Crispy Keto Onion Rings are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic snack without the carbs. These onion rings have a golden, crunchy coating that’s perfectly seasoned and satisfy those craving for something crispy and tasty. Made with low-carb ingredients, they’re a great option if you want to stick to your keto goals while not missing out on delicious appetizers.
I love making these onion rings because they’re simple to prepare and come out super crunchy every time. Using almond flour and a bit of cheese in the coating gives them that satisfying crunch that makes you forget they’re keto-friendly. Plus, the sweet onion flavor shines through, which is always a win in my book.
My favorite way to serve these crispy onion rings is with a side of creamy ranch or spicy mayo for dipping. They’re perfect for parties, game day, or just a fun snack on a weekend. Whenever I make a batch, they disappear quickly, and everyone keeps asking for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow onions: These are great for onion rings because of their mild sweetness and firm texture. Sweet or white onions also work well if you prefer a different flavor.
Almond flour: This is the main coating ingredient for that low-carb crunch. If you’re allergic to nuts, crushed pork rinds make an excellent substitute and add extra crispiness.
Parmesan cheese: It helps the coating crisp up nicely. You can swap it for Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option, although the texture might be slightly different.
Eggs: They act as a glue to hold the coating on. For an egg-free version, try using a mix of mayonnaise and water or flaxseed meal with water as a binder.
Oil for frying: I recommend coconut or avocado oil because they are stable at high heat. You can also use peanut or light olive oil depending on your taste.
How Can I Get Super Crispy Keto Onion Rings without Soggy Coating?
The secret to crispy coating lies in both the batter and frying technique. Here’s what helps me every time:
- Coat the onion rings well by dipping in egg first and then pressing the almond flour mixture firmly onto the surface.
- Use a high smoke point oil and heat it properly (about 350°F). Too cool oil makes the coating soggy, too hot burns the crust.
- Fry in small batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop suddenly.
- Drain the fried rings on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- For extra crunch, you can double-dip: egg, coating, egg, then coating again before frying.
Following these steps ensures a crackly crust and tender onions inside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or frying pan – perfect size for frying and keeps oil temperature steady.
- Thermometer – helps you keep oil at 350°F for the crispiest onion rings.
- Mixing bowls – one for eggs, one for coating mix makes dipping easy and organized.
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer – lifts onion rings out and drains oil well.
- Paper towels – essential for draining excess oil to keep rings crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating for a spicy kick.
- Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to make it dairy-free with a cheesy taste.
- Try adding dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a herby flavor twist.
- Mix in finely chopped garlic or onion powder for an extra boost of savory flavor.
How to Make Crispy Keto Onion Rings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Onion Rings:
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced into ½-inch rings
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- Coconut oil or avocado oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 10-15 minutes to fry the onion rings in batches. So, you’ll have crispy keto onion rings ready in roughly 30 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onion Rings:
Start by peeling and slicing the onions into half-inch thick rings. Carefully separate the rings and set them aside so they’re ready to be coated.
2. Make the Coating Mix:
In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), black pepper, and salt. Stir until all spices are well combined.
3. Beat the Eggs:
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly to make an egg wash for coating the onion rings.
4. Coat the Onion Rings:
Dip each onion ring into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully covered. Then dredge it in the almond flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Place coated rings on a plate and repeat with all the rings.
5. Fry the Onion Rings:
Heat 1-2 inches of coconut or avocado oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the onion rings in small batches, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to keep the oil temperature steady.
6. Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried rings and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up extra oil. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm with your favorite low-carb dip.
Enjoy these crispy, tasty keto onion rings as a crunchy, low-carb appetizer or snack anyone will love!
Can I use frozen onion rings for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh onions for crispiness. If you use frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before coating and frying.
What can I substitute for almond flour?
Crushed pork rinds or crushed pork scratchings make an excellent low-carb and keto-friendly substitute that also crisps up well.
How should I store leftover onion rings?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to help them stay crispy.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried but still delicious and lower in oil.
