If there’s one snack that never fails to bring a smile, it’s this Crispy Onion Rings Drizzled with Spicy Mayo Recipe. Imagine golden, crunchy onion rings with a delicate, airy batter that snaps satisfyingly with every bite, perfectly balanced by a creamy, zesty drizzle of spicy mayo that wakes up your taste buds. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, combining everyday ingredients in a way that feels both indulgent and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or craving a snack packed with flavor and crunch, this recipe has you covered. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a favorite go-to treat in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Onion Rings Drizzled with Spicy Mayo Recipe uses simple ingredients that come together harmoniously to achieve a perfect crunch and vibrant flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s building the crispy coating, infusing subtle spice, or making that creamy spicy mayo that ties everything together.
- 2 large yellow onions sliced into ½-inch rings: The star of the show, these provide sweetness and excellent texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the base structure for the crispy batter coating.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Adds extra crunch by reducing gluten formation in the batter.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the batter puff up lightly for that perfect airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory depth that complements the onions perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Introduces a mild smoky warmth without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the ingredients in the batter.
- 1 cup cold sparkling water (or club soda): The carbonation in this is the secret to light, crispy onion rings that aren’t heavy or greasy.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for deep frying, providing the perfect golden crust.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the spicy mayo that adds cool richness.
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste): Delivers bold heat and tang that wakes up the mayo.
- 1 teaspoon lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the spicy mayo.
- ½ teaspoon honey: A touch of sweetness rounds out the sauce for a harmonious finish.
How to Make Crispy Onion Rings Drizzled with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Onion Rings
Start by carefully separating the onion slices into individual rings so they cook evenly and each bit is coated with batter. Having nicely separated rings is key because it ensures every ring can crisp up beautifully with no soggy spots hiding inside. Set these aside while you make the batter.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt — these dry ingredients form the backbone of that irresistible batter. Then gradually pour in the cold sparkling water, whisking as you go, until the batter is smooth and slightly thick. The sparkling water’s bubbles are magic for creating a light texture that hugs the onion rings without weighing them down.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 350°F. Maintaining the oil temperature is crucial because too hot will burn the batter, and too cool will make the rings greasy and limp. Using a thermometer is your best bet for frying success.
Step 4: Fry the Onion Rings
Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, dip each onion ring into the batter, letting the excess drip off, then gently place them in the hot oil. Fry each batch for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the rings achieve a gorgeous golden hue and a satisfyingly crispy texture. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 5: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Drizzle
While the onion rings are frying, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. This spicy mayo is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy that brings the crispy onion rings alive with a fresh punch of flavor.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle the spicy mayo generously over the hot onion rings just before serving, or keep it on the side for dipping. Either way, this step is what transforms simple fried onions into an extraordinary snack experience that everyone will rave about.
How to Serve Crispy Onion Rings Drizzled with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the onion rings for a burst of green color and fresh herbal notes. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of extra lime juice just before serving can also enhance the dish’s brightness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Onion Rings Drizzled with Spicy Mayo Recipe pairs brilliantly with juicy burgers, crunchy salads, or even grilled vegetables. For a party spread, serve alongside other finger foods like sweet potato fries or crispy chicken tenders to create a mouthwatering lineup that guests won’t be able to resist.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the onion rings stacked up in a rustic wire basket lined with parchment paper, with a small ramekin of spicy mayo perched on top or alongside. You could also skewer smaller rings on sticks as edible “onion ring pops” which make for an eye-catching appetizer at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover onion rings (which is rare!), place them on a baking rack over a sheet pan and cover loosely with foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep them from getting soggy in a container.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked battered onion rings by arranging them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. This allows you to have homemade crispy onion rings ready to fry on demand!
Reheating
To recover their crispiness, reheat leftover or frozen onion rings in a hot oven at 400°F on a wire rack for about 10 minutes instead of microwaving. Avoiding the microwave keeps the batter from turning soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of onion for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow onions offer a nice balance of sweetness and sharpness, white or red onions can be used depending on your flavor preference. Just keep the rings about the same thickness for even frying.
What if I don’t have sparkling water?
You can substitute club soda or even very cold water, but the bubbly sparkling water is what gives the batter its signature lightness and crunch, so it’s worth grabbing if you can.
How spicy is the spicy mayo?
The heat level depends on how much sriracha you add. Start with one tablespoon and adjust to taste. You can always add more for a bolder kick or reduce it if you prefer milder flavors.
Can I bake the onion rings instead of frying?
Yes! Baking at 425°F on a greased sheet with a flip halfway through works as a healthier alternative, though the texture won’t be quite as crispy as frying. Double-dipping and spraying with oil before baking helps improve crunch.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Definitely. All the ingredients used are vegetarian, making these onion rings with spicy mayo a fantastic snack or appetizer option for vegetarian diets.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Crispy Onion Rings Drizzled with Spicy Mayo Recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for the frozen kinds or plain condiments. The combination of that irresistible crunch paired with the creamy, spicy mayo drizzle hits all the right spots. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oil, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a snack that’s truly worth savoring. Happy frying!
Print
Crispy Onion Rings Drizzled with Spicy Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Onion Rings Drizzled with Spicy Mayo are a deliciously crunchy appetizer or snack perfect for any occasion. The onion rings are coated in a light, flavorful batter and deep-fried to golden perfection, then served with a tangy and spicy homemade mayo dipping sauce that adds just the right amount of heat and creaminess.
Ingredients
Onion Rings
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced into ½-inch rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold sparkling water (or club soda)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Spicy Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the onion rings: Separate the sliced onions into individual rings and set them aside carefully to keep them intact.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until combined. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water until the batter is smooth and has a slightly thick consistency.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Fry the onion rings: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, dip each onion ring into the batter, allowing excess batter to drip off. Carefully lower the rings into the hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried onion rings with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the spicy mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and honey. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Drizzle the spicy mayo over the hot onion rings or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy and spicy flavors.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the onion rings by coating them in dry flour before dipping into the batter.
- You can bake the onion rings at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet, flipping halfway through, though they won’t be quite as crispy as fried.
- Adjust the heat of the spicy mayo by adding more or less sriracha according to your taste preference.
