Skip the messy deep fryer and craft these blissfully crispy Baked Onion Rings in your oven.
For the first time in many years, I tried onion rings at a local BBQ joint. Although they were tasty, I couldn’t finish them because they were just too greasy. My sensitive stomach doesn’t take well to fried foods, and so I often seek alternatives to classic recipes, like these baked onion rings. But don’t worry—while skipping the deep fryer, there’s no sacrifice of savory flavor or crunchy texture here.
Baked onion rings aren’t hard to make at all. Each luscious ring of white onion is still dipped in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, but then they’re popped into the oven at a high temperature. This ensures that they get nice and crispy, with each bite more satisfying than the last, to the point where I’m questioning if I’ll ever order them out again. Why bother when I can just craft my own from scratch?
Even my loved ones like this version, especially because it doesn’t leave a huge mess of oil splatters in the kitchen. As someone who isn’t fond of frying things for multiple reasons, I believe this recipe will continue to come in handy for years!
The history of our humble onion ring
While the exact origin of onion rings is hotly debated among food historians, it seems highly likely that they came from England. The earliest account of such a recipe was found in an early 1800s cookbook called “The Art of Cookery Made Easy and Refined” by John Mollard. At the time, onion rings were deep-fried in lard—animal fat—instead of vegetable oil, but the basics are relatively similar to what we know and enjoy today. It wasn’t until the 1950s in the United States that onion rings became popular as a fast food staple that still endures today.
How do I store leftovers?
Once your baked onion rings have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them for 2-3 days. Otherwise, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or 5 minutes if they’ve only come out of the fridge.
Similar recipes to try
Are you craving fried food but with a protein boost? Try this Delicious Fried Calamari Recipe, which is akin to classic onion rings but with a savory seafood twist. On the other hand, if you’d like to keep it simple and stick with onions, then learn How To Sauté Onions so you can incorporate them into all kinds of dishes and meals. Last but definitely not least—try making a classic Baked Sweet Potato.
Baked Onion Rings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour divided
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large onions peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rings
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Preferred sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. In one shallow bowl, place half of the flour. In a second bowl, mix the remaining flour, milk, beaten egg, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each onion ring first in the flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Arrange the coated rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray them with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bake the onion rings for 17-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through baking until they are golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
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