Super Bowl Crispy Onion Rings

Name: Super Bowl Crispy Onion Rings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 large onions, sliced into rings; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; Oil for frying

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Collection

I love making crispy onion rings for the Super Bowl! They're a perfect snack that complements any game day spread. With a crunchy coating and sweet, tender onions inside, these rings disappear fast at our gatherings. The best part is that they are easy to prepare and simply irresistible. I often pair them with a zesty dipping sauce to elevate the flavor. Whether you're watching the game alone or with friends, these onion rings will be a hit.

Created by

Elspeth Murray

Last updated on 2026-01-13T01:29:35.906Z

Making these Super Bowl Crispy Onion Rings is a tradition in my household. I love the crunch they deliver when you bite into one, and the subtle sweetness of the onion mingles perfectly with the crispy coating. The trick is to soak the onions in buttermilk beforehand; it makes the rings tender and flavorful.

I also discovered that double coating the rings gives them an extra crunch, making it impossible to resist grabbing a few more! They’re always the first thing to go when I set out the snacks for game day.

Why You'll Love These Onion Rings
Incredible crunch that satisfies every bite
Light and fluffy onion inside that complements the outer layer
Versatile snack that goes well with various dipping sauces

Perfecting Texture

Achieving the perfect crunch in your onion rings is all about the technique. When frying, make sure the oil is heated to around 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for creating that golden-brown exterior that the crunchiness hinges on. An easy way to test the oil's readiness is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it bubbles and browns in about 30 seconds, you’re ready to fry. Frying in batches is crucial; overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy onion rings.

The soaking step in buttermilk is essential for flavor and tenderness. The acidity of the buttermilk breaks down the onion structure, allowing for a softer center while still keeping a crispy outer layer. If you want a bit more zing, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning to the buttermilk to infuse even more flavor into the rings without compromising the crispiness.

Choosing the Right Onions

For the best onion rings, choose sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla. They offer a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the crunchy coating and can enhance the overall flavor of your snack. If you prefer a sharper taste, yellow onions will work as well, but they tend to have a stronger flavor. To reduce pungency, soak them in cold water for 15-20 minutes before buttermilk; this can help mellow the sharpness while maintaining a gratifying bite.

You can create variations in flavor profiles by experimenting with different spices mixed into the breadcrumb coating. For a hint of heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or chili powder, while a handful of finely grated Parmesan cheese can add a nutty richness. Each tweak can elevate the base recipe into something uniquely personalized, ensuring your onion rings will always impress.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the perfect crispy onion rings:

Ingredients

2 large onions, sliced into rings
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil for frying

Ensure you have all the ingredients before diving into the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your crispy onion rings:

Prepare the Onions

In a bowl, soak the sliced onion rings in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In one bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

Coat the Onion Rings

Take an onion ring from the buttermilk, dip it in the flour mixture, then into the breadcrumbs, ensuring it's well-coated. Repeat for all rings.

Fry the Rings

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated onion rings in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Serve

Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Your crispy onion rings are ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For even crispier onion rings, try refrigerating the coated rings for 30 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better during the frying process.

Serving Variations

These crispy onion rings shine when served with a variety of dipping sauces. A classic pairing is a zesty ranch or chipotle aioli, but feel free to get creative! A honey mustard glaze or even a spicy sriracha relish can complement the sweetness of the onions beautifully. Additionally, serving with a side salad can add a refreshing balance to the crunch of the rings, making for a well-rounded snacking experience.

If you want to scale up your game day spread, consider turning these onion rings into part of a larger platter. Pair them with homemade guacamole, spicy nachos, or even buffalo wings. This not only diversifies your appetizer game but ensures there's plenty for everyone to enjoy. Trust me, your guests will be reaching for seconds!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftover onion rings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2-3 days. To retain some of their crunch, it's best to reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they get crispy on both sides again.

For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked, coated onion rings prior to frying. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they are frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to fry, cook them directly from frozen; you may need to adjust the frying time slightly, typically adding an extra minute on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I bake the onion rings instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Just spray them lightly with cooking spray for added crispiness.

→ What other sauces can I serve with these onion rings?

They pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy aioli.

→ Can I use other types of onions?

Absolutely! While yellow onions are traditional, you can also use red or sweet onions for different flavors.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.