These oven-fried onion rings are coated in a crunchy, irresistible crushed Cape Cod Potato Chips crust. Cape Cod Potato Chips sponsored this post, and I was excited to develop a recipe that showcases their kettle-cooked crunch. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely love onion rings. For the longest time I avoided onions, but over the years I discovered all the ways they add flavor and texture. Now I happily enjoy everything from caramelized onions in sauces to crispy onion rings as a snack or appetizer. This recipe is one of my favorites: oven-fried onion rings with a crunchy kettle chip coating that delivers the same satisfying texture as deep-fried rings but uses much less oil.
Kettle-cooked chips make an ideal coating because they’re sturdier and more textured than regular chips, so they adhere well and create a robust, crisp crust. The oven-frying technique featured here is cleaner and faster than deep frying, while still producing golden, crunchy rings. I prefer avocado oil for its high smoke point, which makes it safer to use at higher oven temperatures.
I first shared an oven-baked onion rings recipe years ago and have since revisited the technique to improve the photos and the method. This updated version uses crushed Cape Cod kettle chips for extra crunch and a more reliable oven-fried finish. If you like a spicy kick, a touch of cayenne in the flour adds a pleasant background heat.
One practical tip: preheat the baking sheet with a thin pool of oil in the oven before adding the coated rings. That initial hot surface gives the coating an immediate sizzle and helps create that crisp exterior. Also, working in batches keeps the rings from steaming and losing their crunch. Serve immediately for best texture.
Avocado oil is my preferred choice because its smoke point is high—so it stands up to 450°F baking without smoking. If you substitute another oil, reduce the oven temperature to match that oil’s safe cooking range to avoid smoking. Safety first.
Oven Fried Onion Rings
These oven-fried onion rings are crispy, flavorful, and coated with crushed kettle chips for an unbeatable crunch. They’re an excellent appetizer or side that’s quick to prepare and satisfying to serve.
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 medium onions, sliced into rings and separated
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 (8 oz) bag Cape Cod Reduced Fat Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, crushed
- 1/4–1/3 cup avocado oil (for baking sheet)
Instructions
- Whisk together the egg, milk, and 1/3 cup of the flour to make a thin batter. Submerge the onion rings in the mixture and let them soak for 1 hour. After soaking, drain the rings and reserve the liquid.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the avocado oil onto a large baking sheet, spreading it so the pan is generously coated but not sloshing. Place the oiled baking sheet in the oven to preheat while you coat the onions.
- Mix the remaining flour with the cayenne and salt in a shallow dish. Place the crushed potato chips in a separate shallow dish. Dip each ring first in the egg wash, then in the seasoned flour, back into the egg wash, and immediately press into the crushed chips so they adhere. Arrange the coated rings on a plate as you work.
- Carefully transfer the coated onion rings to the preheated baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between them. Bake 4–5 minutes, then flip each ring and bake another 4–5 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
If you substitute another oil for avocado oil, lower the oven temperature to match that oil’s smoke point. Avocado oil allows baking at higher temperatures without smoking; other oils may not.
For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the flour mixture. Work in small batches to keep the rings crisp.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 8 portions total (listed nutrition is per serving)
Calories: 217 | Total Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 199mg
Carbohydrates: 30g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Protein: 12g
Nutrition data is an estimate. If you need precise nutritional values for medical reasons, consult a trusted nutrition resource.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cape Cod® Potato Chips.