Crispy Baked Onion Rings
Indulge in these perfectly crispy baked onion rings that are a healthier alternative to traditional frying. Inspired by a delightful recipe from America's Test Kitchen, these onion rings feature a unique crunchy coating made from crushed Lay's potato chips and saltine crackers. The rings are lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of cayenne for those who enjoy a little kick. Baked to golden perfection, they make for an ideal appetizer or snack for your next gathering! Enjoy them as a delicious side dish with burgers, sandwiches, or just by themselves with your favorite dipping sauce.
N/A
Servings
72
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow onions
4-5 (large, sliced into rings)
buttermilk
3/4 cup (for soaking)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (optional, for added heat)
egg
1 (beaten, for buttermilk mixture)
flour
1/4 cup (for dredging)
Lay's regular potato chips
1/2 cup (crushed into crumbs)
saltine crackers
1/2 cup (crushed into crumbs)
oil
3 teaspoons (for greasing baking sheets)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). While the oven is heating, pour 3 teaspoons of oil onto two baking sheets and spread evenly. Place the sheets in the oven for about 8 minutes to get them hot.
2
Prepare the onions by cutting off both ends and peeling the outer layer. Slice each onion into 2-inch thick rings, separating the layers to create individual rings.
3
Using a food processor, crush the Lay's potato chips and saltine crackers until they are fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a medium-sized bowl.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, salt, pepper, and cayenne until well combined.
5
In a small bowl, add the flour for dredging.
6
To assemble the onion rings, first dip each ring into the flour to coat and shake off the excess. Next, immerse the ring into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before transferring it to the crumb mixture. Ensure it is evenly coated with the crumbs.
7
Set the coated onion rings on a plate until all are prepared.
8
Once the baking sheets are hot, carefully remove them from the oven and arrange 12 onion rings on each sheet, giving them enough space to crisp up properly.
9
Return the sheets to the oven and bake for about 8 minutes, then carefully flip each ring to ensure even browning. Continue baking for an additional 8-10 minutes until the rings are golden brown and crispy.
10
Allow the onion rings to cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
3.1g
Fat
10.4g
Carbs
1.2g
Protein
1.2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these baked onion rings crispy?
The crispiness comes from a unique coating made of crushed Lay's potato chips and saltine crackers, combined with baking them on preheated, oiled baking sheets.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C).
How many onions do I need?
You will need 4 to 5 large yellow onions.
Why do I need to preheat the baking sheets?
Preheating the baking sheets with oil for 8 minutes ensures the onion rings start crisping immediately upon contact, mimicking a frying effect.
What is the order of the dredging process?
First dip the ring into flour, then the buttermilk and egg mixture, and finally into the chip and cracker crumb mixture.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 72 calories, 3.1g of fat, 10.4g of carbohydrates, 1.2g of protein, and 1.2g of fiber.
Can I make these onion rings spicy?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the buttermilk mixture for a hint of heat.
How thick should I slice the onion rings?
The onions should be sliced into approximately 2-inch thick rings.
What kind of potato chips should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends Lay's regular potato chips for the coating.
How long do the onion rings bake in total?
They bake for about 16 to 18 minutes total, with a flip halfway through.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific source?
Yes, these onion rings are inspired by a recipe from America's Test Kitchen.
How many rings should I put on each baking sheet?
Arrange about 12 onion rings on each sheet to give them enough space to crisp properly.
What is the purpose of the buttermilk?
The buttermilk serves as a binder to help the cracker and chip crumbs adhere to the onion rings.
Can I omit the cayenne pepper?
Yes, the cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
How do I crush the chips and crackers?
Use a food processor to crush them until they become fine crumbs.
What kind of oil should I use for the baking sheets?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of oil spread evenly across the sheets; any standard cooking oil works well.
Are these onion rings vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How much flour is needed for dredging?
You will need 1/4 cup of flour for the initial dredging step.
Can I use white onions instead of yellow?
While yellow onions are recommended for their sweetness when baked, white onions can be used as a substitute.
Is there any egg in this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is whisked into the buttermilk mixture.
How much salt and pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Do I need to peel the onions?
Yes, you should cut off both ends and peel the outer layer before slicing.
What should the consistency of the crumbs be?
The chips and crackers should be processed into fine crumbs to ensure even coating.
Are these onion rings fried?
No, these are baked in the oven as a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying.
Should I let the rings cool before serving?
Yes, allowing them to cool for a few minutes helps the coating set and stay crispy.
What can I serve with these onion rings?
They are excellent with burgers, sandwiches, or served alone with a dipping sauce like ranch or BBQ sauce.
Is this a finger food?
Yes, they are categorized as an appetizer, snack, and finger food.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients including the onions, coating components, and seasonings.
Do I need a food processor?
A food processor is the easiest way to get the fine crumb consistency required for the coating.
Can I prepare the onions in advance?
You can slice the onions ahead of time, but for the best results, coat and bake them immediately.