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Fat Ronnies Fried Onion Rings

Fat Ronnies Fried Onion Rings - recipe card
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Extra-crunchy, thickly coated onion rings with a tangy buttermilk soak and seasoned panko breading. Each ring is golden, shatteringly crisp, and perfectly salted—the ultimate pub-style snack. Serve with ranch or chipotle mayo for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large yellow onions (about 1 lb total), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds and separated into rings
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (30g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cups peanut or canola oil (for frying; amount varies by pot size)

Instructions

  1. Slice the onions into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Separate the rings gently, discarding any thin inner membranes. Select the 16–20 largest, most intact rings; reserve the rest for another use. Pat the rings dry with paper towels to help the buttermilk cling.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until fully combined. Add the onion rings, turning to coat each one. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) — this tenderizes the onions and helps the coating adhere.
  3. In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the flour, panko, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until the spices are evenly distributed. Set the breading station next to the stove.
  4. Pour the oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, leaving at least 3 inches of headspace. Clip a deep-fry thermometer to the side and heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (177°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a pinch of flour — it should sizzle vigorously without smoking.
  5. While the oil heats, line a large plate with paper towels and set a wire rack over a baking sheet nearby. Remove the onion rings from the buttermilk one at a time, letting the excess drip off. Place each ring into the breading mixture and toss with your fingers to coat completely, pressing lightly so the breading sticks.
  6. Transfer the breaded rings to the wire rack in a single layer. Let them rest for 5 minutes before frying — this sets the coating and prevents it from falling off in the oil.
  7. Working in batches of 4–5 rings, carefully lower them into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Do not overcrowd the pot; the temperature will drop too much and the rings will be greasy. Maintain the oil between 340°F–350°F, adjusting the burner as needed.
  8. Fry the rings for 2–3 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until deep golden brown and crisp. The coating should feel firm and the onion inside will be tender — test one by piercing with a skewer; it should slide in easily. Use a spider skimmer to transfer the rings to the paper-towel-lined plate.
  9. Immediately season the hot rings with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Repeat with remaining batches, allowing the oil to return to 350°F between batches. Once all rings are fried, serve them hot — they’re at peak crunch within 5 minutes of leaving the oil.
  10. For extra-crisp results, you can double-dip: after the first breading, dip again in buttermilk mixture and bread a second time. Add 5 minutes to prep time and 1 more minute per fry batch.

Notes

Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore crispiness, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 5–7 minutes. Do not microwave; they will become soggy. For longer storage, freeze the breaded (unfried) rings on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cook time.

Nutrition

Keywords: onion rings, fried onion rings, buttermilk onion rings, panko onion rings, crispy onion rings, homemade onion rings, pub snack, appetizer, deep fried, Fat Ronnies

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/fat-ronnies-fried-onion-rings/