Crispy Fried Onions Recipe

I love making homemade Crispy Onions using fresh sliced large onions, all-purpose flour, and a touch of buttermilk. The blend of garlic powder, black pepper, and egg adds just the right burst of flavor. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch that makes you forget about canned versions.

I’ve always been on the hunt for that perfect crispy fried onions recipe that packs a punch of flavor and texture. I started with 2 large onions, thinly sliced into rings, and mixed them in a simple, yet magic batter made from 1 cup all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons cornstarch.

I added 1 teaspoon salt, a bit of black pepper, and a dash of garlic powder to give it a subtle kick. Then I dipped the rings in a blend of 1 lightly beaten egg with 1/2 cup buttermilk, which helps the coating to stick and creates a delightful crunch.

Whether you’re leaning towards deep frying in enough vegetable oil or prefer air frying with just a light spray for that healthier bite, you are in for a treat. I’ve always loved this twist on classic French fried onions and can vouch, it beats any canned version.

Enjoy experimenting while perfecting this eclectic dish!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love that this recipe is super simple to follow and yields a really crispy, crunchy treat every time. When I dip the onion rings in that buttermilk mix, I feel like its the secret to keeping the coating firm and tasty.

I also enjoy how flexible it is—you can deep fry or air fry them, so I can choose whichever works best when I’m short on time or wanna eat healthier.

Another thing I like is that the seasoning is just right. The garlic powder, salt and pepper gives it a little kick without being overpowering, making every bite satisfying.

Lastly, I dig how the thin slicing helps the rings cook evenly, so I never end up with a mix of burnt bits and underdone clusters.

Ingredients

• Onions add natural flavor, fiber and antioxidants offering a subtle sweetness and tang.
• Flour provides carbohydrates and creates a light, crispy coating for the onions.
• Cornstarch boosts crunchy texture while absorbing excess moisture for perfection.
• Salt and pepper enhance flavor; a little seasoning can brighten the overall taste.
• Garlic powder brings a warm aroma and extra taste without overpowering.
• Egg binds the coating ingredients, adding protein and richness to the mix.
• Buttermilk gives a tangy flavor and offers calcium, making the dish moist.
• Vegetable oil helps achieve a crisp exterior but careful use keeps calories lower.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced into rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg, lightly beaten (this helps bind the coating)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (for dipping the onion rings)
• Enough vegetable oil for deep frying or a light spray if using an air fryer

How to Make this

1. Slice the onions into rings real thin, try to keep them as even as possible so they cook evenly.

2. In one bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder together.

3. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg and whisk in the buttermilk until it’s smooth.

4. Dip each onion ring into the buttermilk mixture first, making sure its all coated.

5. Then dredge the ring in the flour mixture, pressing it in lightly so that the coating sticks.

6. If you’re deep frying, heat enough vegetable oil in a pan to cover the rings; if you’re air frying, spritz a light coat of oil onto the rings.

7. Carefully place the coated rings in the hot oil or in the air fryer basket, being sure not to crowd them.

8. For deep frying, cook the rings in the oil until they turn a deep golden brown and are crispy; if using an air fryer, set it at about 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

9. Once done, remove the rings and set them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil.

10. Let the crispy fried onions cool slightly before eating, and enjoy them on top of your favorite dish or just as a tasty snack.

Equipment Needed

1. Sharp chef’s knife for slicing the onions evenly
2. Cutting board to safely work on the onions
3. Two mixing bowls – one for the flour mixture and another for the egg-and-buttermilk dip
4. Measuring cups and spoons so you add the right amount of flour, cornstarch, and spices
5. Whisk to blend the egg and buttermilk until smooth
6. Deep frying pan (or an air fryer with its basket) depending on your cooking method
7. Tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully take the rings out of the hot oil
8. A plate lined with paper towels to let the extra oil drain off after frying

FAQ

Crispy Fried Onions Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Try using rice flour or a gluten-free blend instead of all-purpose flour if you want a different texture.
• You can swap out the cornstarch with potato starch or tapioca flour to help make the coating crispy.
• For buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
• If you dont have an egg, you can use 1 tablespoon of blended flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water to help bind the stuff.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you slice those onions as evenly as you can so every ring cooks at the same rate – if some are thicker, they might take longer and mess up the texture.
2. When dipping the rings, be patient. Let the buttermilk and egg mix coat the rings completely before moving them to the flour mix, this helps the coating stick better.
3. Don’t crowd the pan or the air fryer basket. Overcrowding makes the rings steam instead of get crispy so leave space between each one.
4. If you’re deep frying, get the oil to the right temperature before adding any rings. Too low and they might get greasy, too high and they could burn on the outside before the inside cooks.