Crispy Buttermilk Onion Rings

Ever wonder how the restaurants make their onion rings so crispy-special? Now you can do it, too.

Serves: 6

Preparation Time: 30 min

Cooking Time: 5 min

Ingredients

• 3 or 4 Spanish-type onions
• 3 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus extra for frying
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Peel onions and cut into 1/3-inch slices; separate into rings.
    
2. Pour buttermilk into large shallow dish; add onion rings and soak for 30 minutes. 
    
3. In a large shallow dish, combine flour, water, baking powder, salt, egg, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper; stir until smooth. 
    
4. In a skillet, heat oil for frying on medium-high heat. Remove onion rings from buttermilk and dip into flour mixture; place in skillet and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain onion rings on paper towels. 
    

Notes

If your onions are small, use 4. These rings come out crunchiest when made in an electric skillet, because it's easier to keep the oil at a consistent temperature.