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An easy recipe for gluten-free onion rings. This gluten-free onion rings recipe is made ultra-crisp using a batter made from rice flour and gluten-free beer. This recipe is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan.
Gluten-Free Onion Rings Recipe
Onion rings are a favorite side dish and appetizer, and it’s never been easier to make them gluten-free. Using rice flour, tapioca flour, classic seasonings, and gluten-free beer, these onion rings come out crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious!
We have created an easy-to-follow gluten-free onion ring recipe. Follow the detailed recipe technique notes and tips along with step-by-step photos to guide you to perfect crispy gluten-free onion rings.
Ingredients
- Onions: Both white and yellow onions work well in this recipe; choose large onions that will make large rings.
- Rice Flour: This naturally gluten-free flour fries up crispier than traditional wheat flour and creates a less greasy final product.
- Tapioca Flour: This naturally gluten-free flour absorbs less moisture than traditional flour, creating a crispier coating that stays crispy long after frying. You can also use cornstarch.
- Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper add a savory flavor to these onion rings.
- Gluten-Free Beer: The carbonation in gluten-free beer creates crispy pockets in the onion ring batter and helps to create a browned exterior. You can also use carbonated water.
Step by Step Instructions
- Peel and slice the onions into ½-inch thick rings and set aside. (picture 1)
- In a large bowl, whisk the rice flour, tapioca flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) together.
- Gradually add the chilled beer or carbonated water to the dry mixture, whisking continuously until you have a smooth, pourable, slightly thick batter. Adjust the liquid depending on the absorbency of your flour if needed.
- Heat the oil to 350°F in a large, heavy-bottomed pot, ensuring you use enough that it covers 2 inches of depth in the pan.
- Working in batches, dredge each onion ring in the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated, and carefully drop the coated onion rings into the hot oil. (picture 2)
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes. (picture 3)
- Drain on paper towels. Serve and enjoy. (picture 4)
Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Onion Rings
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. This reduces the temperature of the oil and leads to soggy onion rings.
- Season the onion rings with a little extra salt as soon as they come out of the fryer.
- Bake in a 450°F oven sprayed with oil for 15 minutes, or air fry in a 400°F air fryer sprayed with oil for 10 minutes.
Can I Use Other Types of Flour Instead of Rice Flour?
Absolutely. Other gluten-free flour blends work well. Adjust the water/beer amount as needed for the desired batter consistency.
What Can I Substitute For The Beer or Carbonated Water?
Club soda or even plain water work equally well, though carbonated liquids create a lighter batter. Even though we prefer lager or pale ale beer, we experiment with different types of beer for unique tastes.
What’s The Best Oil For Frying Onion Rings?
Vegetable or canola oil works well, with a high smoke point suitable for frying. Peanut oil also offers a delicious flavor option.
How Do I Ensure The Batter Sticks To The Onions?
Make sure the onions are dry, and coat them evenly with the flour mixture before dredging in the batter. Letting the batter rest for a few minutes before frying also helps it adhere better.
My Gluten Free Onion Rings Aren’t Getting Crispy, What’s Wrong?
The oil might not be hot enough (350°F is ideal). Overcrowding the pan can also lower the oil temperature. Make sure you’re frying in batches and adjust the heat if needed.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store gluten-free onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can freeze cooked onion rings in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 4-8 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
These gluten-free onion rings are so crispy and delicious. They’re naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan, so they’re a great snack to share with just about anyone!
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Gluten-Free Onion Rings
Ingredients
- 1-2 large onions
- 1 cup rice flour
- ¼ cup tapioca flour, or cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1¼ cups chilled gluten-free beer, or carbonated water
For Frying
- Canola or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Peel and slice the onions into ½-inch thick rings and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the rice flour, tapioca flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) together.
- Gradually add the chilled beer or carbonated water to the dry mixture, whisking continuously until you have a smooth, pourable, slightly thick batter. Adjust the liquid depending on the absorbency of your flour if needed.
- Heat the oil to 350°F in a large, heavy-bottomed pot, ensuring you use enough that it covers 2 inches of depth in the pan.
- Working in batches, dredge each onion ring in the batter, ensuring it's evenly coated, and carefully drop the coated onion rings into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. This reduces the temperature of the oil and leads to soggy onion rings.
- Season the onion rings with a little extra salt as soon as they come out of the fryer.
- To bake: Bake in a 450°F oven sprayed with oil for 15 minutes.
- To air fry: Air fry in a 400°F air fryer sprayed with oil for 10 minutes.
- To store: Place leftover gluten-free onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To freeze: Place gluten-free onion rings in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
