Dear readers,
At our school, we take immense joy in crafting meals that not only nourish but also delight our students. Among these favorites are our crispy fried onion rings, which consistently bring smiles to young faces. These golden, crunchy delights serve as the perfect accompaniment to burgers or the classic fish and chips. Interestingly, we utilize the same light and crispy batter for our fish, a recipe that never fails to impress.
One standout feature of this recipe is its ability to produce a batter that doesn’t absorb excessive oil—a common issue even in some renowned fish and chip establishments. The result? Perfectly crunchy onion rings that are rich in flavor without being greasy. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner or a larger gathering, these onion rings are sure to be a hit. Smacznego!
Recipe Content:
- Choosing Onions
- Batter Seasoning
- Cheesy Onion Rings
- Beer vs. Sparking Water
- Printable Recipe Card
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQ
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What Type of Onions Are Best for Onion Rings?
When making onion rings, the type of onion you use makes a big difference. Sweet onions are a great option because their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the crispy batter, creating a perfect balance of flavor. Yellow onions are a versatile choice, offering a mild taste that becomes sweeter when fried. For a sharper, more pronounced flavor, white onions work wonderfully, while red onions can add a unique twist with their vibrant color and mild sweetness when cooked.
Tip: For the best results, choose large, firm onions without soft spots. They’re easier to slice and fry evenly, giving you deliciously crispy and tender onion rings every time.
Batter Variations: Adding Flavor with Seasonings
Adding seasonings to your onion ring batter is a simple way to make them even more flavorful and unique. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the savory notes, while a dash of cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat. Smoked paprika is another great option, bringing a gentle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the sweet onions. For a herbaceous twist, try mixing in dried oregano or thyme, which add depth and fragrance to the batter.
What about Cheesy Onion Rings ?
If you’re feeling adventurous, grated Parmesan can be a fantastic addition, melting into the coating and creating a rich, cheesy layer of crispiness. Alternatively, a hint of lemon zest or a splash of lime juice can brighten up the batter, giving it a refreshing citrusy edge. Balancing the flavors is key—seasonings should complement the natural sweetness of the onions rather than overpower it. With a little experimentation, you can create onion rings that are truly one of a kind and full of personality.
Beer vs. Sparkling Water: Which is Better for Your Onion Ring Batter?
Both beer and sparkling water are fantastic options for onion ring batter, each offering unique qualities that can elevate the final result. The choice depends on the flavor and texture you want to achieve.
Beer is a classic ingredient for batter because it adds depth and a subtle, malty flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions. The natural carbonation in beer creates a light, airy batter, giving the onion rings that signature crispy texture. A pale lager or light ale works best, as they provide a mild flavor without overpowering the onions. Dark beers, like stouts or porters, can also be used for a richer, more robust taste, but they might darken the batter and add a slightly bitter note. My go to is Guinness!
On the other hand, sparkling water is a more neutral choice, perfect if you prefer the flavor of the onions to shine through without any additional taste from the batter. Like beer, the carbonation in sparkling water helps create a light and crispy coating. It’s also a great alternative for those who want to avoid alcohol but still want a beautifully crunchy texture.
The secret behind both options lies in the bubbles. The carbonation forms small pockets in the batter, which expand during frying to create a delicate, crisp shell around the onions.
Other Ways to Use This Crispy Batter 🐟
This light and crispy batter isn’t just for onion rings—it’s incredibly versatile and can be used to coat a variety of ingredients for deliciously crunchy results.
At school, we use the same batter for fish, giving it that perfectly crisp, golden coating without absorbing too much oil. It works just as well for homemade fish and chips, keeping the outside crunchy while the inside stays tender and juicy.
Vegetables also take on a whole new level of flavor and texture when coated in this batter. Slices of courgette, mushrooms, or bell peppers fry up beautifully, making them a great option for a crispy vegetable platter. Even aubergine or sweet potato fries can be given an extra crunch with this light coating.
For a fun twist, this batter can also be used for tempura-style prawns or chicken strips, giving them a delicate yet crispy finish. Whether you’re frying fish, vegetables, or proteins, this batter delivers a consistently crunchy texture while keeping the coating light, making it a go-to recipe for all kinds of fried treats.
The Secret to Crispy Onion Rings
That golden crunch isn’t just luck—it’s the Maillard reaction at work! This chemical process gives fried foods their deep flavor and crispy texture. But get the oil temperature wrong, and you’ll end up with greasy or burnt rings. Want to know why?
Read my post on the Maillard reaction and master the science behind perfect frying!
