Crunchy, salty, sweetness makes French fried onions a tempting snack, topping or side dish.
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French fried onions are known for their crispy texture, delicious flavor, and satisfying crunchiness, making them a favorite treat at diners, barbecues, and upscale restaurants alike. What exactly are French fried onions, and where did they originate?
Essentially, French fried onions consist of onion slices coated in batter or breadcrumbs and deep-fried until they achieve a crispy exterior. The contrast between the crunchy layer and the soft, slightly sweet onion inside creates an enticing mix of textures that contributes to their irresistible appeal.
The exact origins of all types of fried onions remain unclear. Although fried onions have been savored in cultures for centuries, the modern version of the onion ring is thought to have originated in the United States and is similar to the ones in our Air-Fryer Onion Rings recipe, using thicker-cut onion slices. French-fried onions are simply a thinner version.
French-fried onion rings can be used in various ways and complement different dishes. The most popular way Americans use French fried onions might be the traditional green bean casserole at Thanksgiving, which is topped with crunchy fried onions. They are also commonly served as a side dish or topping with burgers, sandwiches, or steaks, and would be delish with our Oven-Cooked Top Sirloin Steak. Enjoying them on their own is quite common, especially when paired with dips like ranch dressing or our homemade Chipotle Aioli.
Are French Fried Onions Healthy?
The onions are soaked in buttermilk and fried in oil for this recipe. They are not a food to go to when searching for healthy options. Still, you can make some changes to suit your diet and health concerns better. For example, using gluten-free flour, such as an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend rather than wheat flour for gluten-free diets. Another healthy alternative is avocado oil instead of vegetable oil. It has a high heat threshold so it is safe for frying and better for your health.
The secret to the crispiest French fried onions?
There are a couple of things to remember so that your French fried onions turn out as crispy as possible. First, don’t overload the skillet when frying the onions. Each onion needs to be thoroughly cooked in the oil, and overcrowding could cause uneven cooking. Second, after the onions are fried, it’s important to blot the excess oil off with paper towels. If you don’t, the oil just sits there on the French fried onions and could cause them to become mushy.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced into rings
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
INSTRUCTIONS
Soak
Tenderize onions in buttermilk.
Dredge
Coat onions with seasoned flour.
Fry
Cook until crispy and drain.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
To keep your leftover French fried onions fresh, ensure they have cooled down completely to room temperature. Put them in a container or a resealable plastic bag to keep them crispy. You can also add a piece of paper towel to soak up any moisture. Store the container or bag in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
To reheat the leftover French fried onions, don’t opt for the microwave. It will not bring the crunch back. Instead, turn to an air fryer or the oven. For the air fryer, heat it to 375° Fahrenheit and warm for 5 minutes. In the oven, place the onions on a baking sheet and warm them at 350° Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
Soaking onions in any liquid before frying them helps to rid them of the strong, pungent onion flavor and odor. For sweet, mellow onions, you can’t skip soaking them in the buttermilk. The liquid is also necessary to help the flour stick to the onions.
Serving Suggestions
Now for the fun part — how to serve your French fried onions. They make a wonderful snack with a side of Onion Ring Sauce or Spicy BBQ Sauce. For dinner, French fried onions can top this Instant Pot Steak and these Veggie Burgers, adding wonderful crunch and flavor. They also turn any potato dish into an impressive side. Try French fried onions as a topping for scalloped potatoes, oven-roasted potatoes, or a classic Foil-Wrapped Baked Potato. There isn’t much these sweet and salty onions can’t do!
French Fried Onions
Ingredients
- 2 large onions thinly sliced into rings
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
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Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for 15 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
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Dredge the soaked onion rings in the flour mixture until well coated.
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Fry the onion rings in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Nutrition
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