If you’ve ever topped a green bean casserole with those crispy, golden French fried onions, you know just how delicious they are. But did you know that homemade French fried onions are even crispier, fresher, and full of real onion flavor? This recipe is simple, quick, and delivers the perfect crunch to elevate all your favorite dishes.
I love this recipe because it uses simple ingredients and tastes so much better than the store-bought version. Whether you’re using them for holiday casseroles, burgers, salads, or just snacking, these homemade crispy onions will become a staple in your kitchen.
Let’s dive into how to make perfectly crispy, golden French fried onions at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra crispy and flavorful – Made from real onions with a light, crunchy coating.
- No preservatives or additives – Just pure, homemade goodness.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick frying.
- Great for topping or snacking – Perfect for casseroles, burgers, and more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves: 4-6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (yellow or white works best)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
How to Make Homemade French Fried Onions
1. Soak the Onions
Place the thinly sliced onions in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes. This step softens the onions and helps the flour coating stick better.
2. Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady.
4. Dredge the Onions
Remove the soaked onions from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Toss them in the flour mixture, coating them evenly. Shake off any excess flour before frying.
5. Fry Until Golden
Working in batches, carefully drop the coated onions into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried onions and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve immediately, or store for later use!
My Best Tips for Extra Crispy French Fried Onions
- Slice onions thinly – The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches to keep them crisp.
- Use a thermometer – Keeping the oil at 350°F ensures even frying.
- Season while hot – A sprinkle of salt right after frying enhances flavor.
What to Use Homemade French Fried Onions For
These crispy onions aren’t just for green bean casserole! Here are more ways to enjoy them:
- On burgers or sandwiches – Adds crunch and flavor.
- Over salads – A perfect topping for extra texture.
- With mashed potatoes – A crispy contrast to creamy potatoes.
- As a snack – Enjoy them straight out of the bowl!
- In wraps or tacos – For a fun, crispy bite.
FAQs
Can I store these fried onions for later?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To re-crisp, warm them in an oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Toss the onions in oil, spread them on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes! Spray the coated onions with oil and air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
These homemade French fried onions are crispy, golden, and full of flavor, making them the perfect topping or snack. Whether you use them for holiday dishes, burgers, or just munching, they’ll add an irresistible crunch to any meal.
Give them a try and let me know how they turn out!
Homemade French Fried Onions: Crispy, Golden, and Better Than Store-Bought
Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the sliced onions to the buttermilk mixture and let them soak for 10-15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, add the flour. Remove the onions from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and then dredge them in the flour until well coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add a handful of the coated onions to the oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Season with additional salt if desired and serve warm.
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