Grandpa Joe's
Super Crispy Onion Rings

Onion rings are always a welcome treat around our house.

About this recipe

Over the years I have accumulated nearly a dozen different recipes for super crispy onion rings.  One uses beer, one uses soda water, and one even uses vodka!  I finally decided to combine what I thought was the best of each recipe and develop my own.  This is the result.  I use it almost exclusively now.

Ingredients

  • Spanish onion, cut into ½-inch rings
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 6 cups vegetable oil

Directions

  1. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. 
  2. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish. 
  3. Dip each onion ring into the buttermilk and then dredge it with the flour.  Dip the ring a second time into the buttermilk and then dredge again with the flour mixture.  Place the ring on a skewer.
  4. Set the skewered onion rings over a bowl while coating the remaining onions.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat to 365° F. 
  6. Frying in small batches, cook the rings in the oil for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown. 
  7. Remove the rings (using a skewer) and place them over a bowl to drain.
Super Crispy Onion Rings.

Notes

  • The cooked onion rings also drain well on a rack placed inside a rimmed cookie sheet.
  • Vidalia onions also work well.
Posted: April 2014; picture added: February 2015.