Description
Crispy, golden, and totally vegan onion rings made with sweet onions, flavorful batter, and panko breadcrumbs for the perfect crunch. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large sweet onions, such as Vidalia, peeled
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4-6 cups)
Instructions
- Slice the Onions: Slice onions into ½-inch thick rings. Gently separate the rings, discarding the very small inner and outer pieces.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth. In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- First Dip: Take an onion ring and dredge it thoroughly in the all-purpose flour, making sure it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Second Dip: Dip the floured onion ring into the wet batter, ensuring it’s fully submerged and coated. Let any excess batter drip off.
- Third Dip: Transfer the battered onion ring to the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the ring, making sure it’s completely covered.
- Repeat: Repeat the breading process with the remaining onion rings.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): Place the breaded onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully add the breaded onion rings to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the onion rings for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider to carefully flip them halfway through cooking.
- Remove and Drain: Once the onion rings are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat: Repeat the frying process with the remaining breaded onion rings, making sure to maintain the oil temperature.
- Season (Optional): While the onion rings are still hot, you can sprinkle them with a little extra salt, if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the vegan onion rings immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite vegan dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use sweet onions for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying.
- Maintain the oil temperature for crispy results.
- Chilling the breaded onion rings helps the breading adhere.
- Experiment with different spices and seasonings.
- For gluten-free onion rings, use gluten-free flour and panko.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes