Make restaurant-style, ultra crispy onion rings at home using a simple beer batter and proper frying technique. These are perfect as a side dish or a game day snack.
Author:charliehayes
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Deep Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 large yellow onions
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup cold beer (lager or pilsner recommended)
1 large egg
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Instructions
Slice the onions into 1/4-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and set them aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the cold beer to the egg and whisk until just combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until the batter is smooth but still slightly lumpy. Do not overmix.
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
Working in small batches, dip the onion rings into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
Carefully place the battered rings into the hot oil, ensuring they do not stick together. Do not overcrowd the pot.
Fry for 2 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the batter is deep golden brown and very crisp.
Remove the onion rings with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Sprinkle immediately with a little extra salt.
Repeat with the remaining onion rings, allowing the oil temperature to return to 375 degrees F between batches.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For the crispiest results, make sure your beer is very cold before mixing the batter. Cold liquid hitting hot oil creates a better crust.
Do not skip the wire rack; placing fried items directly on paper towels traps steam and makes the coating soggy.
If you do not want to use beer, substitute with club soda or sparkling water for carbonation.
To make a simple dipping sauce, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a dash of hot sauce.