Are you a fan of crispy and crunchy snacks? Then let me show you how to make these Crispy Onion Strings (also known as Onion Straws)! These crunchy bites of goodness are amazing by themselves, or on top of burgers, steaks, salads... etc. They take just a few minutes to fry up and they are great as a stand-alone snack, or they can be used to add delicious flavor and texture to any meal.
Onion straws, also known as crispy onion strings, are thin and delicate slices of onion that have been coated with a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until they turn golden brown and irresistibly crunchy. This snack is often used as a topping or served as a fun appetizer.
Why we love this recipe:
- It’s fun - Get the whole family involved in the onion slicing and coating process for a fun and interactive cooking experience.
- It’s crowd-pleasing - Serve onion strings at your next game day party and prepare to wow your guests.
- It's quick - Whip up a batch of crispy onion strings in no time.
If you enjoy this deep-fried recipe, you may also love our Zeppole for a sweet twist!
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INGREDIENTS
- Onion - Sweet Vidalia onion, sliced paper thin using a mandolin slicer, forms the base for these addictive and crispy onion strings.
- Buttermilk - The buttermilk soak tenderizes the onions and infuses them with a subtle tangy flavor, contributing to the taste.
- All-purpose flour - The flour mixture serves as the crispy coating, providing the perfect crunch.
- Salt and Pepper - Enhances the flavor of the onion straws and balances the seasoning.
- Peanut oil (for frying) - The high smoke point and nutty flavor of peanut oil make it ideal for achieving golden brown and perfectly crisp onion straws.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Crispy Onion Straws
STEP ONE: Prepare the Onion Strings
Peel the onion and use a mandolin slicer to slice it paper thin. Separate the onion rings and place them in a bowl. Pour buttermilk over the onion rings, ensuring they are fully soaked. Let them rest for 30 minutes.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture.
STEP THREE: Coat the Onion Strings
Remove the onion rings from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Toss the onion rings in the seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated.
STEP FOUR: Fry the Onion Strings
Heat peanut oil in a deep skillet or pot to 360°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated onion strings in batches, frying for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried onion strings and drain on a wire rack or use paper towels.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Oil - Canola oil or vegetable oil can be used as a replacement for frying.
Egg - If you prefer a dairy-free alternative, you can use beaten egg as a replacement for buttermilk to provide a similar binding effect.
Variations
Method - Try air frying the coated onion strings instead of deep-frying for a healthier alternative.
Dip - Serve onion straws with a side of creamy buttermilk ranch dip for extra flavor.
EQUIPMENT
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- Mandolin (or Knife)
- Deep fryer (or deep skillet)
- Mixing bowls
- Wire rack
STORAGE
Crispy onion straws are best if eaten on the same day.
Reheat onion straws in an air fryer if you want them to retain their crispy texture. You can also reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
Top Tips
Slice the onion slices paper thin for the perfect texture.
Let the onion rings soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to infuse them with flavor.
Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
After frying the onion strings, place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels; this prevents them from becoming soggy as any excess oil drips away.
MORE RECIPES
In the mood for a similar dish?
Need something to pair this with?
- These onions would be a great salad topper. Make a steak salad or try them on this Hearts of Palm Salad.
How To
How can I make this Crispy Onion Strings (Straws) Recipe in an air fryer?
To adapt the Crispy Onion Strings (Straws) Recipe for an air fryer, start by preparing the thinly sliced Vidalia onion rings and soaking them in buttermilk for flavor and tenderness.
Next, create the seasoned flour mixture and coat the onion rings thoroughly.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap, and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
Once they turn golden brown and crispy, remove the onion strings from the air fryer and serve immediately.
FAQ
Peanut oil has a high smoke point and is often used for deep frying because of its fatty acid content.
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Buttermilk adds a subtle tangy flavor to the onions but also helps to tenderize them, making the onion strings soft and flavorful. Additionally, the buttermilk creates a natural adhesive for the seasoned flour coating, ensuring it sticks to the onions during frying.
📖 Recipe
Crispy Onion Strings (Straws) Recipe
Equipment
- Mandolin (or Knife)
- Deep fryer (or deep skillet)
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 large Vidalia onion thinly sliced into rings
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Peanut oil for frying
Instructions
Deep Fryer Method
- Peel the onion and use a mandolin slicer to slice it paper thin (about ⅛ inch thick). Separate the onion rings and place them in a bowl. Pour buttermilk over the onion rings, ensuring they are fully soaked. Let them rest for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Remove the onion rings from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Toss the onion rings in the seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Heat peanut oil in a deep skillet or pot to 360°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated onion strings in batches, frying for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried onion strings and drain on a wire rack or use paper towels.
Air Fryer Method
- Prepare the thinly sliced Vidalia onion rings and soak them in buttermilk for flavor and tenderness.
- Create the seasoned flour mixture and coat the onion rings thoroughly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap, and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
- Once they turn golden brown and crispy, remove the onion strings from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
- Oil - Canola oil or vegetable oil can be used as a replacement for frying.
- Egg - If you prefer a dairy-free alternative, you can use beaten egg as a replacement for buttermilk to provide a similar binding effect.
Nutrition
With our Crispy Onion Strings (Straws) Recipe, you now have a delightful snack or appetizer that's sure to be a hit among family and friends. Don't be surprised if they become a regular favorite at your table!
Food Safety
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
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