You know those days when the world just doesn’t feel right until you’ve had something ridiculously crispy and savory? That’s exactly how I felt before I stumbled upon the holy grail of snack recipes: Parmesan Herb-Crusted Onion Rings! This crunchy creation is going to change how you think about indulgence—trust me, it’s like love at first bite!
I love how these herb-crusted onion rings offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Using large onions, they’re seasoned with a flavorful mix of thyme, oregano, and basil, providing a tasty and aromatic crunch.
Coated in panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, they’re not just delicious but also offer a burst of texture and savory goodness. With each bite, I think you’ll appreciate the perfect balance of spices and the irresistible crispiness!
Herb Crusted Onion Rings Recipe Ingredients
- Onions: Rich in fiber and antioxidants, adding sweetness and a subtle tang.
- All-purpose flour: Provides a foundation for the batter, adding carbohydrates.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Create a light, crunchy texture, enhancing the crust.
- Dried herbs (thyme, oregano, basil): Infuse aromatic flavor and add antioxidants.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and savory richness, with calcium and protein.
- Vegetable oil: Used for frying, contributing to crispy texture.
Herb Crusted Onion Rings Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 large onions
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Make this Herb Crusted Onion Rings Recipe
1. Peel the onions and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices, separating them into individual rings.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk.
4. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, oregano, and basil.
5. Dip each onion ring in the flour mixture, ensuring they are coated well, and shake off the excess.
6. Next, dip the floured rings into the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off.
7. Coat the rings in the herb breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
9. Fry the onion rings in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove the onion rings with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot.
Herb Crusted Onion Rings Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Three mixing bowls
4. Whisk or fork (for mixing)
5. Large skillet or deep fryer
6. Slotted spoon
7. Paper towels
8. Plate (for draining the onion rings)
9. Measuring cups and spoons
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of onion for this recipe?
You can use any onion, but large yellow or white onions are ideal for making rings due to their size and mild flavor. - Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. - Can these onion rings be baked instead of fried?
Yes, you can bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results. - Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs. Typically, use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried in order to achieve a similar flavor profile. - What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable or canola oil works well due to their high smoke points, making them ideal for frying.
Herb Crusted Onion Rings Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Substitute with 1 cup whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Substitute with 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar (let it sit for 5 minutes).
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs: Substitute with 2 cups finely crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Substitute with 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Substitute with canola oil or peanut oil for frying, as they have a high smoke point.
Pro Tips
1. Maximize Crunch: For extra crunchy onion rings, allow the coated rings to rest on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before frying. This helps the breadcrumb coating adhere better and results in a crispier texture.
2. Oil Temperature Consistency: Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at a steady 350°F (175°C). Consistent temperature ensures the onion rings cook evenly and prevents them from becoming too greasy.
3. Flavor Enhancement: For added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a subtle kick or experimenting with smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Proper Drainage: After frying, place the onion rings on a wire rack over a baking sheet rather than directly on a paper towel. This allows excess oil to drip away without making the onion rings soggy.
5. Presentation: For a more visually appealing presentation, sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan and a touch of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives over the finished onion rings before serving. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Herb Crusted Onion Rings Recipe
My favorite Herb Crusted Onion Rings Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Three mixing bowls
4. Whisk or fork (for mixing)
5. Large skillet or deep fryer
6. Slotted spoon
7. Paper towels
8. Plate (for draining the onion rings)
9. Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Peel the onions and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices, separating them into individual rings.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk.
4. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, oregano, and basil.
5. Dip each onion ring in the flour mixture, ensuring they are coated well, and shake off the excess.
6. Next, dip the floured rings into the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off.
7. Coat the rings in the herb breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
9. Fry the onion rings in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove the onion rings with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot.
