2 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rings
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Prepare the onions: Separate the onion slices into individual rings and discard the small inner rings. Place the onion rings in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This helps to remove some of the harshness from the onions and makes them more tender.
Prepare the batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow dish, pour the buttermilk.
Coat the onion rings: Drain the onion rings from the water and pat them dry with paper towels. Working in batches, dip the onion rings into the buttermilk, then dredge them in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Heat the oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and turns golden brown within 30 seconds, the oil is hot enough.
Fry the onion rings: Carefully add the coated onion rings to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the onion rings for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried onion rings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve: Serve the hot and crispy old-fashioned onion rings immediately as a delicious appetizer or side dish. Enjoy them plain or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce.
These homemade old-fashioned onion rings are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a deliciously savory flavor. They’re perfect for serving alongside burgers, sandwiches, or as a tasty snack on their own. Enjoy!
