Forget everything you know about greasy, deep-fried onion rings! These Double Crunch Baked Onion Rings are about to revolutionize your snack game. Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown ring that's packed with flavor but doesn't leave you feeling weighed down. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a game-day snack, or just want to impress your friends with restaurant-quality cooking, this recipe is your secret weapon to crispy, delicious onion rings without the extra oil.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large onions
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve that crispy texture for the onion rings.
- Peel the onions and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rings. Carefully separate the rings from each other, placing them in a bowl. You should have enough rings for about 6 servings.
- In a separate bowl, pour in 1 cup of buttermilk. You can also make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Dip each onion ring into the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the excess buttermilk drip off before moving to the next step.
- In another bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Coat each buttermilk-dipped onion ring in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour sticks well. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, place 1 cup of breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Take each floured onion ring and dip it into the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully coated. Press down lightly to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Arrange the coated onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced out evenly to allow for even cooking.
- Spray the onion rings lightly with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them. This will help them achieve a golden-brown color as they bake.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, flipping the onion rings halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
- Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove the onion rings from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve your double crunch baked onion rings warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, or a spicy aioli.
Tips
- Choose the right onions: Large, sweet onions like Vidalia work best for this recipe. They provide a nice balance of flavor and texture.
- Pat your onion rings dry before dipping: Moisture can prevent the coating from sticking properly, so use paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Don't skip the buttermilk soak: This step helps tenderize the onions and helps the coating stick better.
- For extra crunch, consider mixing panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs.
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet for even crispier results, allowing air to circulate around the onion rings.
- If you want to make them ahead, you can prepare the coated onion rings and refrigerate them for up to an hour before baking.
- Experiment with seasonings in your flour mixture - try adding garlic powder, cayenne, or dried herbs for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
