There’s something irresistibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy onion ring—the crunch of the golden coating, followed by the sweet, tender onion inside. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or a side for your burger night, these crispy panko onion rings will hit the spot every time. This recipe uses panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crunchy texture, combined with a flavorful buttermilk and seasoned flour coating that creates a mouthwatering crust.

If you love the idea of homemade onion rings but want them to be perfectly crispy and full of flavor, this recipe is a game changer. The process is straightforward, and the results are restaurant-quality right from your own kitchen.

Crispy Panko Onion Rings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Extra crispy thanks to panko breadcrumbs
Rich, flavorful coating with garlic powder, paprika, and spices
Simple to prepare but delivers impressive results
Perfectly golden and tender inside
Great for parties, family dinners, or game day snacks

Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Ingredients

2 large onions, sliced into 1/4-inch rings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Make sure you have enough oil to fully submerge the onion rings for even frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Dip the Onion Rings

Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl. Dip each onion ring first into the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Then coat the ring in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any extra flour.

Step 4: Coat with Panko

Return the floured onion ring to the buttermilk, then dredge it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the breadcrumbs stick well.

Step 5: Fry the Onion Rings

Carefully lower the coated onion rings into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Use a slotted spoon to remove the onion rings and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Variations

Swap paprika for smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky or spicy kick.
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
Try dipping in a seasoned buttermilk ranch dressing instead of plain buttermilk for extra tang.

Heating and Storage

Storage: Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these onion rings ahead of time?

You can prepare the coated onion rings and refrigerate them for a few hours, but fry them fresh for best results.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

How do I keep onion rings crispy?

Frying at the right temperature and reheating in the oven or air fryer helps keep them crispy.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

You can bake them at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, but they won’t be as crispy as fried.

What size onions work best?

Large onions sliced into 1/4-inch rings provide the perfect size for even cooking and crunch.

Can I use other types of onions?

Yes, sweet onions, yellow onions, or white onions all work well.

Is panko necessary?

Panko provides extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Make sure to dip the onion rings in buttermilk between coatings to help the flour and breadcrumbs stick.

Can I freeze these?

It’s best to freeze after frying. Cool completely, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp up.

What dipping sauces go well with these onion rings?

Ranch, spicy mayo, ketchup, barbecue sauce, or a garlic aioli are all delicious choices.

Conclusion

These crispy panko onion rings are a crunchy, flavorful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With a perfectly seasoned coating and tender onions inside, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving them as a snack or a side dish. Try this recipe next time you want that satisfying crunch paired with bold flavors.

Chef sara

Crispy Panko Onion Rings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients