Crispy Beer Battered Onion Rings with Lime Mayo Sauce
Onion rings are a classic appetizer that everyone loves, but making them at home can take them to the next level. This super quick and easy seven-ingredient beer batter makes these Beer Battered Onion Rings so flavorful and crispy, you’ll find it hard to stop eating them. Paired with a zesty six-ingredient lime mayo sauce, these onion rings are nothing short of heavenly. Perfect for parties, game nights, or just as a special treat, these beer-battered onion rings will be a hit.
Course
Appetizer
Cuisine
American
Keywords
Beer Batter Recipe, Homemade Onion Rings, How to Make Beer Battered Onion Rings, Onion Ring Batter
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Servings
6
Calories
237 kcal
Author
Beth Pierce
Ingredients
Lime Mayo Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Onion Rings
- 2 large sweet onions, skins removed, cut into 1/2-inch rings, and separated
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1-1 1/2 cups beer
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lime Mayo Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, garlic, and lime juice. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Make the Beer Batter
Set 1/4 cup of flour aside on a shallow plate. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, beaten egg, and 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups of beer, depending on how thick you want the batter. Mix until smooth. The batter should be somewhat thick but still able to coat the onion rings evenly.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an oil with a high smoke point like peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for even frying.
Step 4: Coat the Onion Rings
Dip the onion rings into the flour on the shallow plate, coating them lightly. Then dip the floured rings into the beer batter, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 5: Fry the Onion Rings
Fry the battered onion rings in the hot oil until they are golden brown, about 4 minutes. Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Place the fried onion rings on a paper towel-covered wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the onion rings hot with the lime mayo sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Onion Rings
Use the Right Onions
Sweet onions are the best for flavor, but any type of onion can be used to make decent onion rings.
Adjust the Batter Consistency
I prefer a thinner batter, so I use 1 1/2 cups of beer. Start with 1 cup and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Maintain Fry Temperature
Try to maintain a consistent fry temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. Dutch ovens are excellent for frying because they maintain and hold heat well.
Oil Selection
Use oils with high smoke points like peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil for frying.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to retain their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use non-alcoholic beer or club soda in the batter?
Yes, you can substitute non-alcoholic beer or club soda for the beer. Both will still provide the bubbles needed to make the batter light and crispy.
What type of onion works best?
Sweet onions are preferred for their flavor, but you can use any type of onion, including yellow, white, or red onions.
How do I keep the batter from sliding off the onion rings?
Make sure to lightly coat the onion rings in flour before dipping them in the batter. This helps the batter adhere better to the onions.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
The batter is best used fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Stir well before using.
How do I maintain the oil temperature while frying?
Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much.
Can I bake the onion rings instead of frying them?
While baking won’t give the same crispiness as frying, you can bake the onion rings at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
What other dipping sauces go well with onion rings?
Ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and sriracha mayo are all excellent dipping sauces for onion rings.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in an air fryer for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes.
Can I use a different type of flour for the batter?
All-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, but you can experiment with other flours like whole wheat or a gluten-free blend if needed.
Are these onion rings suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these beer battered onion rings are suitable for vegetarians. Just make sure to use vegetarian-friendly beer and mayonnaise for the lime mayo sauce.
These crispy beer battered onion rings with lime mayo sauce are a treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Enjoy them hot and fresh, and don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly!