Gluten Free Onion Rings
These Gluten Free Onion Rings are a delightful way to enjoy a classic comfort food without the gluten. Perfect as a side dish for burgers or hot dogs, they can also be enjoyed as a tasty snack or appetizer on their own. Their crispy texture and savory flavor make them a standout choice for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or game day gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients, making it accessible for all skill levels.
- Crispy and Flavorful: The blend of spices and gluten-free flour creates a deliciously crispy coating that elevates the onion’s natural sweetness.
- Versatile Option: Serve these onion rings alongside your favorite dips, burgers, or salads; they fit perfectly in any meal.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting with plant-based milk.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting friends or treating your family, these onion rings will surely impress everyone.

Tools and Preparation
To make these gluten free onion rings, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having the right equipment will ensure that you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Fork
- Large saucepan or skillet
- Wire cooling rack
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: This is essential for combining all dry ingredients and mixing in liquids without making a mess.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps to create a smooth batter without lumps, ensuring even coverage on the onion rings.
- Large saucepan or skillet: A deep pan allows for proper frying, ensuring the onion rings cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness.
Ingredients
For the Onion Rings
- 2 medium sweet onions (sliced into rings)
- cornstarch (enough to dust sliced onions)
- neutral oil (for frying)
For the Batter
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups gluten free flour blend
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup milk (of your choice, see Notes)
- 1 cup club soda
How to Make Gluten Free Onion Rings
Step 1: Slice Onions
If onions are not already sliced into rings, slice them now. Lightly dust sliced onion rings with cornstarch. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together ⅓ cup cornstarch, gluten free flour blend, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Step 3: Create the Batter
Once dry ingredients are combined, whisk in milk and club soda to form batter until smooth.
Step 4: Heat Oil
In a large saucepan or skillet, heat neutral oil to 350° Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Coat Onion Rings
When oil is hot, use a fork to dip sliced onion rings into batter. Coat evenly and lift out of bowl, pausing to let any excess batter drip off.
Step 6: Fry Onion Rings
Drop onion rings into hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides.
Step 7: Drain Excess Oil
Use a fork to remove fried onion rings from oil. Transfer onion rings to a wire cooling rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Repeat for any remaining onion rings. Serve warm with condiments of choice such as ketchup or dipping sauces. Enjoy your gluten free delight!
How to Serve Gluten Free Onion Rings
Gluten free onion rings are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re having a casual meal or hosting a party, these crispy delights can elevate any dining experience.
As a Delicious Side
- Pair them with burgers for a classic combo.
- Serve alongside hot dogs for a fun twist on your summer cookout.
With Dipping Sauces
- Try ketchup for a classic taste.
- Opt for ranch dressing for a creamy option.
- Use spicy mayo to add some heat.
On Top of Salads
- Add onion rings to salads for extra crunch.
- Use them as a garnish on a homemade burger salad.
As an Appetizer
- Present them on a platter as finger food at gatherings.
- Offer them with assorted dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.
How to Perfect Gluten Free Onion Rings
Creating the perfect gluten free onion rings involves attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these guidelines to achieve the ultimate crispy texture.
- Choose the right onions: Sweet onions, like Vidalia, provide natural sweetness that enhances flavor.
- Dust with cornstarch: A light coating of cornstarch helps the batter adhere better and results in a crispier finish.
- Maintain oil temperature: Frying at 350° Fahrenheit ensures that the onion rings cook evenly without becoming greasy.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan: Fry in small batches to prevent temperature drops, which can lead to soggy rings.
- Let excess batter drip off: This step helps achieve an even coating and prevents clumping during frying.
Best Side Dishes for Gluten Free Onion Rings
Gluten free onion rings pair well with various side dishes, making your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options to consider:
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds freshness and crunch that complements the richness of onion rings.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn provides sweetness and is perfect for summer meals.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad offers comfort and pairs nicely with crispy textures.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans bring hearty flavors that round out your plate well.
- Macaroni Salad: This cold dish adds creaminess and is ideal for picnics or barbecues.
- Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad brings brightness and balances the heaviness of fried foods.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with veggies can add variety without overwhelming flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies offer healthy options that enhance your meal’s appeal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making gluten free onion rings can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can lead to disappointment. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong type of oil: Not all oils are suitable for frying. Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, for the best results.
- Skipping the cornstarch dusting: Failing to dust the onion rings with cornstarch before battering can result in a soggy texture. Always coat them lightly before dipping into the batter.
- Not maintaining oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, your gluten free onion rings will absorb more oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure it stays at 350°F.
- Thick batter application: Applying too much batter can make your onion rings heavy and unappetizing. Coat them evenly and allow excess batter to drip off before frying.
- Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many onion rings at once can lower the oil temperature, causing uneven cooking. Fry in small batches for crispy perfection.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover gluten free onion rings in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Gluten Free Onion Rings
- Place cooled onion rings in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Gluten Free Onion Rings
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place onion rings on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: This is quick but may not restore crispiness. Heat on medium power in short bursts (30 seconds), checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the onion rings briefly until they regain their crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about gluten free onion rings:
Can I use other types of onions for gluten free onion rings?
Yes, you can use yellow or white onions if you prefer their flavor over sweet onions.
Are gluten free onion rings dairy-free?
They can be made dairy-free by substituting milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk.
How do I make gluten free onion rings spicier?
To add heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or chili powder into your dry batter mix.
What should I serve with gluten free onion rings?
These delicious snacks pair well with burgers, hot dogs, or dipping sauces like ketchup and ranch dressing.
How do I achieve extra crispy gluten free onion rings?
Double dip your onion rings by coating them in cornstarch, then batter, and repeat before frying.
Final Thoughts
These gluten free onion rings are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Enjoy them as a tasty snack or side dish at any gathering. Feel free to customize your recipe by adding spices or using different dipping sauces!
Gluten Free Onion Rings
Indulge in the satisfying crunch of Gluten Free Onion Rings, a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. These crispy delights are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish for your favorite burgers and hot dogs. Made with easily accessible ingredients, this simple recipe ensures that everyone can enjoy the savory flavor and golden-brown crispiness without gluten. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying game day snacks, these onion rings will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet onions
- Cornstarch (for dusting)
- Neutral oil (for frying)
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free flour blend
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 cup club soda
Instructions
- Slice onions into rings and dust lightly with cornstarch.
- In a bowl, mix dry ingredients: cornstarch, gluten-free flour blend, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Whisk in milk and club soda until smooth to create the batter.
- Heat neutral oil in a skillet to 350°F.
- Dip onion rings into the batter and fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain excess oil on a wire rack and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 onion rings (80g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg