How to Make Homemade Onion Rings

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: May 17, 2021 Tested

Homemade onion rings take a bit of work, but they are worth the effort, as they make an excellent appetizer or side dish. The ones made from this recipe are covered in a batter that is tasty and crunchy.

Ingredients

1 large onion
Frying oil
1 cup sifted flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 egg
⅔ cup milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Paprika to taste

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:
Preparing the Onions

1
Peel the onion and slice it 1/4-inch (6.35mm) thick. Separate the onion rings.
2
Add the onion rings to a bowl of ice water and let stand for 30 minutes.
3
Place the rings onto paper towels to dry.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:
Making the Batter

1
Sift flour, salt and baking powder into a mixing bowl and set aside.
2
Separate the egg.
3
Add the egg yolk to a small bowl and lightly beat.
4
Add the beaten egg yolk, milk and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of vegetable oil to the flour mixture.
5
Add the egg white to another mixing bowl and beat until stiff.
6
Fold the egg white into the batter. Do this gently.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:
Cooking the Onion Rings

1
Preheat 1-inch (2.5cm) of vegetable oil to 375ºF/190ºC.
2
Dip the onion rings in the batter. Carefully place the dipped rings in the hot oil.
3
Cook the onion rings until golden.
4
Remove the onion rings using tongs or a similar long-handled implement. Drain the onion rings on paper towels. Once drained, they're ready to serve with the rest of your meal.
5
Finished. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy.

Community Q&A

Question

How thick should I cut the onion?

Community Answer

You can cut it as thin or as thick as you'd like. Keep in mind that the thicker you cut the onion, the longer it may take to cook.
Question

Can we make onion rings without egg?

Havarti2

Community Answer

Yes. You could use milk instead.
Question

What is the best type of food to serve with onion rings?

Community Answer

Salty foods. Foods like battered fish, steak, gammon etc, will all work well with onion rings. Chips work with onion rings too.
Question

Is 620 calories a lot?

Community Answer

It's all relative. It's about a quarter of your daily required calories, so if you are replacing a meal with something worth 620 calories, or consuming it with other low-calorie foods, it should be fine.
Question

Why separate the egg?

Community Answer

It is a process of mixing the fat (yolk of the egg) in to the mix first to make a rich taste, and then whisking the whites for lightness that makes the batter crunchy. It is a little like souffle it that regard.
Question

Can I use bread crumbs instead of flour?

Community Answer

Usually it is good to use both, as it creates a crispier shell. But if you will be satisfied with a thinner and less crunchy shell, then yes, you can use bread crumbs.
Question

Is there anything I can use instead of milk?

Community Answer

Yes. Almond milk and coconut milk make great alternatives that will work just as well.

Warnings

Keep a pan lid handy to cover the oil in case of fire.

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Use care when frying in hot oil.

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