Frying Onion Rings: Turkey Fryer Pot Style

Frying onion rings in a turkey fryer pot is a great way to make a large batch of this delicious snack or side dish. While it is possible to fry onion rings in a turkey fryer pot, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is important to use a pot with tall sides to prevent mess and for safety reasons. Secondly, the oil temperature needs to be carefully monitored to ensure the onion rings are cooked through and crispy. Finally, it is essential to use the right type of oil with a smoke point above 375°F, such as avocado, safflower, or peanut oil, to prevent burning.

Onion ring preparation

Onion rings are a popular snack and side dish, and can be made at home with relative ease. The following steps will help you prepare crispy, golden, and tasty onion rings.

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• 2-3 large onions (sweet onions are recommended for their milder flavour)
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup of milk, or as needed
• ¾ cup of dry breadcrumbs
• 1/8 to 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt, or to taste
• Oil for deep-frying (avocado, safflower, peanut, soybean, corn, sunflower, or canola oil are recommended)

Onion Slicing

Peel the onions and cut off both ends. Slice the onions into rings of about ¼ to ½ inch thickness. You can adjust the width of the rings according to your preference. Separate the rings and set them aside.

Battering

Create a battering station with three separate bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. You can also add spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavour. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

In the second bowl, pour the beaten egg and add a small amount of milk. Whisk them together.

In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. You can also add additional spices to the breadcrumbs, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Coating

Now, it's time to coat the onion rings. Take an onion ring and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure it is well coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Next, dip the floured ring into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.

Finally, place the egg-coated ring into the breadcrumbs and scoop the crumbs over the ring if needed. Use a fork to turn the ring several times to ensure an even coating. Tap any excess breadcrumbs back into the bowl and place the coated onion ring on a wire rack or plate.

Repeat this process for all the onion rings, leaving some space between them to prevent sticking.

Frying

Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 365-375°F (185-190°C). Use a clip-on thermometer to monitor the oil's temperature. Carefully place the battered onion rings into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Fry the onion rings for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or kitchen spider to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Sprinkle with seasoning salt before serving.

Tips

• Choose the right type of onion: Sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui are ideal for a milder flavour.
• Slice the onions evenly: Uniform rings will ensure even cooking.
• Coat the rings properly: Ensure each ring is fully coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
• Monitor the oil temperature: Keep the oil temperature consistent to avoid soggy onion rings.
• Serve immediately: Onion rings are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, straight out of the fryer.

Alternative Cooking Methods

If you don't have a deep fryer, you can also bake the onion rings in the oven or use an air fryer for a healthier option.

For baking, preheat the oven to 425°F. Beat an egg in a shallow bowl and mix breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, and pepper in another bowl. Dip the onion rings in the egg and then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated onion rings on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once.

For an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat the basket or rack with cooking spray. Place the onion rings in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Enjoy your homemade onion rings as a snack or side dish, and don't forget to serve them with your favourite dipping sauces!

Cooking oil options

When it comes to frying onion rings, the type of cooking oil you choose is important. The best oils for frying onion rings have a high smoke point, which means they can withstand high temperatures without smoking or burning. Here are some of the best options:

• Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, making it a versatile choice for frying onion rings.
• Canola oil: With a smoke point above 375°F, canola oil is another excellent option for frying onion rings. It has a mild flavour that won't overpower the taste of the onions.
• Corn oil: Corn oil, like vegetable and canola oils, has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying onion rings.
• Avocado oil: Avocado oil has a smoke point above 375°F and a mild flavour, making it a good choice for those who want a more subtle-tasting oil.
• Peanut oil: Peanut oil has a distinct flavour that some people enjoy. It also has a high smoke point, so it's suitable for frying onion rings.
• Safflower oil: Safflower oil is another neutral-flavoured oil with a high smoke point, making it a good option if you want the taste of the onion rings to shine through.
• Soybean oil: Soybean oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavour, so it won't overpower the taste of your onion rings.
• Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil has a high smoke point, but its flavour is more pronounced than some of the other oils on this list. If you enjoy the taste of sunflower oil, it can be a good choice for frying onion rings.

