Crispy Keto Onion Rings are the perfect low carb snack that feels like a treat without any of the guilt. These onion rings have a golden, crunchy coating that’s full of flavor and hold up beautifully, all while keeping the carbs low. The natural sweetness of the onions pairs perfectly with the crispy outside, making every bite delicious and satisfying.
I love making these when I want something crunchy but don’t want to stray from my keto goals. What I really enjoy is how quick they come together—just a few simple ingredients, and you have a batch of crispy onion rings ready for dipping. I usually serve them with a creamy garlic aioli or a tangy ranch sauce because it’s hard to beat that classic dipping combo.
These onion rings are a hit every time I bring them out, whether for a party or just a cozy night in. They’re a great way to add some crunch and flavor to your snack lineup without loading up on carbs. If you’re craving that crispy goodness, this recipe hits the spot every single time. Give it a try, and I bet these will become one of your go-to low carb appetizers too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: White or yellow onions work best for sweetness and texture. I prefer yellow for their milder flavor, but white onions give a bit more bite. Avoid red onions as they’re less sweet and can change the taste.
Almond Flour: This is the main low-carb coating and gives a nice crunch. If you don’t have almond flour, crushed pork rinds make an excellent substitute for even more crunch and keto-friendly coating.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds flavor and crispiness. You can swap with Pecorino Romano or a hard aged cheese if you prefer a different sharpness. Skip cheese for dairy-free and try extra seasoning instead.
Eggs & Almond Milk: These bind the coating to the onion. If you’re dairy-free, water or unsweetened coconut milk works. For egg-free, a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) is a good option but may affect crispiness.
Oil for Frying: Avocado or coconut oil is best because they handle high heat well and keep the flavor neutral. Avoid olive oil as it smokes easily at frying temperatures.
How Do You Get the Onion Rings Crispy and Not Soggy?
Getting the onion rings crispy is all about managing coating, oil temperature, and draining excess moisture.
- Double coat the rings: Dip the onions in egg then coating twice. This builds a thicker crust that stays crispy.
- Oil temperature: Keep your oil around 350°F. Too low, and the rings absorb oil and get soggy. Too hot, and they burn before cooking through.
- Don’t overcrowd: Fry in small batches. Crowding lowers the oil temperature and makes the rings greasy.
- Drain well: Use paper towels to soak up excess oil as soon as they come out of the fryer.
Following these tips gives you crunchy, golden onion rings every time. Patience with these steps makes the difference between crispy or soggy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp knife – to slice the onions into even rings without crushing them.
- Mixing bowls – for the wet (egg mixture) and dry (almond flour mix) ingredients separate.
- Deep frying pan or pot – to hold enough oil for frying the rings evenly.
- Thermometer – helps keep the oil at the right temperature for crispy onion rings.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – for safely removing the rings from hot oil.
- Paper towels – to drain extra oil and keep the onion rings crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the coating for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Mix in finely chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme for an herby twist.
- Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option with a cheesy flavor.
- Try dipping the onion rings in a mix of beaten egg and hot sauce for extra zing before coating.
Crispy Keto Onion Rings: Low Carb Appetizers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Onion Rings:
- 2 large white or yellow onions, sliced into ¼-inch thick rings
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or water)
- Oil for frying (avocado oil or coconut oil preferred for keto)
- Optional: fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to fry the onion rings in batches. So, in total, you’ll need roughly 25 minutes from start to finish—quick enough for a tasty snack anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onion Rings:
Carefully slice your onions into ¼-inch thick rings and then separate each slice into individual rings. Set aside while you prepare your coating.
2. Make the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful mixture will give your onion rings a nice, crispy coating.
3. Prepare the Wet Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk the large eggs together with the almond milk until fully blended. This helps the coating stick to your onion rings.
4. Coat the Onion Rings:
Dip each onion ring into the egg mixture first, letting any extra drip off. Then, coat it thoroughly in the almond flour mixture. For extra crunch, repeat this dip-and-coat process one more time.
5. Fry the Onion Rings:
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep frying pan or pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry your onion rings in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side about 2 to 3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain Excess Oil:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried onion rings and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra oil.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy keto onion rings hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Pair them with low-carb dips like garlic aioli or ranch for an extra tasty bite!
Can I Bake Instead of Frying These Onion Rings?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated onion rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
How Should I Store Leftover Onion Rings?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, reheat in a hot oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.
Can I Use Other Flours Instead of Almond Flour?
You can substitute almond flour with crushed pork rinds for a zero-carb option or coconut flour, but note that coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so use less and adjust the coating consistency.
What’s the Best Oil for Frying Keto Onion Rings?
Avocado oil, coconut oil, or other high smoke point oils are best for frying keto onion rings since they maintain stability at high temperatures and keep the flavor neutral.
