We don’t know who came up with the idea for onion rings, but whoever you are, we mean this from the depths of our hearts: thank you. The very first recipe for onion rings appeared in a 1933 issue of The New York Times in an ad for vegetable shortening. The ad instructed readers to dip raw onion rings in milk before dredging them in flour and then deep-frying them in oil. However, it is also said that a restaurant chain in the early 1920s was the very first to make onion rings.
So, while it’s not entirely clear who the genius was that developed the first recipe for onion rings, we’re grateful, because onion rings — and all fried onions — are awesome. That must be why June 22nd is National Onion Ring Day. They’re crispy, crunchy, and savory, making them the perfect snack for parties and movie nights and they’re so easy to make, too.
Whether you’re gluten-free, avoiding oil, or looking for something different, you can bet that we’ve got a delicious, crispy onion ring recipe for you.
1. Healthy Spiralized Onion ‘Rings’
Healthy Spiralized Onion ‘Rings’
For when you want a healthy and savory snack, try these Healthy Spiralized Onion ‘Rings’ by Alissandra Maffucci! Addicting, easy to make, and good for you!
2. Baked Corn Flake Onion Rings
Better than the ones you get in restaurants, these Baked Corn Flake Onion Rings by Deniz Kilic are truly magical! Savory, soft, and fragrant. Dip them in your favorite vegan dip and enjoy a perfect little snack!
3. Beer Battered Onion Rings 
Make some onion rings, and batter them in beer for all the flavors you’re craving! These Beer Battered Onion Rings by Ashley Hankins stay crispy for hours, and are good even without the vegan ranch – but irresistible with!
4. Baked Onion Rings With Miso Gravy
Baked Onion Rings With Miso Gravy
Different from the regular onion rings, these Baked Onion Rings With Miso Gravy by Cora Matheson give you a whole new twist on the snack! They are super healthy as they are baked, and battered in a light savory mixture of quinoa and bran cereal before it’s baked to perfection.
5. Crispy, Crunchy Cornmeal and Pepita Onion Rings
Cornmeal and Pepita Onion Rings
Goodbye, greasy onion rings! Say hello to these lovely baked Cornmeal and Pepita Onion Rings by Sophia DeSantis instead! A mixture of cornmeal and crushed pepitas (otherwise known as pumpkin seeds) gives these unique onion rings a crunchy coating and a unique blend of flavors. Dip them in your favorite sauce for an extra special treat!
6. Oil-Free Baked Onion Rings
Yes, these Oil-Free Baked Onion Rings by Natasha Condie are real and they’re fantastic. They’re made with a batter that requires zero oils or fats to crisp up beautifully in a hot oven. Feel free to use any kind of onion you like; just adjust the cooking time if you use big rings. Just imagine the possibilities: on veggie burgers, stacked high in a tower o’ rings, or as a side to some awesome pulled jackfruit sammiches…
7. Ruth’s Chris Tempura Onion Ring Cups With ‘Creamed’ Kale
These Tempura Onion Ring Cups by Betsy DiJulio: Blogger, The Blooming Platter are so tall that they’re perfect for holding stuff. Like creamed kale, in this instance. Make from white beans, the cream is completely dairy-free. Whoo! Then, they’re surrounded by a tangy, sweet-hot sauce that’s perfect for soaking up all the goodness.
8. Spicy Chipotle Onion Pucks
These Spicy Chipotle Onion Pucks by Jenny Mustard are a perfect appetizer, snack, side dish, or even a main meal accompanying a salad or other leafy greens! They are so versatile and completely tasty — not to mention gluten-free and oil-free to boot!
9. Healthy Onion Rings
Using coconut flour, you can create these gluten-free, grain-free, low-carb Healthy Onion Rings by Kelly Morisson: Blogger, FoodieFiasco.com. They’re crispy, and light, and you have to try them to believe them.
10. Indian Onion and Kale Fritters
Indian Onion and Kale Fritters
These Indian Onion and Kale Fritters by Rinku Bhattacharya are a variation of classic Indian onion pakoras. They’re crispy, crunchy, and oniony, just like onion rings, but with kale, thyme, and curry leaves added. They’re the perfect snack for movie night when served with a side of chutney.
Next time movie night rolls around, try one of these awesome onion ring recipes!
Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home!
Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, and prostate cancer, and has many side effects.
For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.
Here are some great resources to get you started:
- Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
- Plant-Based Health Resources
- Plant-Based Food & Recipes
- Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
- The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
- Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
- High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
- Plant-Based Meal Prep
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