Daily Food

Buttermilk Onion Rings

Cornstarch and seltzer help to keep the batter for these light, while the fine cornmeal and paprika give each bite a little more crunch and flavor. Dip them in some mayo (Kewpie is highly recommended) and ketchup, and get ready for the freshest onion rings you've ever tasted.

Ingredients

Vegetable oil
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. fine cornmeal
3/4 c. cornstarch
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
1 egg, lightly beaten
3/4 c. buttermilk
1/4 c. seltzer
2 large Vidalia onions, cut into 1/2"-thick rings
Kosher salt, for sprinkling
Ketchup, for serving
Mayonnaise, for serving

Directions

• FOR STOVETOP

  1. Step 1In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat 1" oil to 375°. Line a large plate or baking sheet with paper towels. 
  2. Step 2In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, baking powder, pepper, and paprika. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, and seltzer. 
  3. Step 3Thoroughly coat onion rings in flour mixture, then dip in egg mixture. Shake off excess, then coat in flour mixture again. Place on cooling rack until ready to fry. 
  4. Step 4Carefully lower onion rings into oil in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry until deeply golden, flipping once, 4 to 5 minutes. 
  5. Step 5Transfer to prepared plate and immediately sprinkle with salt. Serve hot with ketchup and mayonnaise, if desired.

• FOR AIR FRYER

  1. Step 1In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, baking powder, pepper, and paprika. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, and seltzer. 
  2. Step 2Thoroughly coat onion rings in flour mixture, then dip in egg mixture. Shake off excess, then coat in flour mixture again, and in egg mixture again. 
  3. Step 3Line air fryer basket with parchment and grease with cooking spray. Working in batches, place onion rings in basket of air fryer, in a single layer. Cook at 400° for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden.