Copycat Sonic Onion Ring Recipe
Copycat Sonic Onion Ring Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to! This recipe is perfect for anyone craving the classic Sonic flavor but wanting to make it at home. Let’s dive into making your very own batch of delicious.
Equipment
- Large bowl (For mixing the batter)
- Medium bowl (For flour coating)
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven (To fry the onion rings)
- Tongs (To handle the onion rings as they fry)
- Paper towels (For draining excess oil)
- Cutting board and sharp knife (For slicing the onions)
Ingredients
- 2 large onions yellow or sweet onions work best
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Cornstarch optional, for an extra crispy coating
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Onion
- Start by peeling the onions and slicing them into thick rings. Aim for about ½ inch thick slices. Use a sharp knife and cutting board to ensure even rings. Once sliced, carefully separate the onion rings, removing any skin or loose layers. Set the onion rings aside.
Step 2: Make a Coating Station
- Create a breading station by setting up three separate bowls:
- Bowl 1: Place 1 ½ cups of flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Bowl 2: Add 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 egg to another bowl. Whisk until combined.
- Bowl 3: If you're using cornstarch for extra crunch, place a small amount of cornstarch in a third bowl.
Step 3: Fry
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of batter—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Now, dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, then the buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour. Ensure each onion ring is evenly coated.
- Carefully place the battered onion rings into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once fried, remove the onion rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Notes
- Choose the Right Onion: Yellow onions are the best choice for this recipe due to their perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. You can also experiment with sweet onions for an extra-sweet bite or even red onions for a sharper, more intense flavor.
- Batter Consistency: For the best results, ensure your batter is smooth but not too runny. If it’s too thick, the coating may be too heavy; if it’s too thin, it won’t stick properly. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon.
- Frying Temperature: It’s essential to maintain the frying oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the batter will burn before the onion rings cook through. Too low, and the onion rings will absorb too much oil, making them greasy instead of crispy.
- Crispier Coating: If you like your onion rings extra crispy, consider adding cornstarch to the flour mixture. This will help create a crunchier coating. Also, don't skip the step of double-coating the onion rings in both the flour and the buttermilk mixture to achieve that signature crispiness.
- Frying in Batches: Fry the onion rings in small batches to prevent overcrowding in the frying pan. Overcrowding can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in soggy onion rings. Frying in batches also ensures even cooking.
- Serving Immediately: Onion rings are best served fresh and hot, right after frying. If you need to keep them warm, place them on a wire rack in the oven set to 200°F to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Storage: Leftover onion rings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to maintain their crispy texture.
- Healthier Option: If you want to make a healthier version of these onion rings, you can bake them instead of frying. Lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through. Though the texture will differ slightly, it’s a great option for a lower-fat alternative.