Ultimate Golden Crispy Onion Rings
These ultimate golden crispy onion rings are the perfect crunchy snack or accompaniment to your favorite meals. Their delicately crunchy exterior and sweet, tender onion interior make them a versatile and much-craved delight. Once you try them, they won't last long! Perfect for late-night snacking, or as a side dish for burgers, soups, and sandwiches. Ready to bring some restaurant-level comfort food to your home kitchen? Try this recipe adapted from Food & Wine magazine, beloved across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Spain.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
2 quarts (for frying)
flour
3 cups (cake flour is best)
cornstarch
1 cup (none)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (plus more for sprinkling (use kosher if possible))
club soda
2 1/2 - 3 cups (chilled)
Spanish onions
2 large (cut into 1/2-inch slices and separated into rings)
Instructions
1
In a very large pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to a temperature of 365°F (185°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature to achieve perfect crispiness.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Whisk together until well combined to ensure an even coating of the batter.
3
Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of chilled club soda to the dry ingredients. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until a smooth, thick but pourable batter forms. Add additional club soda a few tablespoons at a time if the batter is too thick.
4
Take 6 or 7 onion rings at a time and immerse them in the batter, ensuring each ring is fully coated. Gently shake off any excess batter by scraping the ring against the side of the bowl.
5
Carefully place the battered onion rings into the hot oil. Fry for approximately 2 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden color and achieve a crispy texture.
6
Remove the onion rings using a slotted spoon or tongs and place them onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7
Immediately sprinkle the freshly fried onion rings with a pinch of salt to enhance their flavor.
8
Serve the onion rings right away while they're hot and crispy or keep them warm in an oven set to low heat while you prepare the remaining batches. Enjoy their irresistible crunch!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of flour for these onion rings?
Cake flour is recommended as it creates a lighter, crispier texture compared to all-purpose flour.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The vegetable oil should be heated to exactly 365°F (185°C) for the perfect golden crunch.
What kind of onions are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 large Spanish onions, which are sweet and tender when fried.
How thick should the onion slices be?
The onions should be cut into 1/2-inch thick slices before being separated into individual rings.
Why is club soda used in the batter?
The carbonation in the club soda creates a light and airy batter that becomes extra crispy when fried.
Does the club soda need to be chilled?
Yes, using chilled club soda helps prevent gluten development, ensuring the batter remains light and tender.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch helps absorb moisture and contributes significantly to the delicate crunch of the exterior.
What role does baking soda play in the batter?
Baking soda provides a slight lift to the batter and helps the onion rings achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
How long should each batch of onion rings fry?
Each batch takes approximately 2 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.
How many onion rings should I fry at once?
It is best to fry 6 or 7 onion rings at a time to avoid overcrowding the pot and dropping the oil temperature.
What is the best way to drain the oil after frying?
Place the fried onion rings on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil immediately after removal.
When is the best time to season the onion rings with salt?
You should sprinkle them with salt immediately after they are removed from the oil while they are still hot.
How can I keep the onion rings warm while finishing the batches?
You can keep them in an oven set to low heat to maintain their temperature and crispiness.
What type of salt is recommended?
Kosher salt is preferred for both the batter and for sprinkling on top after frying.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What should I do if my batter is too thick?
Add additional chilled club soda a few tablespoons at a time until the batter is smooth and pourable.
How do I ensure the batter sticks to the onion?
Gently shake off any excess batter by scraping the ring against the side of the bowl before placing it in the oil.
What are some recommended pairings for these onion rings?
They are perfect as a side dish for burgers, soups, and sandwiches, or as a standalone snack.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, these onion rings are suitable for a vegetarian diet.
Can I use a thermometer to check the oil?
Yes, using a thermometer is highly recommended to maintain the specific 365°F temperature required for success.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
You will need a very large pot or deep fryer, a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a slotted spoon or tongs.
How much vegetable oil is needed for frying?
The recipe requires 2 quarts of vegetable oil for frying.
What should the final batter consistency look like?
The batter should be smooth and thick but still thin enough to be pourable.
Can I prepare these in advance?
They are best served right away while hot and crispy, though they can be kept warm in a low-heat oven.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from Food & Wine magazine and is a popular snack across North America and Europe.
How much cornstarch is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cornstarch.
Is there a specific way to mix the dry ingredients?
Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt together until well combined before adding any liquid.
What makes these 'ultimate' onion rings?
The combination of cake flour, cornstarch, and chilled club soda creates a restaurant-quality crunch that is superior to standard batters.
Can I use other types of onions?
While Spanish onions are best, you can use other large, sweet onion varieties if necessary.
How much club soda is needed in total?
The recipe typically requires between 2 1/2 to 3 cups of chilled club soda.