These beer battered onion rings are crispy, golden, and oh-so-tasty! The beer gives them a light fluffiness that makes them super satisfying to munch on.
Who doesn’t love a good crunch? I always find myself sneaking a few right from the hot pan—can you blame me? Perfect for dipping in ketchup or ranch!
Making these rings is fun and simple. Just slice, dip in the batter, and fry. They pair great with burgers or are perfect as a snack while watching a game!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These are perfect for onion rings due to their sweetness and crisp texture. If you want a bit more spice, consider using red onions, which offer a sharper flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the batter its structure. You can swap with a gluten-free flour blend if needed, or even cornstarch for a lighter batter.
Cold Beer: Lagers and ales create a light, crispy texture. If you’d prefer to avoid alcohol, sparkling water or club soda makes a great substitute while keeping that fizz!
Vegetable Oil: While any frying oil works, peanut oil is a favorite for its high smoke point and flavor. Avocado oil is another good, healthier option if you have it on hand.
How Do I Get My Onion Rings Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crunch, follow these tips:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying—375°F (190°C) is ideal. You can use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Keep the batter cold! You can place it in the fridge for a few minutes before dipping the onion rings.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. This lowers the oil temperature and can make your rings soggy.
- Let the fried rings rest on a paper towel to soak up excess oil, keeping them crispy.
With these tips, your onion rings will be the talk of the party! Enjoy them fresh and hot from the fryer for the best experience.
How to Make Beer Battered Onion Rings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Onion Rings:
- 2 large yellow onions
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 cup cold beer (lager or ale works best)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Dipping:
- Optional: dipping sauce such as ranch or spicy mayo
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook the onion rings. Allow some extra time for frying in batches, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
Start by peeling the onions and slicing them into rings that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Once sliced, carefully separate the rings from one another and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Whisk them together until blended. Gradually pour in the cold beer while whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly thick. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes to get a nice texture.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or a large deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Make sure there’s enough oil for the onion rings to float freely while frying.
4. Dip the Onion Rings:
Take each onion ring, dip it into the beer batter, and coat it well. Ensure they are completely covered for that crunchy texture!
5. Fry the Onion Rings:
Carefully add the battered onion rings to the hot oil in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot as it can lower the oil temperature. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes, turning them as needed, until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the onion rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy mayo, and enjoy those crispy, golden onion rings!
Can I Use a Different Type of Onion?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are sweet and ideal for onion rings, you can also use red onions for a sharper flavor or white onions for a milder taste.
What Can I Substitute for Beer in the Batter?
If you prefer not to use beer, sparkling water or club soda is a great alternative. This adds a fizz that will keep your batter light and crispy!
How Do I Store Leftover Onion Rings?
Store any leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
It’s best to use the batter immediately after mixing for the best results. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance and add the beer just before frying to ensure a fresh and bubbly batter.
