Crispy Onion Rings: the easy and tasty appetizer recipe with surprise cheese

If you’re looking for a satisfying appetizer, then you need this recipe for crispy onion rings. What exactly makes these so special? Well, besides the fact that they’re super crispy and crunchy, they hide a cheesy secret—yes, we’ve actually tucked away a slice of cheese in the onion rings! The recipe is very easy to make, and you can serve the crispy fried onion rings either as an appetizer, snack, or even use it as a burger topping (what is a burger without onions and cheese anyway). If you do serve them as an appetizer, serve with a yoghurt dip or ranch dressing. Otherwise, add it as a crispy addition to a burger.

What Kind of Onion To Use?

For this recipe, you can use white or yellow onions. Vidalia is great if you’re looking for a sweeter option. Make sure to cut them thick enough so that there’s a space to add the thin cheese slices.

Onion Ring Batter Options

Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed Doritos chips. Try different spicy or cheesy variations.

Recipe Tips for Crispy Onion Rings

– To make the breading process easier, you can freeze the cheese-filled onion rings for about an hour. Proceed with breading and frying.

– If you don’t want to fry these, you can bake them in a preheated oven (425°F/220°C) for 10-15 minutes.

– To make the Crispy Onion Rings even crispier and not soggy, you can add Japanese-style (Panko) breadcrumbs. They have a coarse texture, and will therefore end up crispier. Alternatively, you can mix in crushed potato chips (flavor of your choice). This will not only add texture, but awesome flavor too! For a cheesier flavor, you can add grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.

– To prevent the batter from falling off, make sure you shake off the excess flour before dipping it into the egg. The trick is to make sure your batter is cold, and the oil is hot.

– Feel free to add spices to the breadcrumb mixture (try sweet paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, or garlic powder).

How to store Crispy Fried Onion Rings

The battered onion rings can be frozen. Simply place them in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 1 year. You can also store them in the refrigerator this way, they will keep for up to 5 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 375°F/190°C.

How to make Crispy Onion Rings 

Slice two onions into 1 ½ – inch thick rings.

Separate them and use the two outer rings.

Place one smaller onion ring inside one larger ring and fill the gap with thin slices of cheese.

Set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Add salt and pepper to the eggs, and whisk.

Dredge onions ring in flour, then dip into eggs and cover with breadcrumbs.

Use kitchen tongs to carefully lower the crumbed onion rings into preheated oil (180°C/350°F). Fry over medium heat until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).

Cook onion rings in preheated oil at 180C/350F for 4-5 minutes.