Crispy Parmesan Onion Ring Chips

$- 2 large yellow onions - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup buttermilk (or non-dairy milk option) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper - Oil for frying To make crispy Parmesan onion ring chips, you need simple yet powerful ingredients. Start with two large yellow onions. Their sweetness adds great flavor. The all-purpose flour is key for coating and helps the other layers stick. Garlic powder and smoked paprika give a tasty kick. For a creamy coating, use buttermilk or a non-dairy milk option. The panko breadcrumbs are crucial! They provide the crunch that makes these chips so addictive. Don't forget the grated Parmesan cheese; it adds a nutty taste. Finally, season with salt and pepper to make every bite delightful. For frying, you will need oil. It should be hot enough to crisp the chips without burning them. These ingredients work together to create a crunchy, savory snack you won't be able to resist! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Peel the onions and slice them into rings. - Separate the onion rings and place them in a bowl. I love using large yellow onions for this recipe. They have a nice sweetness. The key is to slice them evenly. This helps all the rings cook at the same time. - In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - Pour buttermilk into another dish. - In a third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Setting up these stations is fun and helps keep things tidy. The flour mix adds flavor and crunch. The buttermilk makes the coating stick. The panko and Parmesan add a crispy finish. - First, dip each onion ring in the flour mixture. - Then, coat it in buttermilk. - Finally, press into the breadcrumb mix for good coverage. Make sure to coat the rings well. This layering gives them a great crunch. Pressing the breadcrumbs helps them stick better. - Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. - Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread. - Fry a few onion rings at a time for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. The oil needs to be hot but not smoking. This ensures the onion rings fry evenly. Frying them in batches prevents sogginess. - Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the rings from the oil. - Drain excess oil on a plate lined with paper towels. - Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces. I love serving them with ranch or garlic aioli. You can even sprinkle more salt on top for extra flavor. Enjoy these crispy bites fresh! Panko breadcrumbs are key for a crunchy bite. They are light and airy, which gives the onion rings that perfect crisp. If you want to try different textures, use crushed cornflakes or even ground nuts. Each option will change the crunch factor and keep your snack exciting. You can easily add spices or herbs to the coating. Try cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a fresh taste. You can also switch up the cheese. Use cheddar for a sharp flavor or mozzarella for a milder taste. Mixing cheeses can create a unique twist on this classic snack. Check the oil temperature with a thermometer. The ideal frying temperature is 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the rings will soak up oil and become soggy. If it's too hot, they will burn. Avoid overcrowding the pan. This can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Fry in small batches for the best results. Pro Tips Use Fresh Onions: Fresh onions will yield the best flavor and texture. Look for firm onions with no soft spots or blemishes. Adjust the Spices: Feel free to customize the spices in the flour mixture to suit your taste. Adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for an extra flavor kick can elevate your dish. Keep the Oil Temperature Steady: Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F ensures that the onion rings cook evenly and become crispy without absorbing too much oil. Experiment with Dipping Sauces: While classic ketchup is great, try serving these onion ring chips with spicy aioli, honey mustard, or a zesty ranch for a fun twist! {{image_2}} You can make crispy Parmesan onion ring chips in different ways. Baking is one option. To bake them, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated onion rings on the sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden brown. The air frying technique is another great choice. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the onion rings in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method gives you a healthier version without losing the crispiness. You can spice up your onion ring chips with different flavors. A spicy jalapeño Parmesan ring variation adds heat and zest. Simply mix finely chopped jalapeños into the breadcrumb mixture. This gives a kick that pairs well with the cheese. Herb-infused Parmesan options are also tasty. Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil to the breadcrumb mix for an extra layer of flavor. This mix will delight anyone who loves fresh tastes. You can easily make these onion rings vegan and gluten-free. For a vegan version, replace traditional buttermilk with plant-based milk. Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice into your milk and let it sit for five minutes. This will create a buttermilk substitute. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour. Many brands now offer excellent gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, too. This way, everyone can enjoy crispy onion ring chips without worry. To keep your crispy Parmesan onion ring chips fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from ruining their crunch. Use a container that fits the amount you have left to minimize air exposure. I find that a glass jar or a plastic food storage container works great. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any excess oil. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, the oven is your best friend. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and spread the onion ring chips on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy! You can use the microwave, but it tends to make them soft. If you must, heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid sogginess. For long-term storage, freezing is a smart option. First, make sure the onion ring chips are fully cooled. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps keep their shape. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven as mentioned earlier for the best results. Yes, you can prepare these onion rings ahead of time. Start by cutting the onions into rings and coating them. Once coated, place the rings in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This way, you can fry them fresh when you are ready. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the coated onion rings. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper. This will help them not stick together. Crispy onion ring chips shine when served with dips. I recommend ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or classic ketchup. You can also try spicy mustard for a kick. Pair your onion rings with a fresh salad or a side of crispy fries. They make a great snack for game day or a fun movie night! Absolutely! For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. You can also replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs. To make it vegan, use plant-based milk and skip the buttermilk. Instead, try almond milk with a splash of lemon juice. For a low-carb version, consider using crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. These swaps let everyone enjoy crispy onion ring chips! You learned how to make crispy onion rings from scratch. We covered the key ingredients, simple steps, and some useful tips. You can adjust flavors and try different cooking methods to suit your taste. Remember, if you want extra crispiness, panko is your best friend. Store leftovers properly, so they stay fresh for later. These onion rings can be a fun treat for all. Enjoy experimenting with this easy recipe, and make it your own!$

Crispy Parmesan Onion Ring Chips

Deliciously crispy onion rings coated with Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 large yellow onions
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt
to taste pepper
as needed oil for frying

Instructions

Peel the onions and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and set aside.
In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another dish, pour in the buttermilk. In a third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, ensuring it's well-coated. Finally, dip it into the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres well.
In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles and browns quickly, it’s ready.
Carefully add a few onion rings to the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Once cooked, remove the onion rings with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with additional salt if desired and repeat with the remaining onion rings.
Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, garlic aioli, or ketchup.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Keyword appetizer, crispy, onion rings, Parmesan