Crispy Baked Onion Rings (Printable View)

Golden, crunchy onion rings baked without deep frying for a lighter snack.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large yellow onions

→ Breading Station

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 cup buttermilk
05 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
06 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
09 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
10 - ½ teaspoon salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Baking Essentials

12 - Cooking spray

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
02 - Peel the onions and slice them into ½-inch thick rings. Separate into individual rings and discard the very small inner ones.
03 - Set up three shallow bowls. Whisk together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in the first bowl. Beat eggs and buttermilk in the second bowl. Mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan in the third bowl.
04 - Working one at a time, dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, coating well and shaking off any excess.
05 - Submerge the floured onion ring into the egg-buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
06 - Press the onion ring into the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres thoroughly.
07 - Arrange the coated onion rings on the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
08 - Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each ring and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
09 - Remove from the oven and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come out genuinely crispy without a single drop of oil spattering your stovetop or your favorite shirt.
  • The Parmesan mixed into the panko adds this subtle umami punch that makes people ask what your secret is.
  • Fifteen minutes of prep means you can have hot, golden rings on the table faster than most takeout places deliver.
02 -
  • That first flip is critical—if the rings aren't golden enough by the 10-minute mark, give them another minute or two before flipping so the bottom coating sets properly.
  • Overcrowding the baking sheet is the quickest way to steam rather than crisp; spacing matters more than you'd think.
  • The cooking spray on top is not optional; it's what transforms a pale breading into that shattered, golden exterior.
03 -
  • Chill your breading bowls and ingredients if you have time—cold egg mixture adheres better and creates a thicker, crunchier coating.
  • If your oven runs cool, increase the temperature by 10°C and check at the regular time; every oven has its own personality.
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into the flour adds gentle heat that complements the sweetness of the onion without announcing itself.

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