Crispy Deep-Fried Onion Rings

If you, like me, almost want to order onion rings when you go out to eat but don’t want to pay the uncharge, this recipe is here to save you. You are now the homemade frying master. Pile these on burgers, dip them in ranch, or snack on them with other apps while you watch a. football game.

Whether you grow your onions or buy them, you can make your onion rings for just pennies a batch. Just simple ingredients – you don’t even need breadcrumbs. Don’t let the hot oil scare you. You can do this!

What You’ll Need

Vidalia, or sweet, onions are the best for these because of their flavor. But if you can’t find them, just soak regular onion in water for an hour before slicing them. For extra crispy onion rings, keep your slices thin. Thick slices will be softer. The evaporated milk will make the batter rich and creamy, but you can substitute buttermilk or cream if you need to.

For deep frying, a deep fryer is easiest and safer, but if you don’t have one you can use a Dutch oven. Peanut oil is best for frying but you can use vegetable oil too.

This will make 4 servings and is best enjoyed fresh. If you’d like to double or triple this recipe, you can make adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Equipment

• Deep fryer or Dutch oven
• strainer or slotted spoon
• Candy thermometer
• Mixing Bowls
• paper towels or cooling rack

Ingredients

• 1 large white sweet onion (a Vidalia onion is perfect!)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup evaporated milk (can substitute buttermilk or cream)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 ½ quarts cooking oil (I prefer peanut, but vegetable oil will work)

How to Make Deep Fried Onion Rings

Step One: Slice the Onions

Cut your onion into thick slices – about ¼ inch. Don’t go thinner or they’ll fall apart.

Step Two: Make Your Batter and Breading

Set up two bowls. In one, whisk together the eggs and evaporated milk. In the other, mix your flour with a good pinch of salt and pepper.

Step Three: Bread the Rings

Now here’s the thing – dip each onion ring in the wet stuff first, then coat it REALLY well in the flour. Like, press it in there. Don’t be shy about it.

Step Four: Heat the Oil

Heat your oil to 350°F. Use a thermometer – guessing doesn’t work here. While it’s heating, turn your oven to 200°F so you can keep the first batch warm.

Step Five: Fry Those Rings

Drop a few rings in at a time. Don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of fry. Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping them once, until they’re golden brown.

Step Six: Keep Them Warm and Serve

Pull them out with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Pop them in that warm oven while you fry the rest. Serve them HOT. Cold onion rings are just sad.

Storage Instructions

Once cooled completely, store your leftovers in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the fridge for up to four days. 

For best results, reheat the cooked onion rings in an air fryer, or in the oven. It will crisp them up nicely again.

Questions and Troubleshooting

More Deep Fried Favorites

• Golden brown homemade French fries are just potatoes, salt, and oil.
• Deep-fried pickle chips are another restaurant-style appetizer that’s so easy to make at home.
• If you love golden, crispy foods, try deep-fried Oreos. You’ll never buy them at the state fair again.

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