Can I make Tennessee Onions ahead of time?

While Tennessee Onions are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can prepare them ahead of time by frying them and then storing them in an airtight container. To keep them crispy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crunch.

Can I make Tennessee Onions without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk or a non-dairy milk alternative. To mimic the tanginess of buttermilk, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk before using it in the recipe.

How can I make Tennessee Onions spicier?

If you like a little extra heat, simply add more cayenne pepper to the batter or try a spicy dipping sauce such as sriracha mayo or hot sauce. You can also experiment with adding a bit of chili powder to the batter for a deeper spicy flavor.

Tennessee Onions: A Deliciously Crispy Southern Side Dish

Name: Tennessee Onions
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 large Yellow Onions, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rings; 1 cup Buttermilk; 1 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 cup Cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for extra spice); 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; Vegetable Oil for frying (about 2 cups, depending on your pan size)

Description

Tennessee Onions are a crispy Southern delight, offering a perfect blend of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. These golden-brown onion rings are easy to prepare and can be served as a side dish, snack, or topping for burgers and fried chicken. With their irresistible crunch and bold seasoning, Tennessee Onions are a must-try addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large Yellow Onions, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rings
1 cup Buttermilk
1 cup All-Purpose Flour
1/2 cup Cornstarch
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for extra spice)
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Vegetable Oil for frying (about 2 cups, depending on your pan size)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the onions by peeling and slicing them into 1/4-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and set them aside.
Soak the onion rings in 1 cup of buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to allow the batter to stick better.
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
Once the onions have soaked, dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring each ring is fully coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to about 375°F (190°C).
Carefully place the coated onion rings into the hot oil and fry them in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per batch until golden and crispy.
Remove the fried onion rings from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double-coat the onion rings by dipping them back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again before frying.
Make sure to maintain the oil temperature at 375°F to ensure the onion rings cook evenly and become crispy.
Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to retain crispiness.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper to the batter or pair with a spicy dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Snack
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg