This Crispy Baked Onion Rings recipe makes a simple side dish of homemade and low-fat onion rings that are so much better than fried.
Homemade onion rings don’t have to be unhealthy – this version coats the onion rings in spices too to give them a kick of flavor, and they’re ready in around 30 minutes too!
I absolutely LOVE onion rings. It’s one of those things that if I see them on a menu, I almost always give in to temptation.
Ya know what ruins an onion ring? Grease! With this fantastic low fat onion ring recipe, no greasy fingers!
Why This Recipe Works
- Soaking the onions in buttermilk before coating gives you soft, tender onion rings when cooked.
- A combination of spices as well as salt and pepper add extra flavor.
- This recipe is baked not fried, after all homemade and healthy can’t be beat!
Baked vs Fried
There is nothing worse than biting into an onion ring and getting equal amounts of grease in your mouth. It happens a lot.
I have been playing around with a lot of different foods to find healthier versions. I find you can bake a lot of food that is usually fried and it can still taste great! My Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges are another “skinny” success story, why not give those a try?
I make these recipes with a low-fat cooking spray which makes them not only low fat, but it resolves the issue of greasy fingers too.
Ingredient Notes
- Onions: I used white onions for this recipe for their pungent taste. You can also use red onions if this is all you have available.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds extra flavor in the batter but you can use plain milk in its place.
- Breadcrumbs: I like to use panko bread crumbs as they are super crispy. You can also make your own by shredding slightly stale bread on a cheese grater.
- Spices: I use a combination of smoked paprika, paprika, garlic powder and salt and pepper, but feel free to experiment with other flavors.
How To Make Crispy Baked Onion Rings
- Soak the sliced onion in buttermilk.
- Prepare the batter.
- Mix the ingredients for the breadcrumb coating.
- Coat the onions in batter and breadcrumbs.
- Bake in the oven for around 30 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
I coated my onion rings twice to get a nice thick coating for the photos.
To do that, I followed the recipe instructions and then chilled them for an hour before adding the second coating.
Chilling the onion rings between coats helps keep the breading on when you dip them in the egg mixture a second time.
Tips & Variations
- Soak the onions in buttermilk before coating to help soften them when cooking.
- If you like a nice thick onion ring, simply coat them twice before cooking: Chill the onion rings after applying the breading for one hour and then repeat the coating instructions again.
- Play around with herbs and seasonings, try oregano and basil for an Italian feel or add cayenne pepper or chili powder for an extra kick.
Make ahead and Freezing Instructions ❄
- Make Ahead: You can make these onion rings ahead by preparing the separate elements and keeping them in the fridge. Simply assemble and bake on the day.
- To Freeze: After baking, allow to cool and place in a freezer safe container and keep for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven once defrosted (just remember they might not be as crispy once they’ve been frozen).
Other Great Healthier Recipes
Did you make this?
Stay Updated
Receive new recipes & dinner ideas straight to your inbox!
Let’s Make Crispy Baked Onion Rings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup low fat buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large yellow sweet onions such as Maui, sliced ¼-to-½- thick
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place baking paper onto 2 baking sheets and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, smoked paprika, paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- In another bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. Add half of the flour mixture to the buttermilk and beat until smooth and thickened.
- In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, and remaining teaspoon of salt.
- Lightly dredge the onion rings in the flour mixture and then drop into the buttermilk. Drain the excess batter and then dredge in the breadcrumbs. For a thicker coating, chill the coated onion rings for one hour and then repeat this step (as I did).
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. You can place smaller rings inside bigger ones if necessary, just make sure there is space between them.
- Spray generously with the cooking spray.
- Bake 20 to 30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip over each onion ring over and spray with cooking spray to ensure even crisping and browning.
Diya says
Can you substitute the buttermilk for anything else?
Erren Hart says
You can use milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This recipe for Skinny Seasoned Baked Onion Rings needs to happen at my house very soon!!
Erren's Kitchen says
Make sure you make enough, in case you need to share 😉
Kimberly says
This is my new favorite way to make onion rings!
Beth says
I never knew you could get onion rings to come out like this by baking them! Looks amazing!
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you, Beth! I know nothing like finding a healthier way to still have naughty treats!
Taylor says
I can’t wait to try these! They look so crispy and delicious!
Erren's Kitchen says
They are so good, don’t wait too long!
Lora says
So nice to have a healthier version of a favorite treat…which means I could eat a few extra!
Erren's Kitchen says
I know I did Lora!
Kim Seghers says
Such an amazing recipe. It makes great appetizer too.
Erren's Kitchen says
good idea, Kim!
Sara Welch says
These look perfectly crunchy and flavorful; the best football food! Excited to make these this weekend!
Alison says
How much olive oil? Recipe doesn’t indicate…
Erren says
Hi Allison, I coat in low fat cooking spray not olive oil.
Michelle Leonard says
I’m confused as well as your step 4 says”In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, olive oil and remaining teaspoon of salt.” Do you only use the spray on the sheet to keep from sticking?
Erren Hart says
Sorry, Michelle. I removed the olive oil from that line. You spray the onion rings before baking.
Erren says
Hi Alison, I use low fat cooking spray not olive oil. Just coat them.
dan says
These are amazing! And knowing that they are a healthy alternative to traditional onion rings makes it more appealing. Thanks for the great recipe!