It's important to avoid using oils with a low smoke point, such as olive oil, for frying onion rings, as they can burn and impart an unpleasant taste to your food.

When choosing a cooking oil for frying onion rings, consider the smoke point and flavour of the oil to ensure the best results.

Frying methods

There are several ways to fry onion rings, including deep frying, air frying, and baking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fry onion rings using each of these methods:

Deep Frying:

• Cut the onions into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch slices, then separate them into rings.
• Prepare a breading station by setting out three wide, shallow dishes.
• In the first dish, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In the second dish, whisk together milk and egg.
• Place breadcrumbs in the third dish.
• Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, turning until fully coated.
• Transfer the floured onion ring to the egg mixture, turning until coated. Lift and gently shake off any excess liquid.
• Place the onion ring in the breadcrumbs, turning to coat evenly.
• Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 365-375°F (185-190°C).
• Carefully place a few onion rings at a time into the hot oil and fry for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
• Remove the onion rings from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Air Frying:

• Peel and cut the onions into 1/2-inch thick rings.
• Create a coating station with three separate bowls.
• In the first bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
• In the second bowl, pour in beaten eggs.
• In the third bowl, place breadcrumbs, and optionally add additional spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or grated Parmesan cheese.
• Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, followed by the egg mixture, and finally into the breadcrumbs, ensuring a thorough coating each time.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket or rack with cooking spray.
• Place the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Baking:

• Follow the same preparation and coating steps as the air frying method.
• Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
• Dip the onion rings into the egg mixture, then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture.
• Place the onion rings on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
• Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown.

Onion ring batter

While there are many ways to make onion rings, the most important part is the batter. The batter is what gives the onion rings their crispy texture and delicious flavour. Here is a guide on how to make the perfect onion ring batter.

Firstly, you will need to prepare your onions. Cut your onions into rings about 1/4-inch thick, then separate them. You can save the small rings for other recipes. Next, soak your onion rings in a bowl of ice water for around 30 minutes to an hour. This will help the batter stick to the onions and ensure they are crispy. Drain the onion rings and pat them dry with paper towels.

Now, it's time to make the batter. In a bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and paprika (optional). You can also add in some cayenne pepper or garlic powder for an extra kick. Mix these ingredients well. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: milk, egg, and oil. Beat or whisk until well combined and smooth. You can also add a teaspoon of lemon juice to this mixture.

Finally, combine the dry and wet mixtures. Stir until there are no lumps. Your batter is now ready! Coat each onion ring generously in the batter. You can also double-dip the onion rings for a thicker coating.

Some people also like to coat their onion rings in breadcrumbs after dipping them in batter. This will give them an extra crispy texture. Simply dip the battered onion rings in a bowl of breadcrumbs and ensure they are well coated.

Now, you are ready to fry your onion rings! Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot/saucepan to around 365-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place a few onion rings at a time into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. This should take around 1-5 minutes, depending on the size of your onion rings. Remove the onion rings from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy onion rings!

Onion ring seasoning

Frying onion rings in a turkey fryer pot is a great way to make large batches of this delicious snack. Onion rings are a popular side dish and a favourite in many restaurants, but they are also simple to make at home.

The key to a great onion ring is in the seasoning. A delicate, light, and crispy batter is essential, but the spices are what will make your onion rings truly memorable.

A good place to start is with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a little sugar and salt. Cayenne pepper will give your onion rings a subtle kick, while garlic powder adds a savoury note. Sugar and salt are a classic combination for a reason, and they will enhance the natural sweetness of the onions. You could also add some onion powder to boost that oniony flavour.

For a spicier kick, you could include some chilli powder and cumin, which will give your onion rings a more complex, earthy flavour. A pinch of smoked paprika will add a subtle smokiness, and dried basil and oregano will give a fresh, herbal note. Black pepper is also a great addition, giving a little extra warmth to the spice mix.

Don't forget that the type of onion you use will also affect the flavour. Sweet onions will give a mild, sweet flavour, while red onions will be more pungent and sharp.

Frequently asked questions