There is nothing better than hot & fresh beer-battered onion rings that are deep-fried until crispy. This easy recipe for the comfort food fried treat is easy to make homemade. Be ready to be WOWED with these!
Why this recipe for Homemade Beer-Battered Onion Rings is the BEST: No breading, panko, or bread crumbs like other recipes. Just a puffy, tender, airy, & tasty batter that is fried until golden & crunchy.
These onion rings are vegan, tasty, and much better than Burger King or Sonic. And definitely better than any frozen or store-bought products. They are great with hot dogs, a Wagyu Burger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, or as finger food on game day.
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Why Use Beer in the Batter?
The beer has a scientific reason for being used in batters. The combination of the acids and carbon dioxide in beers reacts with the gluten in the flour.
The two foam up & the carbonation creates bubbles & little pockets of air. That results in a light & airy batter when it hits the high heat and fries up. They are the perfect side dish, snack, or appetizer.
Ingredients for Beer-Battered Onion Rings
While other recipes call for dipping the onion rings into buttermilk and then into a breading or coating, this is a traditional version. These are more old-fashioned and are like the onion rings that have been around for decades.
Like my recommendations for the best beers to use for beer can chicken, choose what you love but some are better than others. I personally like a dark beer but light pilsners work too.
- Sweet Onions - white or yellow onions will work & large ones to make big rings work best.
- Beer - use your favorite brand; dark, light, lager, pilsner, etc.
- All-Purpose Flour - the pantry staple is all you need.
- Spices - seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, & paprika to flavor the batter.
- Oil - for deep frying.
See the recipe card for amounts & full instructions.
How to Make Beer-Battered Onion Rings
It takes just 10 minutes to prep & another 20 minutes to fry the batches. This 30 minute appetizer couldn't be simpler.
Here are the easy steps for prepping, dipping, and frying homemade onion rings:
- Cut the Onions
- Mix the Beer Batter
- Dip & Fry the Onion Rings
1 - Cut the Onions
First, trim the ends off the onion. Next, peel the onion skin off and then slice into rings. Make each ring about ⅓" thick. If you want thicker or thinner, you can do that but keep in mind the cooking time will be altered.
For this recipe, the timing for how long to fry in the deep fryer is based on rings that are ⅓" thick. It takes about 4-5 minutes for this size to cook in batches. Thicker or thinner rings will take more or less time.
2 - Mix the Beer Batter
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients.To the dry ingredients, pour in the 1 cup of beer.
Whisk or stir briskly together so that a smooth batter forms. It will be a slightly thick batter (think pancake batter) as seen below.
3 - Dip & Fry the Onion Rings
At this point heat up your electric deep fryer, or vegetable oil into a deep pot on your stove. Like my recipe for Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries, frying really gives you the best flavor & texture.
You will want at least 3" deep of frying liquid. Once it reaches 375°, the oil is ready for frying.
Dip onion rings into the batter one by one to coat. Immediately, gently place the coated onion ring into the hot fry oil. BE CAREFUL to not drop it in as it will splatter and could burn you.
Depending on the size of your fryer or pot, place a few onion rings in at a time to cook together. Do not overcrowd the oil as it will bring the temperature down. About 4-5 at a time should be about right.
Fry the onion rings in batches until all are golden brown. Remove with metal tongs. Salt them as they come out and place them on a plate lined with a paper towel so they can drain a bit.
Enjoy immediately while they are still hot.
What to Serve with Onion Rings
Onion rings go with so many foods and are also a great appetizer. Traditionally they are found on fast food, burger joint, carnivals, or bar menus. Dip in some Hot Honey or Ranch!
Enjoy them at home as a side for dinner with these recipes :
- SLOW COOKER BBQ PULLED CHICKEN
- SMOKED CHICKEN
- AIR FRYER FISH STICKS
- 3-INGREDIENT SLOPPY JOES
- TOASTER OVEN GRILLED CHEESE
FAQ
If you want a non-alcoholic option you can use a zero-proof beer. You can also use plain carbonated water.
