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Gluten-free onion rings, along with ketchup and ranch dressing, on a baking sheet.

Gluten-Free Onion Ring Recipe

These homemade gluten-free onion rings are light, crispy, and so flavorful. They’re perfect as a side dish or as a snack. Dairy and egg-free variation included in the note.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

For the Onion Ring Batter

  • 1 cup Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour (5 ounces; 142 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, optional, see note
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¾ cup milk, plus more as needed (6 ounces; 170 grams)
  • 1 large egg

For Frying

  • Canola Oil

For the Coating

  • ½ cup cornstarch (2 ounces; 56 grams)
  • 2 medium yellow onions or 1 large sweet, vidalia or Walla Walla onion, cut into 1/2 inch rings
  • salt, for seasoning

Instructions

  1. Make the Batter. Whisk together gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add milk and egg. Mix until a batter forms. It should be as thick as pancake batter. If it’s too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time. (For a thin onion ring coating, add 1/4 cup additional milk).

  2. Heat the Oil. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat about one inch of oil to 375°F. Don't fill your pot more than ⅓ full.

  3. Line a large plate or baking sheet with paper towels. This is where you will set the onion rings after you fry them.

  4. Coat and Fry the Rings: Place the cornstarch onto a plate or in a bowl. Coat the onion rings in cornstarch. Then dip the rings, one at a time, into the batter. Allow most of the batter to drip off the onion slice.

  5. Immediately after coating, carefully place the onion ring into the hot oil. Batter and fry about three or four rings at time.

    Fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Turn the rings over once so they brown on each side.

  6. Remove the rings from the hot oil with a metal strainer or tongs. Place them onto the paper towel lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt.
  7. Repeat until the onions are done. Be sure to monitor the oil temperature throughout the frying process.

  8. To Keep the onion rings warm: Place them into a 200℉ on a baking sheet while you fry the rest of the rings.

Recipe Notes

Gluten-Free Baking Flour: This recipe was tested with Bob's Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour. Using a different flour might change the rings. 

Sugar: The sugar is optional. It adds a nice sweetness to the rings and helps the batter to brown. 

Dairy-Free Variation: Replace the milk with an equal amount of gluten-free beer or unflavored seltzer water. 

Egg-Free Variation: Replace the egg with a ¼ cup gluten-free beer or unflavored seltzer water. 

Dairy and Egg-Free Variation. Use 1 cup gluten-free beer or unflavored seltzer water.