Onion Rings Or Side-winder Fries Recipe
Make Onion Rings Or Side-winder Fries Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Batter & Coating for Onion Rings
Coating & Seasoning for Fries (Side‑Winder option)
Fry Oil & Finishing
Dips
Method
Batter & Frying Onion Rings
- 1
Prepare onions
Peel the onions and slice into 1/3-inch to 1/2-inch thick rings. Gently separate into individual rings, discarding the small center pieces or saving them for another use. Pat rings dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture.
- 2
Make dry mix
In a shallow bowl or wide dish, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly combined.
- 3
Make wet batter
In a separate bowl, whisk 1 egg with 3/4 cup milk (or buttermilk) until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup cold club soda (or cold water) — the batter should be slightly thick but pourable. If using panko, place 3/4 cup panko in a third shallow bowl for double-coating.
- 4
Coat the rings
Dredge each ring in the dry mix to dust, then dip into the wet batter, allowing excess to drip off. For extra crunch, press the battered ring into panko breadcrumbs to coat, or return to the dry mix for a second dredge if you prefer not to use panko.
- 5
Heat oil
Pour 3 to 4 cups neutral frying oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to a depth of about 2–3 inches. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small bit of batter: it should sizzle and rise slowly without burning immediately.
- 6
Fry in batches
Carefully lower battered rings into the hot oil in small batches (4–6 rings depending on pot size) so they don't stick together. Fry for about 2–3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove rings and drain on a wire rack set over a sheet pan or on paper towels.
- 7
Side‑Winder Fries (Oven or Fry)
- 8
Oven-baked (recommended for convenience)
Preheat oven according to frozen fries package (typically 425°F/220°C). Spread 1 lb frozen side-winder or curly fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Toss lightly with 1 tbsp vegetable oil or spray with cooking spray. Mix 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then sprinkle evenly over fries and toss to coat. Bake according to package (usually 18–25 minutes), turning once halfway, until deep golden and crisp.
- 9
Deep-fried option (for extra crispness)
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry frozen side-winder fries in small batches (do not overcrowd) for 3–5 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove with a spider and drain on a wire rack. Immediately season with the garlic-paprika-salt-pepper blend.
- 10
Dips
- 11
Quick fry sauce
Whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp yellow mustard and 1/2 tsp hot sauce (if using) in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill briefly if you like a firmer texture.