Southern-Style Onion Rings

Cornmeal gives this recipe for deep-fried Southern-style onion rings a bit of crunch and crispiness with a zesty coating with genuine Southern flair.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 1360 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 quart oil for deep frying
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
• 3 large Vidalia onions, cut into 1/4-inch slices, and separated into rings
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
• 1.5 cups yellow cornmeal

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Line 2 baking sheets with waxed paper; set aside. Line 2 baking sheets or 1 tray with paper towels; set aside.

Step 2

Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat or deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).

Step 3

Lower onion rings carefully into the hot oil a few at a time. Fry until golden brown. Transfer to the paper towel-lined baking sheets. Repeat with remaining onion rings. Serve immediately.

Step 4

Place 1 ½ cups flour in a shallow bowl. Pour milk into a second shallow bowl. Whisk remaining 2 cups flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and black pepper together in a third shallow bowl.

Step 5

Dredge onion rings in plain flour; shake off excess. Dip into milk. Press into cornmeal mixture. Place breaded rings, unstacked, on wax paper-lined baking sheets.