Crispy Fried Onion Strings

Introduction

Crispy Fried Onion Strings are a savory, crowd-pleasing treat, delivering a shatteringly crisp texture and irresistible onion flavor in every bite. Perfect as a crunchy garnish for burgers, salads, or casseroles, or simply enjoyed as a snack, these golden onion strings have the power to elevate even the simplest dishes into something addictive.

Their appeal lies in their incredible texture—light as air with just the right touch of salt—but also in their versatility and ease of preparation.

Why Crispy Fried Onion Strings Stand Out

What makes this recipe a favorite is the balance of a thin, crunchy exterior and tender onion within. The secret is slicing the onions ultra-thin for even frying and coating them in just enough seasoned flour to crisp up beautifully. Whether scattered over a homemade casserole or piled onto a juicy burger, their addictive crunch and deep caramelized flavor will win over any crowd.

Perfect Slicing for Ultimate Crispiness

The key to the best onion strings is uniform, paper-thin slices. Traditional knife skills can work, but to achieve quick, consistent results while minimizing prep time, a high-quality vegetable chopper or mandoline is invaluable. Reach for the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, which ensures safe, razor-thin onion slices every time—vital for even frying and unbeatable texture.

Additionally, using a durable, nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch keeps the onion strings crisp and prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

Frying vs. Air Frying: Delicious Options

Deep frying delivers the classic, ultra-crunchy result, but air frying is a fantastic lighter alternative. For air frying, use the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey, which can crisp up onion strings with barely any oil and still provide a satisfyingly crunchy finish.

When baking or air frying, lining your tray with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet ensures the onion strings don’t stick, so every batch lifts off easily—no mess, all crunch.

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Fried Onion Strings

Enjoy your onion strings warm as a crave-worthy snack, or use as a topping for salads, burgers, mashed potatoes, or green bean casseroles. They’re a sure way to add flavor and crunch, making every bite unforgettable. For portable snacking or picnic sides, carefully store them in a sturdy, sealed container like the Bentgo Salad Container for freshness on the go.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields enough onion strings to serve about 4–6 people as a topping or snack, with each serving clocking in around 125–160 calories depending on frying method and oil absorption. For air-fried versions, the calorie content drops significantly.

Crispy Fried Onion Strings: Recipe Recap

Ultra-thin, golden-fried, and irresistibly crunchy, homemade crispy fried onion strings are the ultimate finishing touch for countless dishes. This easy, flavor-packed recipe is perfect for impressing a crowd or adding a special touch to a weeknight meal.

Instructions

1. Peel and trim the onions. Using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, slice onions into super-thin rings for even cooking.
2. Place onion slices in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let soak for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor and better coating adhesion.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
4. Drain onions, shaking off excess buttermilk, and toss them in the seasoned flour mixture, separating the rings and ensuring each is coated evenly.
5. For traditional frying: Heat 1 inch of oil in the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch to 350°F. Fry onion strings in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp, stirring occasionally. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels, sprinkle lightly with remaining salt.
6. For air frying: Arrange flour-coated onion strings in a single layer on a tray lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet. Spray lightly with oil and air fry in the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp.
7. Serve hot as a snack or topping. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days; reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 30 minutes soaking)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour