Crispy Onion Rings (panko breading)
A batch of these homemade onion rings can lift up the day. Thanks to the panko breading, they're very crunchy and perfect for dipping in different sauces while watching a game, tailgating, on movie night or having a casual outdoor barbecue.
Servings 25 onion rings
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized onions
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅕ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 to 4 cups frying oil sunflower is my choice
Instructions
- Have all the ingredients measured.
- Pour the frying oil into a deep saucepan or suitable pan for deep frying and place it over low heat. The ideal temperature is 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C).
- Cut 2 medium-sized onions into ½ to ⅓ inch thick rings and separate them into individual onion rings. Place them on paper towels so they absorb any liquid they might release.
- Stir ¼ cup all-purpose flour (half the amount), ½ teaspoon salt, ⅕ teaspoon black pepper and ⅓ teaspoon garlic powder in a shallow plate or bowl. If using other spices (like cayenne or chili powder) or dried herbs like thyme, stir them in now.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together 1 egg, ½ cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon baking powder and remaining ¼ cup all-purpose flour. The batter should be quite thick, similar to pancakes.
- Pour 3 cups panko breadcrumbs into a separate shallow plate or bowl.
- Make sure the onion rings are dry, and coat them in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Transfer the floured rings to the buttermilk batter and coat until each ring is evenly coated, shaking off excess.
- Finally, roll the battered rings in the panko, covering them completely.
- Fry for 1-2 minutes in 3 to 4 cups frying oil, focusing on the breading's color. It should be orange, but not brown.
- Place the fried onion rings on paper towels to absorb excess oil for a few minutes.
- Serve immediately with the sauce of choice.
Notes
Flavor variations: make them spicier by adding cayenne pepper, paprika or chili powder to the flour mixture. Add a dry herb like thyme or oregano.
