Onion rings or French fries?
It is a question that is asked thousands of times each day as hungry diners choose between their two favorite side dishes. Do you choose between the crispy, fluffy, salty potato or the sweet, savory, crunchy onion ring?
It is a tough choice.
The onion ring is an extremely exciting side to accompany an amazing cheeseburger.
On the inside, you have a sweet onion, typically of the Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Spanish Sweet varieties, cooked to a tender and sweet perfection.
On the outside you have a crispy, savory, and well-seasoned breading that adds an amazing crunch. Its rough texture holds onto most any dipping sauce with ease. Think of a Creamy Ranch-Style Dressing or even a tasty Barbecue Sauce.
The contrast between the crunchy outside and tender inside, both of which are delicious, is likely the main reason people enjoy onion rings so much.
I know I do.
Recommended Tools
- Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven – https://amzn.to/4lMJula
- Baking Pan and Wire Rack – https://amzn.to/4hCwPz5
- Balloon Whisk – https://amzn.to/3OeoAfb
- Cutting Board (Maple) – https://amzn.to/3ASqNtt
- Instant Read Thermometer – https://amzn.to/4eoziu0
- Measuring Cups (Stainless) – https://amzn.to/4hbn7mq
- Mixing Bowls (Pyrex) – https://amzn.to/3AW2bA2
Ingredients for Onion Rings
- 1 large sweet or yellow onion sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
- 2 cups buttermilk, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Oil for frying (canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil are our top choices)
Directions for making Onion Rings
Peel and slice the sweet onion into 1/2 inch slices. Place rings into a bowl. Add 1 cup buttermilk. Mix to coat onion rings with buttermilk. Set aside.
Add flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to a shallow dish. Whisk to combine.
Add 1 egg and 1 cup buttermilk into a second shallow dish. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk to combine.
Add panko breadcrumbs to a third shallow dish.
Dredge the onion rings first in the flour mixture, then in the buttermilk and egg mixture, and then finally breadcrumbs.
Set the coated onion rings on a wire rack and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes. The resting time allows the coating to set and helps prevent the coating from falling off while frying.
Heat 1" to 2" of oil in a large cast iron skillet or other heavy duty pot like a dutch oven to 350°F to 375°F. Oil for frying
Fry 3-4 onions rings at a time for 2-3 minutes without crowding the pan. Flip halfway through and only cook until the onion rings are light golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Transfer fried onion rings to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain any excess grease. Immediately season with salt.
Repeating with remaining onion rings.
Serve with ranch-style dressing or your favorite onion ring sauce.
