Beer Battered Onion Rings

Prep Steps

• 2 large Vidalia onions, peeled, into 1/2-inch slices {do:cut}

Soak the Onions

Separate into rings and soak in a bowl of ice water for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour...

• 2 large Vidalia onions, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices

Note: The ice bath mellows the onion's bite and loosens the thin membrane inside each ring, so it's easier to peel off and the coating sticks better.

Dry & Peel

Lift the rings out of the water and pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel. As you dry them, use your thumb to peel away the thin, papery membrane from the inside of each ring so the coating grips the onion instead of sliding off.

In a small bowl, have ready for dusting...

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Coat & Cook

Option: Beer Batter, Deep Fried {id:cook.fry, skill:medium}

Light, crackly and classic.

In a large bowl, whisk together until it's the thickness of a thin pancake batter, adding a splash more liquid if needed...

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp kosher salt{tip:We test with Morton kosher salt. Using table salt? Use about 3/4 as much. Diamond Crystal? Use about 1 1/2 times as much.}
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beer

In a large, deep pot, heat to 350°F...

• 6 cups peanut oil

Dust each ring in flour, shaking off the extra, then dip it in the cold batter and let the excess drip off until only a thin, even layer remains. Carefully slide the rings into the oil in small batches and fry, flipping once, until deep golden brown, 2–3 minutes. Drain on a wire rack.

Option: Panko, Air Fried {id:cook.air, cooktime:+5, cal:-110, fat:-12}

Crunchy panko coating, no pot of oil.

Note: A wet beer batter drips through an air fryer basket, so this version uses a panko coating instead.

In one bowl, whisk together...

• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup water

In another bowl, stir together...

• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp kosher salt{tip:We test with Morton kosher salt. Using table salt? Use about 3/4 as much. Diamond Crystal? Use about 1 1/2 times as much.}
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Heat the air fryer to 380°F. Dust each ring in flour, dip it in the egg, then press it into the panko. Arrange in a single layer, mist all over with...

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, in a spray bottle

Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Work in batches.

Serve

Serve hot with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.