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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Sides

    Crispy Onion Strings (Straws) Recipe

    📋 Modified: Jul 25, 2023 by 👩🏻‍🍳 Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    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.

    Crispy onion strings straws recipe close up with dip

    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!

    Jump to:
    • INGREDIENTS
    • Instructions
    • SUBSTITUTIONS
    • Variations
    • EQUIPMENT
    • STORAGE
    • Top Tips
    • MORE RECIPES
    • How To
    • FAQ
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Food Safety
    • 💬 Comments

    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

    This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.

    • 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?

    • Easy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
    • Toasted Air Fryer Gnocchi

    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

    Why is peanut oil a good choice for deep frying?

    Peanut oil has a high smoke point and is often used for deep frying because of its fatty acid content.

    Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

    Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

    Why do you soak onions in buttermilk before frying?

    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.

    Crispy onion strings straws recipe

    📖 Recipe

    Crispy onion strings straws recipe close up with dip feature image

    Crispy Onion Strings (Straws) Recipe

    Jami Powell
    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.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 4 minutes mins
    Total Time 14 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 180 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mandolin (or Knife)
    • Deep fryer (or deep skillet)
    • Mixing bowls
    • 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

    Storage Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
    Freeze This dish is not freezer friendly.
    Reheat Use the air fryer to restore crispiness or reheat in the oven.
    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.
    Nutrition The provided nutrition information is only an estimate.
    Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 9g
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

    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.

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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    Welcome to Powell Family Cooking! Our family enjoys creating delicious meals with healthy ingredients that can be shared by many. Our goal is to provide simple, elegant dish ideas for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Many of the recipes on our website have been passed down from family and friends. We hope you are inspired to do the same.

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