Crispy Keto Onion Rings are a tasty twist on a classic favorite that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. These onion rings have a satisfying crunch from a crispy coating that keeps all the onion’s natural sweetness inside, without the extra carbs you’d usually find in regular batter. They’re golden, crunchy, and delicious – everything you want from a snack or appetizer.
I love making these because they’re easy to whip up and don’t leave me feeling guilty. Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, I use almond flour and Parmesan cheese for the coating, which gives the onion rings a yummy savory flavor and keeps them keto friendly. Plus, frying them just right gives that perfect crispiness that makes you want to reach for more.
My favorite way to enjoy these crispy onion rings is with a simple dipping sauce, like a creamy ranch or spicy mayo. They’re great for sharing at casual get-togethers or even as a treat to go with dinner. Whenever I serve these up, they always disappear quickly, which tells me everyone loves the crunch and flavor just as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Yellow onions work best for onion rings because they are sweet and hold their shape well when fried. You can use white onions if you prefer a milder taste.
Almond Flour: This replaces traditional breadcrumbs and keeps the dish low-carb. If you don’t have almond flour, crushed pork rinds are a great crunchy substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, crispy crust. You can swap it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Oil for Frying: Avocado or coconut oil are great for frying because they have high smoke points. If you don’t have these, light olive oil works too, but watch the temperature carefully.
How Do You Get Onion Rings Extra Crispy Without Using Flour?
The secret to crispy keto onion rings lies in the coating and frying technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Double coat: Dip the onion rings in the egg mixture, then the almond flour mix, and repeat once more. This builds a thicker crust that crisps up beautifully.
- Proper oil temperature: Keep the oil around 350°F (175°C). Too hot burns the outside and leaves the inside raw; too cool makes the rings greasy.
- Fry in batches: Avoid overcrowding so the oil temperature stays steady and each ring cooks evenly.
- Drain well: Use paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep the rings crunchy after frying.
Following these tips will give you crispy, golden onion rings with that satisfying crunch without wheat flour or breadcrumbs!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or frying pan – perfect for frying the onion rings evenly in oil.
- Kitchen thermometer – helps keep the oil at the right temperature for crispy onion rings.
- Two shallow bowls – for the egg mixture and the almond flour coating.
- Slotted spoon – makes it easy to lift onion rings from hot oil and drain excess oil.
- Paper towels – absorb extra oil and keep the onion rings crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating for a spicy kick.
- Mix in dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a fragrant, savory flavor.
- Swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar for a different cheesy taste that melts nicely.
- Try dipping the rings in a mix of mayo and sriracha for a creamy, spicy sauce.
Crispy Keto Onion Rings: Low Carb Appetizers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Onion Rings:
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any low-carb milk alternative)
- Oil for frying (avocado oil or coconut oil recommended)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to fry, so you’ll have crispy keto onion rings ready in about 30 minutes total. It’s a quick and easy snack or appetizer for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
Peel the onions and slice them into rings about 1/2 inch thick. Carefully separate the rings so they’re ready for coating.
2. Set up Your Dredging Stations:
In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and almond milk until smooth. In another shallow bowl, combine the almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Onion Rings:
Dip each onion ring into the egg mixture, letting any extra drip off, then coat it well with the almond flour mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks. For an extra crispy crust, dip the rings again in the egg mixture and then the coating a second time.
4. Fry the Onion Rings:
Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the onion rings in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
5. Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the onion rings from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like, and serve while hot with your favorite low-carb dipping sauce like ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or frying pan
- Kitchen thermometer to check oil temperature
- Two shallow bowls for coating ingredients
- Slotted spoon for frying
- Paper towels for draining oil
Flavor Variations & Tips
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating for some heat.
- Mix Italian herbs like oregano or basil into the coating for extra flavor.
- Try swapping Parmesan with sharp cheddar cheese for a different cheesy taste.
- Serve with a spicy sriracha mayo or garlic aioli for dipping.
Enjoy your crunchy, tasty keto onion rings — a perfect low-carb treat for any time!
Can I Bake These Keto Onion Rings Instead of Frying?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated onion rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray them with oil. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. They won’t be quite as crunchy as fried but still delicious!
Can I Use Frozen Onion Rings for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh onions for crispiness. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry to remove moisture before coating, so your onion rings don’t turn soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Onion Rings?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to help restore crispiness.
What Is a Good Low-Carb Dipping Sauce for These Onion Rings?
Try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy mayo made with mayo and sriracha. These sauces add extra flavor without kicking you out of ketosis.