Crispy Baked Onion Rings

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + soaking Bake: 20 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Oct. 21, 2023
These crispy, lightly browned rings are a healthy alternative to the deep-fried version. Thyme and paprika enhance the flavor of the tender onions. —Della Stamp, Long Beach, California
Crispy Baked Onion Rings Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 pound sweet onions
  • 3 large egg whites
  • 1 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. Cut onions into 1/2-in. slices; separate into rings and place in a bowl. Cover with ice water; soak for 30 minutes. Drain.
  2. In a small bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, thyme, salt, paprika and pepper. Dip a third of the onions into the egg white and then add rings, a few at a time, to crumb mixture; turn to coat. Place rings on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
  3. Repeat with remaining onions and crumb mixture. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp.

Baked Onion Rings Tips

Can you use other kinds of onions to make baked onion rings?

Sweet onions' flavor carries through nicely for baked onion rings, and the sweetness develops even further as they bake. However, yellow or white onions can be substituted. Red onions have a stronger taste more suited to salads and sandwiches—probably not your best choice for onion rings.

What kind of bread crumbs are best to use in baked onion rings?

Any kind of dry breadcrumbs should work for this baked onion rings recipe. Just be sure they are fine crumbs, so they uniformly coat the onion rings. Larger crumbs might fall off too easily.

What can you serve with baked onion rings?

Baked onion rings make a terrific snack on their own, served with condiments and dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch or thousand island dressing. You can also make your own sauce such as the one paired with this blooming onion. Of course, these onions go great with an all-American hamburger or grilled chicken sandwich.

—Mark Neufang, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 159 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 838mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.