Crispy Sweet Onion Haystacks
Indulge in the delightful crunch of these Crispy Sweet Onion Haystacks! Perfectly thin and golden-brown, these addictive onion spirals are coated in a seasoned flour mixture that gives them an irresistible flavor. Made with sweet Vidalia onions, they are easy to prepare using a 'Country Cutter' or a mandoline slicer for those who enjoy cooking gadgets. Perfect as a snack or a side dish, these haystacks are sure to impress family and friends at any gathering. We couldn't keep our hands off them when I made them last night — no ketchup needed! They are delicious on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch dressing.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg
1 (beaten)
Milk
1/2 cup (none)
Sweet Onions
2 (thinly sliced (preferably Vidalia))
All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (none)
Seasoning Salt
2 teaspoons (none)
Oil
for frying (none)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk to create an egg wash.
2
Place the thinly sliced onions in a large mixing bowl and pour the egg wash over them. Gently toss the onion slices to ensure they are thoroughly coated. Allow the excess egg wash to drain by transferring the coated onions to a colander.
3
In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine the all-purpose flour and seasoning salt. Add the drained onion slices to the bag, seal it, and shake until all the onions are evenly coated with the flour mixture.
4
Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a slotted spoon to carefully add the coated onion pieces to the hot oil in small batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve the best results.
5
Once golden, remove the fried onion haystacks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Season with additional salt if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
4g
Protein
300mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Sweet Onion Haystacks?
They are thinly sliced sweet onion spirals coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
What type of onions works best for this recipe?
Sweet onions, specifically Vidalia onions, are highly recommended for their mild and sweet flavor.
How many onions do I need to make this dish?
The recipe calls for two large sweet onions.
What temperature should the frying oil be?
The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) in a deep-fryer or large pot.
How long do I need to fry the onion haystacks?
Fry them for approximately 2 to 3 minutes or until they reach a golden brown and crispy texture.
What tools can I use to slice the onions thinly?
You can use a 'Country Cutter' gadget or a mandoline slicer to achieve the perfect thin spirals.
What ingredients make up the egg wash?
The egg wash consists of one beaten egg whisked together with 1/2 cup of milk.
What is the secret to the seasoning in the flour?
The flour mixture is seasoned with two teaspoons of seasoning salt for an irresistible flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How many calories are in a serving of these haystacks?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this snack?
There are approximately 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the onion haystacks?
Each serving provides 4g of protein.
How much sodium is in this recipe?
The sodium content is approximately 300mg per serving.
How do I ensure the onions are coated evenly?
Place the drained onions in a large zip-top plastic bag with the flour and seasoning, then shake the bag until fully coated.
Why should I use a colander during preparation?
A colander is used to drain excess egg wash from the onions before they are added to the flour mixture.
Why shouldn't I overcrowd the pan while frying?
Frying in small batches prevents overcrowding, which ensures the onions cook evenly and become properly crispy.
What should I do once the onions are finished frying?
Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Can I add more salt after cooking?
Yes, you can season with additional salt immediately after frying if desired.
Do I need ketchup to enjoy these?
While you can use ketchup, they are flavorful enough to be enjoyed on their own without it.
What are some good dipping sauce options?
Ranch dressing is a popular and delicious choice for dipping these onion haystacks.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is considered an easy recipe that is perfect for snacks or side dishes.
How much flour is required for the coating?
You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What type of milk can I use?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of milk, and standard dairy milk works well for the egg wash.
Are these served warm or cold?
They are best served warm immediately after frying for the best texture.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not defined, but the recipe uses two large onions for the batch.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
Fiber information is currently not provided for this specific recipe.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Any high-smoke point oil suitable for deep-frying will work well.
Can I prepare the onions ahead of time?
For the best crunch, it is recommended to fry them fresh, though you can slice the onions in advance.
What makes these haystacks different from onion rings?
Haystacks are much thinner and more spiral-like than traditional onion rings, resulting in a lighter, crunchier texture.