Easy onion rings recipe
Extra-crispy onion rings with a light, cold starchy batter and crunchy panko coating—fried at 350°F for restaurant-style crunch that lasts.
Equipment
- Deep fryer or large saucepan
- Thermometer
- large bowl
- Whisk
- Shallow pan
- Cooling Rack
- Paper towels
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons dry potato flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
- 1 cup chilled club soda
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs or as needed
- 2 large onions cut into 1/4-inch thick slices and separated into rings
- fine salt to taste
Instructions
Heat the oil
- Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C), and keep a thermometer clipped to the pot so the temperature does not drift.
Mix the batter and set up the breading station
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, potato flakes, and cayenne pepper until the dry mix looks uniform.
- Whisk in the chilled club soda until you have a smooth batter, then pour the panko bread crumbs into a separate shallow pan.
Coat the onion rings
- Working in batches, dip onion rings into the batter, then press in bread crumbs to coat.
Fry, drain, and season
- Cook coated onion rings, a few at a time, in hot oil until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes, keeping the pan uncrowded so the oil stays hot.
- Transfer to a cooling rack set over paper towels to drain, then season immediately with fine salt while the surface is still shimmering.
Notes
For the extra-crispy twist mentioned in the article, replace 1/4 of the club soda with chilled vodka, then whisk it in the same way.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.