Make sure your oil is hot enough. If the oil is too cool, the batter will slide right off instead of adhering immediately due to the high heat.
Yes! For a gluten-free onion ring recipe, use Bob's Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free flour. You need the same amount. Also use a gluten-free beer.
Deep-Fried Beer-Battered Onion Rings
Equipment
- deep fryer
Ingredients
- 1 C all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 large onion or 2 medium
- 1 C beer ale
- vegetable oil
Instructions
- First, trim the ends off the onion. Next, peel the onion skin off and then slice into rings. Make each ring about ⅓″ thick. (see information above if you want a thicker or thinner ring and cooking times)
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients.
- To the dry ingredients, pour in the 1 cup of beer. Whisk or stir briskly together so that a smooth batter forms. It will be a slightly thick batter - like pancake batter. See above for a photo.
- At this point heat up your electric deep fryer, or vegetable oil into a deep pot on your stove. You will want at least 3″ deep of frying liquid. Once it reaches 375°, the oil is ready for frying.
- Dip onion rings into the batter one by one to coat. Immediately, gently place the coated onion ring into the hot fry oil. BE CAREFUL to not drop it in as it will splatter and could burn you. Depending on the size of your fryer or pot, place a few onion rings in at a time to cook together. Do not overcrowd the oil as it will bring the temperature down. About 4-5 at a time should be about right.
- Cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Make sure to flip them over using tongs while frying so both sides become brown. Should take a total of 4-5 minutes for each batch. Remove them from the hot oil with metal tongs.
- Salt them as they come out and place them on a plate lined with a paper towel so they can drain a bit. Enjoy immediately while they are still hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat onion rings in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 375°F or in the oven at 400°F for 7-10 minutes.
Nutrition
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Charlene says
I honestly had no idea that this was something I could make at home, but then again, I'm new to the kitchen (thanks, COVID!) I love getting onion rings when I eat out. This could be a lifesaver!
Angela says
Yeah, so give this a try. I would love to hear how it turns out since you are learning.
Beth Shields says
Oh my goodness - I love a good onion ring and these look delicious. Could almost smell them as I was reading the post. Thanks so much.
Angela says
Thanks for the fun comment - they do smell amazing when you make them.
Cindy Mailhot says
Those look so good. Grab me a burger or a hot dog to go with and I am in heaven.
Angela says
Sounds perfect to me.
Katelyn says
These are mouth watering! My family loves onion rings.
Holly says
I'm so excited to try this recipe.. I have never made homemade onion rings before and this looks so easy and delicious! Pinned for later!
Angela says
Thanks for pinning.
Sabrina DeWalt says
I love onion rings with horseradish sauce. Can't wait to test this recipe.
Angela says
I have not tried these with horseradish sauce but that sounds good, thanks.
Alexis Farmer says
I need to try this recipe! I tried making onion rings in the air fryer awhile back but it was an epic fail.
Angela says
Oh no, I hope this recipe works for you and is a big tasty success.
Emily Ackerman says
Theses look soooo tasty! onion rings are def a weakness of mine!
Angela says
Ditto!
heather J Jandrue says
My husband would love these. He has been looking for the perfect onion ring to make at home. I am going to send him this. Thanks!
Angela says
I hope this is the onion ring recipe your husband has been wanting.
Kendra says
Yum! I love onion rings! Beer batter is always my fave!
Deborah says
This onion rings look really yummy. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Angela says
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the homemade onion rings.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party! Hope to keep seeing you every Sunday!!
Sandra Magle says
Oh, delish. I guess we just have to learn to make our own cravings...these sound perfect! Hugs, Sandi
Angela says
A lot of homemade treats these day.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I love good onion rings and these look amazing!! I hope you stop over and share them at the What's for Dinner party.