Beer battered onion rings are crispy and golden, making them a perfect snack or side dish! They have a delightful crunch outside and a soft onion inside that you’ll love.
These rings are super fun to make! Just dip the onions in a tasty beer batter, fry them up, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce. Trust me, they won’t last long! 🍻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These are perfect for onion rings due to their sweetness and flavor. You could also use sweet onions like Vidalia for a sweeter taste or red onions for a bit of color and zest.
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the batter. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or rice flour for a lighter texture.
Beer: A lager or ale works well, providing flavor and effervescence. If you want a non-alcoholic option, try using sparkling water or club soda for a similar texture without the alcohol.
Vegetable Oil: This is used for frying. You can opt for canola or peanut oil if you prefer, as both have high smoke points and neutral flavors.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
Achieving that ideal crispy texture for your onion rings is all about technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by slicing the onions evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. About 1/2 inch thick is ideal.
- Dust the onion rings with flour before dipping them in the batter. This helps the batter stick better!
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (375°F/190°C) before adding the onion rings. If it’s too cool, they’ll turn soggy. If too hot, they’ll brown too quickly.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Fry only a few at a time so they cook evenly and get that nice crispy golden color.
- Finally, season them right after frying while they’re still hot for maximum flavor.
With these tips, your onion rings will come out crispy and delicious every time!
Beer Battered Onion Rings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Onion Rings:
- 2 large yellow onions
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold beer (lager or ale works well)
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional: dipping sauce such as ranch or spicy mayo
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 10-15 minutes for frying. You can expect a total of around 30 minutes to enjoy your crispy beer battered onion rings from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
Start by peeling the two large yellow onions. Slice them into half-inch thick rings. Once sliced, gently separate the rings and set them aside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This will be your dry mixture for the batter.
3. Make the Beer Batter:
In another bowl, whisk the egg until it’s light and fluffy. Then, slowly pour in the cold beer and stir until well combined. Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking to form a smooth batter. If you find the batter too thick, don’t hesitate to add a little extra beer to loosen it up to a pancake batter consistency.
4. Dredge the Onion Rings:
Put the remaining 1/4 cup of flour in a shallow dish. Take your onion rings and lightly coat them in the flour, shaking off any excess. This step helps the batter stick better.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pot or deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). You’ll know it’s hot enough when a small drop of batter sizzles when added to the oil.
6. Fry the Onion Rings:
Dip each floured onion ring into the beer batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Carefully place just a few battered rings into the hot oil at a time, frying them until they’re golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Remember, don’t overcrowd the pan!
7. Drain and Season:
Once golden, use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried onion rings to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. As soon as they come out of the oil, sprinkle with additional salt for that extra flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the onion rings warm with your choice of dipping sauce, like ranch or spicy mayo. Enjoy your delicious, crispy beer battered onion rings with friends and family!
Dig in and savor every crunchy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are great for their sweetness, you can use sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder taste, or even red onions for a sharper flavor and beautiful color.
How Do I Store Leftover Onion Rings?
Store any leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they’re crispy again.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beer batter in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, for the best results, mix in the beer just before using it to maintain its effervescence.
Is There a Gluten-Free Option?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or rice flour to make delicious gluten-free onion rings. Just make sure to check that your beer is also gluten-free if you’re being cautious about gluten.
