Sweet Vidalia onion make especially crisp, flavorful onion rings because they’re mild and naturally sugary.
Ingredients
- 2 large Vidalia onions
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1¼ cups cold sparkling water or beer
- Oil for frying
Optional:
- Buttermilk soak for extra tenderness
- Cayenne pepper for heat
2. Make the batter
Whisk together:
- Flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Seasonings
Slowly add cold sparkling water until smooth and slightly thick.
3. Heat the oil
Bring frying oil to about 350°F (175°C).
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4. Coat and fry
Dip onion rings into batter and fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Drain and serve
Place on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve hot with:
- Ranch
- Spicy mayo
- BBQ sauce
- Honey mustard
Tips for Extra Crispiness
- Keep batter cold
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Use cornstarch for crunch
- Fry twice for restaurant-style texture
They pair especially well with burgers, fried fish, or barbecue.