Follow this guide to make ultra-crispy, restaurant-style onion rings using a simple, ice-cold batter technique.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:Deep Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 large yellow onions
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ice-cold club soda or seltzer water
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Slice the onions into 1/4-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and place them in a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes. Drain them well and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the ice-cold club soda into the dry ingredients. Whisk briefly until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine. The batter must remain very cold.
Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Dip the dried onion rings into the cold batter, allowing excess to drip off.
Carefully place the battered rings into the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and very crisp.
Remove the rings with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Immediately sprinkle with a little extra salt while hot. Serve right away for maximum crunch.
Notes
Drying the onions completely after soaking is crucial for a crispy coating.
Keep your batter refrigerated until the moment you use it.
Maintain the oil temperature strictly at 375 degrees Fahrenheit; if the oil is too cool, the rings will absorb too much oil and become soggy.