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Recipe Card for Easy Crispy Onion Rings Recipe:
Easy Crispy Onion Rings Recipe
Equipment:
- Mixing Bowls – For preparing the batter and coating the onions.
- Whisk – To mix the batter until smooth.
- Deep Fryer – For frying the onion rings.
- Thermometer – To ensure the oil reaches and maintains the optimal frying temperature (180°C / 350°F).
- Tongs – For safely adding and removing onion rings from the hot oil.
- Wire Rack – For draining excess oil after frying.
- Knife and Cutting Board – For slicing the onions into rings.
Ingredients:
- 2 Large onions - peeled, sliced into 1 cm thick rings, and separated
- 180 g Plain Flour - 8-9% protein for super crispy result works best
- 60 g Cornflour - makes them super crunchy!
- 4 g Baking Powder - 1 tsp
- 6 g Salt - 1 tsp
- 3 g Black Pepper - 1 tsp
- 3 g Smoked Paprika - (or other spices – check in the post)
- 300 ml Cold Sparkling Water or Beer
- 2 L Vegetable Oil - for Deep Frying
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, cornflour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.Gradually pour in the cold sparkling water or beer while whisking continuously until the batter is smooth and slightly thick.Chill the batter in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to keep it cold, which helps create a crispier coating.
- Slice the onions into 1 cm thick rings and separate them.Lightly dust the onion rings with plain flour to help the batter adhere better.
- Pour the oil into a deep fryer or large, deep pot. Heat it to 180°C (350°F). Use a thermometer for accuracy, as the right temperature is crucial for crispy onion rings.
- Dip each onion ring into the chilled batter, letting any excess drip off.Carefully place the rings into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- Remove the fried onion rings with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or kitchen paper to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while they are hot and crunchy. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces!
Nutrition:
How to Serve Onion Rings?
Homemade Onion rings are a versatile side dish that pair beautifully with a variety of meals or stand alone as a delicious snack. They’re a classic companion to burgers, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite, or an ideal side for fish and chips, bringing extra texture and flavor to the plate.
For dipping, a range of sauces can elevate the experience. Garlic aioli, spicy mayo, ranch dressing (my favourite), or even a tangy barbecue sauce are all fantastic choices. You can also experiment with unique flavors like sriracha-honey or a creamy chipotle dip for a bit of a kick.
If you’re serving them as a snack or appetizer, try arranging them on a platter with a selection of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing spread. Their crispiness and golden color make them a great addition to party menus or casual gatherings with family and friends.
Recipes that go well with Onion Rings:
- ➡️ Check out my recipe for Polish Burger – Perfect pairing for crispy onion rings!
FAQ for Homemade Onion Rings 🤔
- Are Onion Rings Healthier then Fries?
Both onion rings and fries can be healthy or unhealthy, depending on how they’re made. This crispy battered onion rings recipe has less fat than deep-fried versions but may absorb more oil than fries. However, homemade onion rings are far healthier than store-bought ones.
Fries generally have fewer calories and fat per portion since they absorb less oil, but onions offer antioxidants like quercetin, which potatoes lack. For a healthier option, air-fry or bake them to cut down on oil. Either way, homemade beats fast food every time! 😊🍟
- How To Cut Onions for Onion Rings?
To cut onions for onion rings, peel the onion and trim the ends. Slice it into ½-inch thick rings for sturdiness or ¼-inch thick for extra crispiness.
- How long to reheat onion rings in air fryer?
To reheat onion rings in an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Spread the onion rings in a single layer and heat for 3–5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This keeps them crispy without becoming soggy. Avoid overcrowding for the best results!
A Few Words from the Chef Łukasz:
I love making these crispy onion rings, especially when I want to add a fun, crunchy side to a meal. They’re the perfect combination of golden, crispy batter and sweet, tender onions. Every bite is so satisfying, and they always bring a smile to the table – whether served with burgers, fish, or just on their own with a dip. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy these onion rings as much as we do at school!
⬇️ Don’t forget to let me know in the comments how they turned out, thanks!
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Made this yesterday Chef, they were perfect! Super crunchy, thanks
Lukasz, I made this yesterday to go with my homemade burgers and they were fantastic! Very crunchy batter indeed, almost like tempura, so light! I will definitely make them again, next time with beer 🙂 Thank you so much!
That’s amazing to hear! I’m so glad you enjoyed them with your homemade burgers—sounds like the perfect combo! The tempura-like crunch is exactly what I was aiming for, and adding beer next time will take them to the next level. Let me know how they turn out! Thanks so much for trying the recipe and for your kind words. 😊🔥🍻