Be sure to try my recipe for homemade French Fries next, and try serving these with my Baked Chili Cheese Dogs!
Onion Rings Recipe
If you’re looking for a no-fail recipe for the best homemade onion rings, you’ve come to the right place. I thoroughly researched each ingredient for this recipe to fully understand what role they all play to make sure these onion rings are light, airy, and crispy, with batter that actually sticks to the onion ring. Check out all of my simple secrets below. Happy frying, friends!
How to Cut Onion Rings
Peel the Onion and slice the stem off. Place the onion on its side with the stem side facing out. Cut a small slice on the bottom to create a flat surface to keep the onion in place.
Cut into 1/2 inch slices. A mandoline slicer helps to ensure even slices. Separate the slices into rings.
What Temperature to Fry Onion Rings
An oil temperature between 365°-375° is perfect for deep fried onion rings. Canola oil or Vegetable oil are the best to use for deep frying. PRO TIP: The onions should rise to the top of the oil almost immediately if the oil is at the right temperature. If it’s not hot enough, the onion ring will sink (and likely stick) to the bottom and the batter will fall off.
The Role of Beer in Beer Batter
The carbonation in beer provides lift while the batter is deep frying in oil, which makes it light and airy. It also adds acidity to the batter which limits the amount of gluten that can develop when the beer is combined with the flour. Limiting gluten in the batter prevents it from becoming tough, and makes it crispier
Cooks illustrated outlines this information in more detail.
Best Kinds of Beer for Beer Batter
The kind of beer that you use can be a matter of personal taste, but you really can’t go wrong with using a pale ale like Sierra Nevada. Here is a guide with 6 additional suggestions for the best beers for beer batter.
Beer Substitute
Seltzer/Club Soda water makes a great substitute for beer in beer batter. You can experiment with other carbonated beverages such as root beer and ginger ale.
How to Keep the Batter From Falling Off
Crucial Tip: The oil has to be hot enough. Otherwise the batter will melt right off of the onion. Coating each onion ring in cornstarch is another way to ensure that the batter stays on the onion ring and that you have extra crispy results: Cornstarch provides a textured surface around the onion ring which allows it to grip and hold on to the batter so that it doesn’t slide right off. If also prevents gluten from developing, which yields crispier results. Additionally, it absorbs moisture, which also makes them extra crispy.
Soaking Onions in Ice Water
This is optional. Soaking onions in water for 15-20 minutes helps to neutralize the flavors of the onion and lessen the “bite”. It also brings out a sweet flavor and makes them a bit crunchier.
Easy Onion Ring Sauce
Combine equal parts BBQ Sauce + Ranch Salad Dressing. Taste, and add more of either one per your taste preferences. Optional: Heat for a few seconds in microwave prior to serving.
Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be reheated in a 350° degree oven or air fryer for up to 5 minutes, until heated through.
What to Serve With Onion Rings
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Oil Thermometer Deep Fryer Dutch Oven can be used on the stove instead of a deep fryer Spider Strainer Cooling Racks
