These homemade crispy onion strings make the perfect appetizer recipe and toppers for baked potatoes, burgers, tacos, or for a delicious crispy snack. Super easy to make and rave reviews every time they are made.
If you love onions, then this is the recipe for you. I’ve been making these crispy onion strings for years. They’re basically a variation of onion rings, but you can do so much more with them. I love to serve them as-is with some dipping sauce as an appetizer. I also love using them as a topping. I’ve served them on green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, and of course, on my burgers. And that’s just a few of the ways I’ve used them. This dish is absolutely delicious and so versatile, I find myself making it again and again.
Crispy Onion Strings
I’ve always loved onions, and I’ve always been an especially big fan of onion rings. All the crispy deliciousness on the outside and that tender, sweet onion flavor on the inside? Mmmm. Heaven. One day it came to me that I could do one better, and that’s when I tried my hand at making these onion strings. They. Are. Winners!
Every bite of these onion strings is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The coating is cooked to crisp perfection, and the onions used on the inside are so sweet and tasty. I love serving these up as a snack and as a topping for almost anything I can think of. Over the years, I’ve tried them on all kinds of dishes, and I’ve never been disappointed.
The Perfect Appetizer Recipe
I absolutely consider these crispy onion strings to be the perfect appetizer recipe. They’re great with any kind of dip or even ketchup, and they’re so good on burgers, tacos, and even hot dogs. I’ve even put them on nachos a time or two. However you want to use them, they’ll almost always work. If that’s not the hallmark of a perfect recipe, then I don’t know what is!
Ways to Use Crispy Onion Strings
You can use these tasty bites in all kinds of ways. They’re a super versatile food.
- An appetizer
- As a topper for burgers, hot dogs, hoagies, and other sandwiches
- A topper for tacos and nachos
- Topper for casseroles
- Topper for mac and cheese
- A topper for ice cream (don’t knock it)
- And, a topper for ANYTHING, really
Tips
Although this recipe is fairly straightforward, I do have some little tips that will help ensure you make the best possible crispy onions strings every time.
- Always use buttermilk if you can. It makes the best coating.
- Sweet onions work very well in this dish. Vidalias are a great option.
- Always slice your onions thinly. These are onion strings, not onion rings.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup of regular milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about these crispy onion strings, then read on. The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about onion strings.
What are onion strings?
Onion strings are basically super thin onion rings. They’re cut thinly, battered, and then fried just like an onion ring.
Why are my fried onions soggy?
If your oil is not hot enough, or if you put too much batter on your onion strings, they won’t get crispy. The batter will make the onions retain too much internal moisture, resulting in soggy onion strings.
How do you keep fried onions crispy?
When storing your onions in the refrigerator, be sure to layer them in an airtight container with paper towels between each layer to soak up any excess moisture. This helps keep your onion strings from getting soggy.
What is the best way to reheat fried onion strings?
Arrange the onion strings on a baking sheet and covered them with foil. Bake at 350 for 10 to 15 minutes to heat and crisp them up.
Crispy Onion Strings Ingredients
It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this recipe, and they’re all kitchen staples. You might not have to go shopping for anything!
- Large onions, thinly sliced
- Buttermilk
- All purpose flour
- Garlic powder
- Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil
How to Make Crispy Onion Strings
Making these delicious onion strings isn’t difficult at all. There are a few steps, but there’s nothing complicated about them. Even beginners can make this recipe.
Step 1: Soak the Onion Strings
Slice the onions very thin with a sharp knife, separate the layers, and place them in a gallon-size resealable bag or a large bowl. Then, pour buttermilk into the baggie/bowl with the onions. Shake to coat the onions and then let them soak for 40 to 45 minutes in the fridge.
Step 2: Make the Flour Coating
In another gallon-size bag, add the flour, garlic salt, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Seal, shake to mix, and set aside.
Step 3: Flour the Onion Strings
Remove half of the thinly sliced onions from the buttermilk with tongs and shake off any excess buttermilk. Then, add the next batch of onions to the flour mixture. Seal the bag and shake well to coat the onions.
Step 4: Fry the Onion Strings
Preheat oil to 375 degrees in a cast iron skillet while coating the onion strings. Remove the onions from the flour mixture, gently shake off excess flour, and place them in the hot oil. Cook until golden brown and crispy. Then, carefully remove the onions and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Repeat until all the onion strings are fried. Enjoy!
Try These Crispy Onion Strings Today
These crispy onion strings are so easy, so good, and so versatile. They’re the trifecta when it comes to appetizers. With a combo like that, you owe it to yourself to make them at least once. But I know that after you make them that first time, you’ll find yourself coming back to them again and again. Give them a try, and I know you’ll love them as much as I do.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes
Grown-Up Tater Tots – These smashed baby Yukon gold potatoes are smashed, seasoned, and baked until golden and crispy. They make for the best appetizer or side dish to pair with your favorite main meal.
Soft Pretzel Bites – These Soft Pretzel Bites are the perfect appetizer to serve with a cheese dipping sauce, cream cheese, or mustard.
Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket – These are delicious and easy appetizers that are perfect to bring to any party or get-together. They are loaded with flavor and everyone is sure to enjoy them.
And, here is a Deep Fried Crispy Jalapenos appetizer recipe from Great Grub, Delicious Treats. These fried jalapenos are loaded with flavor and perfect served as an appetizer or side dish.
Crispy Onion Strings
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1½-2 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- Slice onions very thin, separate, and place in a gallon size baggie.
- Pour buttermilk into baggie with onions, close, shake to coat onions, place in the fridge and let sit in baggie for 40-45 minutes.
- In another gallon size baggie, add flour, garlic salt, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, paprika and black pepper. Seal, shake to mix, and set aside.
- While onions are soaking, heat oil to 375° in a cast iron skillet or a large pot.
- Remove ½ of the thinly sliced onions from buttermilk with tongs, shake off excess buttermilk. Add to the flour mixture. Seal baggie and shake to coat onions.
- Use tongs to remove the onions from the flour mixture and gently place onions into the hot oil.
- Cook until golden brown and desired crispiness is obtained, stirring occasionally.
- Carefully remove from oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Repeat until all onion strings are cooked.
Here are a few pics that are the perfect size for pinning to Pinterest.
What flavor is Slap Yo Mama? In case I can’t find it?
Hi Julie, it’s a Cajun spice flavor that is great! Most local grocery stores have it. I’ve even purchased it from Walmart and Amazon. I hope you can find it. 🙂