Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Battered Onion Rings
Seasoning and Frying
Dipping Sauce (optional)
Method
Battered Onion Rings
- 1
Prepare onions
Peel the onions and slice into 1/3- to 1/2-inch thick rings. Separate rings and set aside. If some rings stick together, gently pry apart with your fingers.
- 2
Pre-dry rings
Pat the onion rings dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture; this helps the batter adhere and reduces oil splatter.
- 3
Make dry mix
In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika until evenly combined.
- 4
Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg. Stir in 3/4 cup cold sparkling water (or beer) until blended. Cold liquid keeps the batter light and crisp.
- 5
Make the batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk just until mostly smooth; a few small lumps are fine. Batter should be thick enough to coat but still pourable. If using, fold in 1/2 cup panko for extra crunch or reserve panko for dredging (see below).
- 6
- 7
Coat and fry
Working in small batches (4–6 rings at a time depending on pan size), dip each onion ring into the batter to coat fully, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. If you reserved panko, immediately dredge the battered ring in panko to coat. Carefully place rings into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once with tongs or a slotted spoon.
- 8
Drain and season
Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried rings to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or to paper towels to drain. Immediately sprinkle with the 1 tsp fine salt while still hot so it adheres. Repeat with remaining rings, bringing oil back to 350°F between batches as needed.
Dipping Sauce (optional)
- 9
While the rings fry, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbs ketchup, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 tsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.