Crunchy Baked Onion Rings

Crunchy Baked Onion Rings

adapted from EveryDay with Rachael Ray October 2015

We love onion rings but fried ones do not fit into our healthy eating commitment. This recipe makes crispy rings, still not as good as beer batter deep fried ones but they will fill a craving.

We like to serve with with a Zesty Horseradish Dipping Sauce which is similar to what Burger King™ serves with their onion rings.

Makes 4 servings

1 cup panko
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/2 cup flour
1 cup fat free buttermilk*
1 egg
1 extra-large onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

3/4 tsp. Kosher salt, divided
cooking spray

1. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees. 
2. In a small food processor, pulse the panko, cayenne, black pepper and salt to fine crumbs. 
3. Set up a 3 part dredging station; Place the flour in the first bowl. In the second bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg and 1/2 tsp. salt. Pour the panko mixture into the third bowl. 
4. Separate 24 of the largest rings from the onion slices. 
5. Working in batches, dip the rings in the flour; shake off excess. Dip the rings in the buttermilk mixture; let excess drip back into the bowl. Lightly coat the rings in the panko mixture.
6. Place the rings on parchment lined baking sheets in a single layer.
7. Coat the rings with the cooking spray. 
8. Bake until crispy and browned, about 18 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt. 
9. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy!

*Don't have buttermilk? Place 1 Tbsp. of lemon juice or white vinegar in a 1 cup measuring cup and fill to 8 oz. with milk.