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The Recipe · No.269 · Onion Rings

Onion Rings, and where to source it

Onion Rings — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Onion Rings American 5best2buy.com

A cold batter hitting hot oil is what gives you shatter-crisp, not thick and doughy, so keep the batter icy and the oil at 375F. Soaking the rings in buttermilk first tenderizes the onion and helps the batter cling. Fry in small batches so the oil temperature doesn't crash.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook15 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Sweet onions
Large Vidalia or Spanish onions cut into thick 1/2-inch rings so they stay tender inside.
2 large onions
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Flour
The batter base; some is also used to dredge the rings so the batter grips.
1.5 cups
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Buttermilk
Soaking the rings tenderizes them and gives the batter something to cling to.
1 cup
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Cornmeal
A spoonful in the batter adds grit and extra crunch.
1/4 cup
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Paprika
Smoked or sweet paprika seasons the batter and warms the color.
1 tsp
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortEasy
Cook it with
Stovetop
The Method
  1. SoakSeparate the rings and soak in buttermilk 15-20 minutes while the oil heats to 375F.
  2. BatterWhisk flour, cornmeal, paprika, and salt with cold sparkling water or reserved buttermilk until pancake-thick.
  3. Dredge and dipLift rings from the soak, dredge in dry flour, then dip in the cold batter.
  4. FryFry in batches at 375F for 2-3 minutes until golden; drain on a rack and salt immediately.
The Toolkit

Dutch oven · Frying thermometer · Spider skimmer · Wire rack

Straight Answers
Can you make Onion Rings in an air fryer? — Not really

Not really — loose batter spreads and needs a flat, hot surface. Keep this one on the stovetop or griddle.

Can you freeze Onion Rings? — Not ideal

You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.

Can you make Onion Rings ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Onion Rings gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Onion Rings vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

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