Crispy Keto Onion Rings are a perfect crunchy snack that doesn’t pack in the carbs. These golden onion rings have a crispy outside and tender onion inside, all while sticking to a low carb, keto-friendly way of eating. They’re a great way to enjoy a classic favorite without feeling like you’re missing out.
I love making these onion rings when I want something fun to snack on but need to watch my carb intake. The crispy coating is super satisfying, and the onions stay sweet and soft inside. I usually bake them or air fry for a nice crunch without extra oil, but you can fry them too if you want that extra crisp.
These onion rings work great as an appetizer for friends or as a side with burgers and salads. I like to serve them with a simple dipping sauce like ranch or a spicy mayo. Whenever I make these, everyone is surprised they’re keto because they taste so close to the real thing but without the guilt.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These offer just the right balance of sweetness and bite. Avoid red onions as they can turn mushy. For thinner rings, slice thinner but watch cooking time.
Almond Flour: This is the keto-friendly “bread crumb” substitute to keep carb count low. You can also mix in crushed pork rinds for extra crunch!
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice savory flavor and helps the coating crisp up. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast could be an interesting swap, but texture will change.
Eggs & Heavy Cream: These bind the coating so it sticks to the onion. Unsweetened almond milk works as a lower-fat substitute for cream if needed.
Oil: Avocado or olive oil are great for frying due to their high smoke points. For a lighter version, air frying or baking with a spray of oil works well too.
How Can I Get My Onion Rings Extra Crispy Without Burning?
Crispiness depends on proper frying or baking technique and good coating adhesion.
- Make sure you press the almond flour mixture firmly onto the wet onion rings; this helps the crust stay put.
- Heat oil to the right temperature (~350°F). Too hot burns the outside; too cool makes them soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in small batches so oil temperature stays steady.
- If baking, use a wire rack on a baking sheet to let air circulate and spray the rings lightly with oil.
- Flip the rings halfway through cooking to get even browning on both sides.
These simple steps will help you nail that crisp texture without burning your keto onion rings.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp knife – for slicing onions evenly into perfect rings.
- Two shallow bowls – one for egg wash and one for coating mix, making dipping easy.
- Large skillet or deep frying pan – to fry the onion rings evenly without crowding.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – lets you lift onion rings out of hot oil safely and drain well.
- Baking sheet and wire rack – great if you prefer baking; helps them crisp up all around.
- Air fryer (optional) – perfect for a quick, less-oily crispy result with minimal cleanup.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that warms up each bite.
- Mix in crushed pork rinds with almond flour for an extra crunchy coating.
- Use cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan for a stronger cheesy flavor.
- Add finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the coating for a fresh, aromatic twist.
How to Make Crispy Keto Onion Rings: Low Carb Appetizers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Onion Rings:
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
Coating Mixture:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk
Additional:
- Avocado oil or olive oil for frying (or use an air fryer/baking spray for baking)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: low carb dipping sauce like ranch, spicy mayo, or keto ketchup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 10-20 minutes for cooking, depending on whether you fry, bake, or air fry. Overall, you can expect to spend 25-35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onion Rings:
Carefully separate the sliced onions into individual rings and set them aside.
2. Make the Wet and Dry Mixtures:
In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream (or almond milk) until combined. In a separate shallow bowl, mix almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Onion Rings:
Dip each onion ring into the egg mixture first, allowing any excess to drip off. Then coat it thoroughly with the almond flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
4. Cook the Onion Rings:
Frying: Heat about 1 inch of avocado or olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches roughly 350°F (175°C). Fry the onion rings in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated onion rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray them with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Air Frying: Cook in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the cooked onion rings and serve them warm with your favorite low-carb dipping sauce.
Enjoy your crispy, juicy, low-carb keto onion rings as a delicious appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Frozen Onions for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh onions for crispy keto onion rings. Frozen onions tend to release extra moisture, which can make the coating soggy. If you do use frozen, be sure to thaw and pat them very dry before coating.
How Should I Store Leftover Onion Rings?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore crispiness instead of microwaving.
Can I Make These Onion Rings Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and coat the onion rings ahead, then refrigerate them on a baking sheet for up to 2 hours before cooking. For longer storage, freeze the coated rings on a tray, then transfer to a container and cook from frozen when ready.
What’s the Best Dipping Sauce for Keto Onion Rings?
Simple low-carb dips like ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or keto-friendly ketchup pair perfectly. You can also mix mayo with a little hot sauce or garlic powder for a tasty homemade option.
