Crispy Beer-Battered Onion Rings with a Kick
Indulge in these Crispy Beer-Battered Onion Rings, the ultimate appetizer or snack that brings together the perfect combination of crunch and flavor. These delightful rings, coated in a light and airy beer batter, are double-dipped in breadcrumbs to create an irresistible crispy texture. Ideal for parties, game days, or as a side to your favorite burgers, these onion rings can be easily made ahead of time and frozen for later enjoyment. Get ready to elevate your snacking game with a hint of spice, making them a fantastic pairing with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large red onions or large white onions
2-3 (Cut crosswise into thick slices)
Beer
16 ounces (Any lager or pale ale works well)
All-purpose flour
2 cups (Unbleached is preferred)
Baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (Regular baking powder)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Kosher salt recommended)
Ground black pepper
1 tablespoon (Freshly ground for best flavor)
Ground red pepper
2 teaspoons (Cayenne or similar for heat)
Egg whites
4 (Separated from yolks)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Pure vanilla extract)
Plain breadcrumbs
2 1/2 cups (For coating the rings)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your onions. Cut the red or white onions crosswise into thick slices and separate them into individual rings.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground black pepper, and ground red pepper. Gradually pour in the beer and vanilla extract while stirring until a smooth batter forms. Cover the bowl and allow it to sit for 30 to 50 minutes to develop the flavors.
3
While the batter rests, separate the egg whites into a clean mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter to add lightness.
4
Prepare a shallow dish with breadcrumbs. Take each onion slice, dip it into the beer batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it through the breadcrumbs. Lay the coated onion rings in a single layer on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Use additional wax paper to separate layers if necessary.
5
Once all rings are coated, place the cookie sheet in the freezer. Freeze for at least 1 hour. After freezing, you can store the rings in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
6
When ready to cook, heat soy or peanut oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully add the frozen onion rings in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2 minutes, flipping them halfway for even browning. Once golden and crispy, remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
7
For added spice, consider doubling the amount of red pepper in the batter. For a bolder flavor that pairs well with ranch or other dairy-based dips, mix in 1/8 cup of Sriracha sauce into the batter before coating the onions.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of onions should I use for these onion rings?
You can use either large red onions or large white onions for this recipe.
What type of beer is best for the batter?
Any lager or pale ale works well for creating a light and airy beer batter.
How should the onions be sliced?
Cut the onions crosswise into thick slices and then separate them into individual rings.
How long should the batter rest before use?
Cover the batter and allow it to sit for 30 to 50 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Why are egg whites added to the batter?
Whipped egg whites are folded into the batter to add a light and airy texture to the coating.
How do I prepare the egg whites?
Use an electric mixer to beat 4 egg whites until soft peaks form before carefully folding them into the batter.
What is the secret to the crispy texture?
The rings are double-dipped, first in the beer batter and then dredged through plain breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
Should the onion rings be frozen before frying?
Yes, place the coated onion rings on a cookie sheet and freeze them for at least 1 hour before cooking.
How long can I store these onion rings in the freezer?
Once frozen, you can store the rings in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What is the best oil for frying these onion rings?
Soy or peanut oil is recommended for frying as they handle high heat well.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the onion rings take to cook?
They take about 2 minutes to fry; flip them halfway through to ensure even browning.
Do I need to thaw the onion rings before frying?
No, you should carefully add the frozen onion rings directly to the hot oil.
How can I make the onion rings even spicier?
Consider doubling the amount of ground red pepper in the batter for extra heat.
Can I add Sriracha to the batter?
Yes, mixing 1/8 cup of Sriracha sauce into the batter creates a bolder flavor that pairs well with dairy-based dips.
What dipping sauce is recommended?
These onion rings pair perfectly with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
Why is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
A small amount of pure vanilla extract is added to the batter to enhance the overall flavor profile.
What type of flour is preferred?
Unbleached all-purpose flour is preferred for this recipe.
How much beer do I need?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of beer.
Is there a specific salt recommended?
Kosher salt is recommended for the best results.
How do I prevent the rings from sticking together while freezing?
Lay the rings in a single layer on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet, and use additional wax paper to separate any additional layers.
How do I ensure the rings are evenly browned?
Fry the rings in small batches to avoid overcrowding and flip them halfway through the 2-minute cooking time.
What should I do after removing the rings from the oil?
Remove them once they are golden and crispy and let them drain on paper towels.
How many onion rings does this make?
The recipe uses 2-3 large onions, providing a generous amount for an appetizer or snack.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Yes, these crispy onion rings are an ideal snack for parties or game days.
What is the role of baking powder?
Baking powder helps the batter rise slightly during frying, contributing to the light and airy texture.
Can I use freshly ground pepper?
Yes, freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
What amount of breadcrumbs is needed?
You will need approximately 2.5 cups of plain breadcrumbs for the coating.
Are these onion rings vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What is the primary spice providing the 'kick'?
The 'kick' comes from the 2 teaspoons of ground red pepper (cayenne) added to the batter.