French fried onions are a beloved crispy topping that can elevate everything from green bean casseroles to burgers and salads. Making them at home is surprisingly simple and rewarding, giving you fresh, crunchy onions without any preservatives or mystery ingredients. Ready to learn how to make French fried onions that rival the store-bought kind? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process with tips to get them perfectly golden and crispy every time.
What Are French Fried Onions?
French fried onions are thinly sliced onions that are coated and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. They add a savory crunch and a burst of flavor to dishes, especially holiday casseroles. Unlike the canned versions, homemade fried onions are fresher, customizable, and free from additives.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Onions: Yellow or white onions work best, sliced very thinly into rings or strips.
– Buttermilk or Milk: Soaking the onions in buttermilk adds tang and helps the coating stick.
– Flour: All-purpose flour is the base for the crispy coating.
– Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional paprika for a little extra flavor.
– Oil for Frying: Vegetable, canola, peanut (if no allergies), or avocado oil with a high smoke point.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make French Fried Onions
1. Slice the Onions Thinly
Start by peeling and slicing your onions as thin as possible. Thin slices ensure they cook quickly and become crispy rather than soggy. You can slice them into rings or strips depending on your preference.
2. Soak the Onions in Buttermilk
Place the thin onion slices in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes, but up to 30 minutes or even an hour if you have time. This soaking step tenderizes the onions and helps the flour mixture stick better.
3. Prepare the Flour Coating
In a separate bowl or a large ziplock bag, combine all-purpose flour with salt, pepper, and optionally paprika for a subtle smoky kick. This seasoned flour will create the crispy coating on the onions.
4. Drain and Coat the Onions
Remove the onions from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Then toss them in the flour mixture, making sure each slice is well coated. Using a ziplock bag to shake the onions with the flour helps get an even coating without clumps.
5. Heat the Oil
Heat your frying oil in a deep pan or skillet to about 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Using a thermometer is ideal to maintain the right temperature. The oil should be hot enough so the onions sizzle immediately when added.
6. Fry the Onions
Carefully add the coated onions to the hot oil in small batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2 to 5 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Stir gently with a slotted spoon to ensure even cooking. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the fried onions cool slightly—they will crisp up even more as they cool. Use immediately for the best texture, or store at room temperature for up to a day. Re-crisping in a 375°F oven for a few minutes can revive them if needed.
Tips for Perfect French Fried Onions
– Slice thinly: The thinner, the crispier.
– Use buttermilk: It tenderizes and adds flavor.
– Season your flour: Salt and pepper are musts; paprika or garlic powder add nice depth.
– Maintain oil temperature: Too cool and onions get greasy; too hot and they burn.
– Fry in small batches: Keeps oil temperature steady and onions crispy.
– Drain well: Use paper towels to soak up excess oil for crunchiness.
– Use the right oil: Peanut oil is great for frying due to its high smoke point, but avoid if allergic.
Creative Ways to Use French Fried Onions
– Top your classic green bean casserole for that iconic crunch.
– Sprinkle over mashed potatoes or baked potatoes.
– Add to salads for texture and flavor.
– Use as a crunchy garnish on burgers and sandwiches.
– Mix into creamy dips or soups for a crispy surprise.
French fried onions are a simple yet transformative addition to many dishes. Making them at home is easy, fun, and yields a fresher, tastier result than store-bought versions. With a few basic ingredients and these straightforward steps, you can enjoy crispy, golden onions anytime you want that perfect crunch.
Try making a batch today and watch your meals come alive with flavor and texture!