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Home » Side Dishes » The Best Onion Rings Recipe

Published: March 25, 2020 Last Modified: March 25, 2020 By Sara 22 Comments

The Best Onion Rings Recipe

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Onion Rings Recipe #onions #appetizer #dinneratthezoo

These onion rings are coated in beer batter and deep fried until golden brown. Homemade onion rings are even better than what you’d get at a restaurant, and they also happen to be fun to make!

I love to recreate some of my family’s favorite restaurant foods at home, including sweet potato fries, bacon mac and cheese and these light and crispy onion rings.

Onion Rings Recipe #onions #appetizer #dinneratthezoo Onion Rings Recipe #onions #appetizer #dinneratthezoo

Fried onion rings on a plate with a side of ketchup.

There’s nothing better than a pile of of golden brown onion rings, and this homemade version is the best I’ve ever tried. Serve your onion rings as a side dish or as an appetizer, and watch the rave reviews come in!

How do you make onion rings?

Cut the onions into slices, then separate them into rings. Place the rings in a bowl of buttermilk to soak for one hour. Remove each ring from the buttermilk, then coat it in flour and beer batter. Place the onion rings in hot oil and fry until golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve immediately.

Raw onion slices in a bowl.

How do you cut an onion for onion rings?

Peel your onions, then cut them into 1/2 inch thick slices crosswise. Separate the slices into rings. I like to use the larger outer rings only, and save the small inner rings for another use. The smaller rings will take less time to cook than the larger rings, so take that into consideration if you decide to use all the parts of the onion.

Floured onion slices in a bowl of beer batter.

Tips for the perfect rings

  • I like to use a sweet onion such as Vidalia or Maui onion. If you can’t find these varieties, use a standard yellow onion.
  • It’s imperative to use a frying thermometer to make sure that your oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is too hot, the rings can burn. If the oil is too cold, the batter will absorb excess grease and the end result with be heavy in texture.
  • Fried onions are best when served immediately after being cooked. However, they can be refrigerated and reheated. You can crisp them back up in the oven at 400 degrees F.
  • For some extra spice, mix some cayenne pepper into the batter.
  • I like to soak my onions in buttermilk because it tones down the sharp flavor of the onion and the buttermilk adds a lot of flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, then let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. Another option is to soak your onions in ice water.

Fried onions coming out of a pot of oil.

WHAT BEER SHOULD I USE FOR BEER BATTER?

The beer should be a lighter colored beer. Use a lager if you want a mild flavored batter to let the mushrooms really shine. Use a lighter colored ale if you want a more complex tasting batter. I used a Belgian style wheat ale. The Belgian style wheat ale made for a delicious batter that was flavorful and golden when fried.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH BEER BATTERED ONION RINGS

I like to serve my onion rings with a dipping sauce such as ketchup or BBQ sauce. Other great choices include ranch dressing or honey mustard. I also like to make my own zesty dipping sauce. For a homemade sauce, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons jarred horseradish, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.

Beer battered onion rings on a sheet pan.

Once you try these rings, you’ll agree that they’re even better than what you would get at a restaurant!

More fabulous side dish options

  • Hasselback Potatoes
  • Bacon Baked Beans
  • Baked Potato Wedges
  • Honey Roasted Carrots
  • Roasted Green Beans

Onion Rings Video

Fried onion rings on a plate with a side of ketchup.
Print Pin
5 from 14 votes

Onion Rings Recipe

These onion rings are coated in beer batter and deep fried until golden brown. Homemade onion rings are even better than what you'd get at a restaurant, and they also happen to be fun to make!
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 150kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 2 onions Vidalia, Maui or yellow
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour divided use
  • 1 cup beer
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • oil for frying
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Peel the onions and trim off the ends. Cut the onions crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices. Separate the slices to create rings. Remove the smallest rings and reserve for a different use.
  • Place the buttermilk in a large bowl. Add the onions and soak for one hour.
  • Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 375 degrees F.
  • Place 3/4 cup of flour in a bowl.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together one cup of flour, beer, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Remove each ring from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Coat each ring in flour, then dip the rings into the batter.
  • Fry 6-8 rings at a time until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Repeat the process with the remaining onion rings.
  • Sprinkle with parsley, then serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 686mg | Potassium: 201mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 580IU | Vitamin C: 10.1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2.3mg
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Filed Under: Appetizers, Side Dishes

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    Comments

    1. Tamara says

      February 13, 2022 at 7:11 pm

      5 stars
      perfect onion rings! Came out super crispy and delicious.

      Reply
    2. Dj says

      February 28, 2021 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      I used this batter on potatoes. YUMMY!!

      Reply
    3. Fay says

      February 1, 2021 at 5:03 pm

      5 stars
      They came out so good! Love this recipe!

      Reply
    4. Audrey Stokes says

      August 3, 2020 at 1:48 pm

      Can I use dr. Pepper instead of beer

      Reply
      • Sara says

        August 3, 2020 at 4:08 pm

        I don’t think it would be a good choice, it would make the onion rings sweet and the batter would be more likely to burn. Seltzer water would be a better option!

        Reply
    5. Stephen says

      June 29, 2020 at 5:43 am

      Would it be possible to make these in an air fryer instead of using hot oil?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 29, 2020 at 8:21 pm

        I don’t think the air fryer would be a good choice, you really need the hot oil to harden the batter around the onions!

        Reply
        • Stephen says

          June 29, 2020 at 8:33 pm

          Ok thanks thats what I thought. Just trying to see if there are healthier options but when it comes ot Onion rings, its all about INDULGENCE 🙂 Onion rings are my faves for sure. Will have to see if I can try this recipe soon.

          Reply
    6. Ana says

      April 7, 2020 at 2:08 pm

      Hi what can you use instead of beer

      Reply
      • Sara says

        April 7, 2020 at 8:19 pm

        Seltzer water will work!

        Reply
        • Ann says

          April 8, 2020 at 3:46 pm

          Thank you. Is that carbonated water

          Reply
          • Sara says

            April 8, 2020 at 4:57 pm

            Yes it is!

            Reply
    7. Jacque Hooper says

      April 6, 2020 at 6:28 pm

      5 stars
      So many foods are hard to find in the stores nowadays, but I was easily able to get everything I needed to make these and I am happy that I did! These were easy, and perfectly crispy! Delish!

      Reply
    8. Nart says

      April 3, 2020 at 3:51 pm

      5 stars
      These really do look like the best onion rings ever! I have some onions and it’s a Saturday here. I’ll try this recipe and share with my family!

      Reply
    9. Diana Reis says

      April 3, 2020 at 3:18 pm

      5 stars
      These look amazing. The batter is so perfect and golden brown. Great cooking tips. Thanks

      Reply
    10. Irina says

      April 3, 2020 at 3:00 pm

      5 stars
      I have seen may recipes and even tried fried onion rings at some restaurants, but I have never seen such perfectly cooked rings. Yours look amazing!

      Reply
    11. Bintu says

      April 3, 2020 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      Now I am definitely going to have to try these if they are the best onion rings – they sound absolutely delicious!

      Reply
    12. Noelle says

      April 3, 2020 at 2:20 pm

      5 stars
      These were impossible to stop eating!! SO great and easy to make. Loved them!!

      Reply
    13. Jen says

      April 2, 2020 at 6:15 am

      5 stars
      I’m totally going to make these with my kids today! Sounds like an easy enough recipe for them to help with and I know they’ll love to eat them up once they’re done. Thank you!

      Reply
    14. Anna says

      April 2, 2020 at 5:45 am

      5 stars
      Onion rings are literally my favourite side to order when we are eating out, but your version looks much better and tastier than any onion rings I’ve had before! can’t wait to try tis!

      Reply
    15. Bry says

      April 2, 2020 at 1:46 am

      These were SO GOOD – hands down the best onion rings I’ve ever had. Thanks for such an amazing recipe!

      Reply
    16. Natanja says

      April 1, 2020 at 11:04 pm

      5 stars
      Great post. Simple to follow and the results look gorgeous. Thank you 😍

      Reply

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