thick that it’s gloopy. If it’s too thick, add a splash more club soda.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for frying. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the onion rings will be soggy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• Vegan Onion Rings: My friend Priya swears by using plant-based milk (like almond or soy) and an egg replacer (like flaxseed meal mixed with water) in the batter.
• Gluten-Free Onion Rings: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour works great!
• Spice Level: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter.
• Festival Adaptations: These are amazing for Diwali or any festive occasion. My family loves to serve them with a spicy mint chutney.

Serving Suggestions

Onion rings are best served immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. They pair perfectly with:

• Burgers and fries
• Sandwiches
• Salads
• Your favorite dipping sauces (ketchup, mayo, ranch, sweet chili sauce – take your pick!)

Storage Instructions

Honestly, onion rings are best eaten right away. But if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’ll lose some of their crispness, but you can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to try and revive them.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Can I make the batter ahead of time? You can, but it’s best to use it within 30 minutes. The carbonation from the club soda will start to fade over time.
• What is the best way to prevent the onion rings from sticking together? Make sure you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or frying pan. Also, the wire rack helps prevent them from sticking after cooking.
• Can I use sparkling water instead of club soda? You can, but club soda is preferred as it has a more neutral flavor.
• What dipping sauces pair best with onion rings? Oh, the possibilities are endless! Ketchup, mayo, ranch, sweet chili sauce, and even a spicy sriracha mayo are all great choices.
• How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying? A good test is to drop a small piece of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.

Enjoy! Let me know in the comments how yours turn out.