Fried Vidalia Onion Rings

Sweet, crispy, and perfectly golden — Vidalia onions make especially flavorful onion rings because of their natural sweetness.

Ingredients

Onion Rings

• 2 large Vidalia onions
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1¼ cups cold buttermilk or cold sparkling water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Optional Crunch Coating

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Peel onions and slice into ½-inch rings.
   Separate the rings and soak in cold water for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
2. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a bowl, whisk together:
   • flour
   • cornstarch
   • baking powder
   • paprika
   • garlic powder
   • salt
   • pepper
4. In another bowl, whisk egg with buttermilk.
5. Dip onion rings into dry mixture, then wet mixture, then back into dry mixture.
   For extra crunch, coat with panko after battering.
6. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
8. Sprinkle lightly with salt while hot.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

Classic Comeback Sauce

• ½ cup mayo
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• ½ tsp paprika
• Dash Worcestershire sauce

Ranch or Spicy Aioli

Great with the sweetness of Vidalia onions.

Tips

• Keep batter cold for crispier onion rings.
• Don’t overcrowd the fryer.
• Vidalia onions are sweeter and milder than regular yellow onions, making them ideal for frying.