Crispy Vegan Onion Rings

5 from 7 votes

Prepare yourself for a snack attack of epic proportions. These vegan onion rings are like the marriage of crunchy, golden bar food and your plant-based dreams. Whether you’re munching solo or sharing (props to you for sharing), these crispy, savory rings are the snack you didn’t know you were missing. Let’s get frying!

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 162kcal

Author: Michelle Cehn

Ingredients

Ingredients for onion rings

2 large onions yellow or white
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon paprika powder
⅛ teaspoon pepper
1 cup beer a pilsner or other light beer, or sparkling water
canola oil for frying

Ingredients for sriracha mayo

¼ cup vegan mayo
2 tablespoons Sriracha adjust to taste

Instructions

Instructions for onion rings

Peel and slice onions into ½-inch (1–2 cm) rings, and separate them.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, and pepper until uniformly combined. Pour in the beer and whisk gently, just until a smooth batter is formed. If needed, adjust the consistency by adding more flour if it’s too runny or more beer if it’s too thick.
In a large pot, add the canola oil (enough to cover the onion rings) and heat the frying oil to 350°F.
Dip each onion ring into the batter, cover fully, and add to the oil. Work in batches to prevent overcrowding in the pot.
Let the onion rings cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and crispy.
Transfer the onion rings onto paper towels to remove excess oil. Sprinkle with more salt and enjoy with the sriracha mayo, ketchup, vegan ranch, or your favorite dip.

Instructions for sriracha mayo

In a small bowl, combine the vegan mayo and Sriracha. Add more Sriracha if desired, depending on your spice preference.
Store mayo in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

Chill the Batter: For an extra crispy texture, let your batter rest in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before dipping the onions. The cold batter hitting the hot oil helps create an even crispier coating.

Dry the Onions: Make sure your onion slices are as dry as possible before dipping them into the batter. Excess moisture can cause the batter to slip off during frying.

Fry in Small Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pot to keep the oil temperature from dropping. Frying in small batches ensures each onion ring cooks to crispy perfection.

Experiment with Dips: While the vegan mayo is a fantastic choice, don’t be afraid to try other dipping sauces. Vegan ranch, spicy mustard, or even a sweet chili sauce can add exciting flavor twists.

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.

Reheating: To bring back the crispiness, reheat the onion rings in an oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. If using an air fryer, heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

Avoid the Microwave: Reheating onion rings in the microwave can make them soggy. Stick to the oven or air fryer for the best results.

Nutrition