Crispy Southern-Style Onion Rings
Transport your taste buds to the South with these irresistibly crispy and flavorful onion rings. Perfectly battered and fried, these golden morsels of joy are a delightful appetizer or side dish for any meal. Made with sweet Vidalia onions, they're imbued with a hint of spice and an irresistible crunch. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own for a satisfying snack. Don't just make some onion rings; elevate your culinary experience with this simple yet delectable recipe!
4
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vidalia onion or sweet onion
1 large (sliced into 1/2 inch rings, separated)
All-purpose flour
3/4 cup (measured)
Cornmeal
1/4 cup (measured)
Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Buttermilk
1 cup (measured)
Oil
for frying (enough to fill 1 inch in the skillet or fryer)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the large Vidalia or sweet onion into 1/2-inch thick slices. Carefully separate the slices into individual rings.
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and cayenne pepper until evenly combined.
3
In another bowl, crack the egg and whisk it together with the buttermilk until mixed. Gradually add this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4
Heat about 1 inch of oil in an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer to a temperature of 375°F (190°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil is hot enough for frying.
5
Carefully dip each onion ring into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off before gently placing them in the hot oil.
6
Fry the onion rings in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking them for about 1 to 1.5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7
Once fried, remove the onion rings from the oil and drain them on paper towels. To keep them warm and crispy while frying the remaining batches, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C).
8
Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce and enjoy your homemade crispy onion rings!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
25g
Carbs
4g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Southern-Style Onion Rings?
They are golden, flavorful onion rings made with sweet Vidalia onions, a cornmeal-based batter, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a Southern twist.
What type of onion is recommended for this recipe?
A large Vidalia or sweet onion is recommended for its mild and sugary flavor profile.
How thick should I slice the onion rings?
The onions should be sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings for the perfect balance of onion and crispy batter.
What dry ingredients are needed for the batter?
The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and cayenne pepper.
What liquids are used in the batter?
The wet ingredients consist of one beaten egg and one cup of buttermilk.
How do I properly mix the batter?
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying?
The oil should be heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You should fill your electric skillet or deep-fat fryer with about 1 inch of oil.
How do I apply the batter to the onion rings?
Carefully dip each individual ring into the batter and allow any excess to drip off before placing it in the oil.
How long do the onion rings need to fry?
Fry the rings for approximately 1 to 1.5 minutes per side until they reach a golden brown color.
Why is it important to fry in batches?
Frying in batches prevents overcrowding, which ensures the oil temperature stays consistent and the rings become crispy.
How should I drain the onion rings after frying?
Remove the rings from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil.
How can I keep the onion rings warm while cooking more?
You can keep them crispy and warm in a preheated oven set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
What gives these onion rings their spice?
A 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the batter provides a subtle hint of Southern spice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in these onion rings?
There are 4 grams of protein per serving.
Do these onion rings contain fiber?
Yes, there is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
Is cornmeal necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the 1/4 cup of cornmeal is essential for providing the signature Southern-style crunch.
Should I use a thermometer for the oil?
Yes, using a kitchen thermometer is recommended to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
What are the leavening agents used?
The recipe uses both 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
Can I serve these with dipping sauce?
Absolutely, they are delicious when served with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoyed on their own.
What is the first step in preparing the onions?
The first step is slicing the onion into 1/2-inch slices and carefully separating them into individual rings.
Are these onion rings suitable as a side dish?
Yes, they make a perfect side dish for many meals or a satisfying snack.
Does the recipe use all-purpose flour?
Yes, the recipe requires 3/4 cup of measured all-purpose flour.
How do I know when to flip the onion rings?
Flip them after about 1 to 1.5 minutes once the bottom side is golden brown and crispy.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a simple yet delectable recipe that elevates the culinary experience.
What is the final texture of these onion rings?
The final product is irresistibly crispy with a golden morsel texture.