How To Make Perfect, Extra Crispy Homemade Onion Rings
Craving restaurant-quality onion rings with an ultra-crispy, golden-brown coating? These homemade onion rings are perfectly crunchy on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, and so much better than anything store-bought. With a simple batter, a few frying tips, and the right seasonings, you’ll get extra crispy onion rings every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy, Golden Coating – Light, airy, and extra crunchy!
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
✔️ Better Than Takeout – Fresh, homemade taste with no preservatives.
✔️ Perfect for Snacking or Sides – Enjoy with burgers, sandwiches, or on their own!
✔️ Customizable Seasoning – Add spices for a unique flavor twist.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be frozen and reheated easily.
Ingredients for Homemade Onion Rings
- 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow onions)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for flavor)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cold sparkling water (or cold club soda)
- 1 large egg (optional, for a richer batter)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for an ultra-crispy coating)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
The Best Onions for Making Onion Rings
Not all onions are created equal, and the variety you choose will affect the flavor, texture, and crispiness of your onion rings.
Best Onion Varieties for Crispy Onion Rings
•Yellow Onions – Balanced sweetness and a firm texture make them the best overall choice.
•White Onions – More pungent with a sharper taste, ideal for a bold onion flavor.
•Sweet Onions (Vidalia, Walla Walla, Maui) – Milder and naturally sweet, perfect for caramelized onion rings.
•Red Onions – Less common, but they provide a slightly milder taste and vibrant color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slice the Onions
- Peel the onions and cut them into ½-inch thick rings.
- Separate the rings and set aside.
2. Make the Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Gradually whisk in cold sparkling water (and egg if using) until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too heavy.
3. Prepare Panko Coating
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
- This step ensures extra crunch!
4. Coat the Onion Rings
- Dip each onion ring into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
- Press into panko breadcrumbs, coating well for a crispy texture.
5. Heat the Oil
- In a deep pot or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Test by dropping a small bit of batter—if it sizzles and rises, the oil is ready.
6. Fry the Onion Rings
- Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
7. Serve & Enjoy the Extra Crispy Homemade Onion Rings!
- Sprinkle with salt and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Extra Crispy Onion Rings
Use Cornstarch – Helps create a light, crunchy coating.
Cold Batter = Crispier Rings – Keep the batter cold for the best texture.
Double Coat for Extra Crunch – Dip in batter, then panko for maximum crispiness.
Fry in Batches – Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
Drain on a Wire Rack – Prevents soggy onion rings.
Use the Right Oil – High-smoke point oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best.
Best Dipping Sauces for Onion Rings
- Classic Ranch – Creamy and cool.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo – A bold, fiery kick.
- Honey Mustard – Sweet and tangy.
- BBQ Sauce – Smoky and rich.
- Garlic Aioli – A flavorful, garlicky dip.
- Chipotle Ketchup – A smoky, spicy twist on traditional ketchup.
- Blue Cheese Dip – Perfect for a tangy, bold contrast.
What to Serve with Onion Rings
Onion rings pair well with a variety of meals:
- Burgers – Classic pairing with cheeseburgers or BBQ burgers.
- Steak Sandwiches – Add crispy onion rings for extra crunch.
- Hot Dogs – Serve as a side with loaded hot dogs.
- Grilled Cheese – A fun alternative to classic fries.
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches – The sweetness of onion rings pairs perfectly.
Best Dipping Sauces for Onion Rings
Great onion rings deserve an equally delicious dipping sauce. Some popular choices include:
•Classic Ranch – A creamy, herby dip that pairs well with crispy onion rings.
•Spicy Sriracha Mayo – A mix of mayonnaise, sriracha, and garlic.
•Honey Mustard – A blend of honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise.
For more pairing ideas, check out air fryer baked potatoes for another crispy side dish.
How to Store & Reheat Onion Rings
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Reheat:
- Air Fryer: 375°F for 5 minutes.
- Oven: 400°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Skillet: Re-fry for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness.
For tips on reviving crispy fried foods, check out how to fix soggy fried chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake onion rings instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
What’s the best onion for onion rings?
Sweet onions like Vidalia, yellow onions, or white onions work best.
Why aren’t my onion rings crispy?
Make sure your batter is cold, and don’t overcrowd the frying pan.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and panko for a GF version.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! You can coat the onion rings and freeze them before frying.
How do I prevent the batter from sliding off?
Pat the onion rings dry before dipping in batter and let excess batter drip off before coating in panko.
Final Thoughts
Making perfect, extra crispy homemade onion rings is easier than you think! With the right batter, a light panko coating, and proper frying technique, you’ll get irresistibly crunchy onion rings every time.
These onion rings are ideal for game day snacks, party appetizers, or an indulgent side dish for your favorite meals. Once you try homemade onion rings, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
Try this recipe today and enjoy the ultimate crispy snack!
Extra Crispy Homemade Onion Rings – How to Make it Perfectly
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Craving restaurant-quality onion rings with an ultra-crispy, golden-brown coating? These homemade onion rings are perfectly crunchy on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, and so much better than anything store-bought. With a simple batter, a few frying tips, and the right seasonings, you’ll get extra crispy onion rings every time!
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow onions)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for flavor)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cold sparkling water (or cold club soda)
- 1 large egg (optional, for a richer batter)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for an ultra-crispy coating)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Instructions
1. Slice the Onions
- Peel the onions and cut them into ½-inch thick rings.
- Separate the rings and set aside.
2. Make the Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Gradually whisk in cold sparkling water (and egg if using) until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too heavy.
3. Prepare Panko Coating
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
- This step ensures extra crunch!
4. Coat the Onion Rings
- Dip each onion ring into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
- Press into panko breadcrumbs, coating well for a crispy texture.
5. Heat the Oil
- In a deep pot or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Test by dropping a small bit of batter—if it sizzles and rises, the oil is ready.
6. Fry the Onion Rings
- Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
- Sprinkle with salt and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
One of the biggest challenges with onion rings is keeping them crispy after frying. Here are a few pro tips:
✅ Pro Tips for Extra Crunch
✔️ Use Cornstarch in the Batter – It makes the coating lighter and crunchier.
✔️ Keep the Batter Cold – Cold batter prevents excessive oil absorption.
✔️ Double Coat with Panko – Adds a thick, crispy texture.
✔️ Fry at the Right Temperature – 350°F is ideal; too low makes them greasy, too high burns them.
✔️ Drain on a Wire Rack – Paper towels can trap steam and make them soggy.
How to Keep Onion Rings Crispy for Longer:
- If making in advance, place fried onion rings on a baking sheet in a 250°F oven to keep them warm and crispy.
- Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 Onion Rings
- Calories: 275kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 3g
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
