Onion Rings Recipe
Crispy onion rings with our famous Zoo dip.
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Ingredients
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Onion Rings
Zoo Dip
Method
Onion Rings
- 1
Prepare onions
Peel the onions and slice into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and set aside. Use the smaller inner rings for frying and reserve any broken rings for battering as extras.
- 2
Dry mix
In a medium bowl whisk together 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly combined.
- 3
Wet mix
In a separate bowl whisk 1 egg with 1 cup buttermilk until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup cold sparkling water (add gradually to reach a slightly thick but pourable batter).
- 4
Combine batter
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined; a few small lumps are fine. If using, fold in 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Let the batter rest 10 minutes to hydrate.
- 5
Heat oil
Pour about 3 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy pot or deep fryer (approx. 1 liter). Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, oil is ready when a small breadcrumb sizzles and browns in about 30 seconds.
- 6
Coat and fry
Working in batches (do not overcrowd), dredge onion rings in a light dusting of extra flour (tap off excess), then dip into the batter, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Carefully lower rings into hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider. Fry until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Flip if necessary to brown evenly. Remove to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or onto paper towels to drain. Immediately season with a light sprinkle of salt.
- 7
Keep warm and finish
If cooking multiple batches, keep finished rings in a single layer on a low oven (200°F / 95°C) while you finish frying remaining batches so they stay crisp.
Zoo Dip
- 8
In a small bowl whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- 9
Stir in 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more honey for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, or more ketchup for tomato-forward flavor.
- 10
Chill the dip for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve alongside the hot onion rings.