Crispy Fried Onions are great for snacking but they’re also a classic addition to a green bean casserole and can easily jazz up hamburgers, soups, or casseroles!
These onions are marinated in sweet buttermilk, dredged in flour, and fried to crispy perfection. They’re so good, it’s impossible to just eat one!
What are Fried Onions?
- French’s Fried Onions are not a French dish but originated in the US. These crispy little bits are great added to all kinds of dishes!
- These fried onions are similar to an onion ring but they are much thinner with a lighter coating.
- This recipe is different than a caramelized onion (which is soft and sweet), they are quick fried to be crisp.
- Both cheap and flavorful, these onions can add zest and crunch to anything.
- This recipe uses just a few ingredients you likely have on hand.
Ingredients & Variations
ONION: So many kinds of onions, but the best onions for frying are the white and yellow versions. For a sweeter version, try the red or Walla Walla onions. Peel the skin off the onion, slice them into rings, and give them a fry!
BUTTERMILK: Marinating the onions in buttermilk will make the onions a little more tender, takes out a bit of the ‘bite’, and will help the flour adhere to the onions. If you don’t have any, it’s easy to make a buttermilk substitute.
VARIATIONS: Add a bit of cornmeal to the flour to give the onions a little more crunch. Or shred some cornflakes and add them to the flour.
How to Make Fried Onions
Deep fry or pan fry these crispy rings of flavor.
- Cut onions into thin rings and marinate in buttermilk.
- Toss onions in flour (per recipe below).
- Fry in small batches & stir with tongs.
- Drain on a paper towel lined pan.
How to Use Fried Onions
There are so many ways to use these tasty fried onions!
As a snack or side salt them well with seasoned salt and dip them in aioli, ketchup, or onion ring sauce.
Add them to this Classic Green Bean Casserole, to Air Fryer Hamburgers. They make a great topping for a salad like this Cheeseburger Big Mac Salad.
These onions go great with creamy dishes like cream of onion soup or mushroom soup. Sprinkle them over mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or even use them to top a baked potato with these tasty onions. Include them in a stuffed peppers recipe, or make a pot of mushroom soup and toss these in for extra flavoring.
Storing Leftover Crispy Onions
Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4 days. Reheat in the oven or in a pan on the stove (the microwave isn’t ideal, it’ll make them soggy).
They can also be frozen, which makes them great for adding to soups and stews. Freeze them in a ziplock bag or airtight container for 1-3 months.
Delish Dips for Fried Onions
- Sour Cream Dip – great for a party
- Chipotle Aioli – flavorful with a kick
- Easy Tzatziki Sauce – a yogurt-cucumber dip
- Taco Dip – ready in 5 minutes
- Easy Queso Dip – so cheesy
Did you make these Crispy Fried Onions? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Crispy Fried Onions
Ingredients
- 1 pound onions sliced into ⅛ inch rings
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- additional salt for serving
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Separate onion rings and combine with buttermilk in a freezer bag or large bowl and let marinate for 20 minutes (or up to 24 hours if you'd like).
- While onions are marinating, combine flour, salt, & pepper in a large bowl.
- Heat 1" of oil in a skillet or heat a deep fryer to 375°F.
- Remove onions from the buttermilk and drain well. Gently toss with the flour mixture.
- Add small batches of onions to the hot oil. Gently stir with tongs and cook until browned, 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with seasoned salt or kosher salt if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Appetizer, Party Food, Side Dish
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can you make these in the air fryer?
I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure Patty. We do have this recipe for air fryer onion rings though!
Could you do these in an air fryer?
We found this recipe worked best when it was fried in oil and not air-fried.
Holly – I didn’t see any air fryer instructions??
Hi Louis, for this recipe we deep fryer these crispy onions in a skillet or a deep fryer. We have this delicious air fryer onion ring recipe you could try as well.