Crispy Keto Onion Rings are a fantastic low-carb twist on a classic favorite. These onion rings have a crunchy outside with just the right amount of tender, sweet onion inside. Instead of the usual breading, they’re coated with a keto-friendly mixture that keeps them light and crispy without all the carbs.
I love making these whenever I want a crunchy snack that feels a little special but still fits my keto lifestyle. They’re so easy to whip up, and the crispy texture always surprises people who think keto food can’t be satisfying. A little tip I’ve found helpful is to make sure the oil is hot enough before frying so they get that perfect crunch every time.
These onion rings go great with a simple dip like ranch or a spicy mayo, and I often serve them as a starter at get-togethers. They’re always a hit and somehow even better than traditional onion rings because they don’t leave me feeling heavy afterward. I don’t know about you, but that’s a win in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Sweet or yellow onions work best because they are naturally flavorful and not too strong. They stay tender inside while the coating crisps up. If you want milder rings, white onions work well too.
Almond Flour: This is your main low-carb coating base. It’s what keeps the onion rings crunchy without using traditional bread crumbs. If you’re allergic to almonds, crushed pork rinds can be used fully instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, cheesy flavor and helps browning. You can skip it or swap with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option, but the crispiness might be slightly less.
Pork Rinds (optional): Crushing them finely gives an extra crunch layer. You can leave them out or replace with extra almond flour if you want simpler ingredients.
Eggs & Heavy Cream: These help the coating stick to the onions and add a little moisture. If avoiding dairy, just use eggs or a plant-based milk like unsweetened almond milk.
Oil: Coconut or avocado oil are great frying oils because they have high smoke points. Avoid vegetable oils that can burn easily and affect flavor.
How Do You Get the Onion Rings Extra Crispy Without Soaking Oil?
To get those perfect crispy onion rings, follow these tips:
- Dry & Separate: After slicing, make sure onion rings are dry. Pat them gently to remove moisture so the coating sticks better.
- Double Dredge & Rest: Dip rings in egg mixture, coat well with almond flour mix, then let them rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Resting helps the coating set and stick during frying.
- Right Oil Temperature: Heat oil to about 350°F (175°C). Too low and they’ll soak up oil and be greasy; too hot and they burn before cooking through.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady and rings crisp evenly.
- Drain Properly: Use paper towels after frying to remove excess oil. This keeps them crisp when cooled slightly.
Following these steps means your keto onion rings will have that satisfying crunch without being oily or soggy. I love this balance—it makes these low-carb treats feel just right!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or skillet – perfect for shallow frying the rings evenly without crowding.
- Wire rack – lets the coated onion rings rest and helps the coating stick better before frying.
- Slotted spoon – handy for lifting out crispy rings and draining excess oil.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need separate bowls for the egg wash and dry coating mix.
- Kitchen thermometer – helps keep the oil at the right temperature for perfect crispiness.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the coating for a spicy kick that lifts the flavor.
- Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option with a cheesy taste.
- Mix in dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the almond flour for a herby twist.
- Try dipping the rings in a mixture of beaten egg and mustard for a tangy coating before dredging.
Crispy Keto Onion Rings: Low Carb Appetizers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For Coating and Flavor:
- 2 large onions (preferably sweet or yellow), sliced into 1/2-inch rings
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup pork rinds, crushed very fine (optional, for extra crispiness)
For Binding & Frying:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Coconut oil or avocado oil, for frying
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Low-carb dipping sauce such as ranch or garlic aioli (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep including slicing your onions and coating them, plus about 15 minutes to fry the onion rings in batches. Total time needed is roughly 35 minutes. It’s quick enough for a snack or appetizer evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice and Prepare Your Onion Rings:
First, peel your onions and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rings. Carefully separate the individual rings without breaking them.
2. Make the Egg Wash:
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until nicely combined into a smooth egg wash.
3. Mix Your Coating:
In another shallow dish, combine the almond flour, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and if you like, crushed pork rinds for extra crunch.
4. Coat the Onion Rings:
Dip each onion ring into the egg wash to coat it fully, then dredge it in the dry almond flour mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well. Place them on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes to set.
5. Fry the Onion Rings:
Heat 1-2 inches of coconut or avocado oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated onion rings in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid crowding the pan to keep the temperature steady.
6. Drain and Garnish:
Remove the fried rings with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
7. Serve with a Dip:
Serve your crispy keto onion rings hot, paired with a low-carb dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli to enjoy!
Can I Bake These Keto Onion Rings Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray lightly with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Can I Use Frozen Onions for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh onions because frozen ones release too much moisture, making the coating soggy. If you must use frozen onions, thaw completely and pat very dry before coating.
How Should I Store Leftover Onion Rings?
Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy.
What Can I Use as a Dipping Sauce?
Try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy mayonnaise for a tasty low-carb dip. These complement the onion rings well without adding extra carbs.
