Tennessee is known for its Southern hospitality, flavorful food, and delicious comfort dishes. One such treat that has stood the test of time in Tennessee and the surrounding regions is the crispy, golden onion ring. These Tennessee Onion Rings are packed with flavor and have a perfect crunch that pairs wonderfully with burgers, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack. The blend of spices, crispy coating, and tender onion inside creates an irresistible bite. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just craving some comfort food, these Tennessee Onion Rings are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions (yellow or sweet onions work best for a balance of sweetness and bite)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for a crispy, light coating)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a savory depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (adds smokiness and color)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a slight kick of heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for the best taste)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for a tangy batter that helps the coating stick)
- 1 large egg (to help bind the wet ingredients)
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Vegetable oil (for frying; canola oil or sunflower oil works well)
Directions:
- Prepare the Onions: Start by peeling the onions and slicing them into rings that are about 1/2 inch thick. Gently separate the rings. If the onion rings are too small, you can discard the inner ones or set them aside for a different recipe, as larger rings are perfect for frying. Make sure to separate the onion rings carefully so they don’t break apart.
- Make the Flour Coating: In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will provide a nice, flavorful coating for the onion rings. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed by whisking everything together.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In another shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg until smooth. This will create the wet batter that helps the flour and breadcrumbs adhere to the onions. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar—let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Set up the Breadcrumb Coating: In a third shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs. If you want extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs—they’re larger and more airy than regular breadcrumbs, giving your onion rings that coveted crispiness.
- Coat the Onion Rings: Now for the fun part! Take each onion ring and dip it first into the flour mixture, making sure it’s completely coated. Next, dip it into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring the ring is fully submerged. Finally, coat the onion ring with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they adhere well. Repeat this process for each ring. You should have a beautiful layer of crispy coating on each onion ring.
- Heat the Oil: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread or a pinch of the flour mixture into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
- Fry the Onion Rings: Working in batches, carefully add the coated onion rings into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as it can lower the temperature of the oil and cause soggy onion rings. Fry the onion rings for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip them gently. Once they’re golden and crisp, use the spoon to remove them from the oil.
- Drain and Rest: Transfer the fried onion rings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy.
- Serve and Garnish: Once all the rings are fried, garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your crispy Tennessee onion rings immediately, paired with a delicious dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
Nutritional Information:
- ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🍳 Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- ⏲️ Total Time: 30 minutes
- 🔥 Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per serving (about 5 onion rings)
- 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings (based on serving about 5 onion rings per person)
Tips & Variations:
- For Extra Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of onion powder to the flour mixture for an added savory depth.
- Spicy Kick: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a more intense heat, increase the cayenne, or try adding a splash of hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture.
- Baked Version: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can bake these onion rings at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for an even crispiness.
- Crispier Coating: For even more crunch, dip the coated onion rings in the flour, buttermilk, and breadcrumbs again (double-dipping technique).
These Tennessee Onion Rings make the perfect side dish for a Southern-inspired meal or a satisfying snack during game day. The crispy exterior and tender onion interior offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether paired with a classic burger, served as an appetizer, or enjoyed on their own with your favorite dipping sauce, these onion rings will soon become a family favorite!