Low carb onion rings are one of the best snacks and appetizers out there. They are salty, crispy, and perfect for dipping in your favorite homemade sauces.
Tips for Making the Best Keto Onion Rings
Are you trying to make the best keto onion rings out there? We’ve got you covered with all the best tips and tricks for this onion ring recipe. It’s so good, you won’t even believe this recipe is legal for a low carb diet after trying it!
The Key To Perfectly Coated Low Carb Onion Rings
I knew before I even started breading the onion that if I wanted to get them as perfectly coated as the ones I grew up eating, I needed to change up the technique. That is why for this recipe we always recommend double coating.
Start by dredging the sliced onion rings in coconut flour to dry them out, and then drop them into the eggs. Once coated in eggs you can cover them in the pork rind coating.
Now it’s time for the infamous double coat. Dip the rings back into the egg mixture and bread them one more time.
Make sure you don’t leave out the parmesan in the pork rind mixture either because that is going to melt a bit in the oven to help the mixture stick.
Getting the Crispiest Onion Rings
Keto onion rings are a little different from regular onion ring varieties because most times they will use a almond flour mixture or crushed pork rinds. This type of coating will get soggier easy so it’s important you cook them correctly.
To get the crispiest onion rings we recommend deep-frying. It crisps the parmesan cheese that’s in the pork rinds mixture and really helps everything stick together. The next question most people have because of that, is whether or not they can use the air fryer.
The air fryer is an option, but can cook things a bit inconsistently. If you are going to use the air fryer we recommend setting the air fryer temperature to 380 and checking on them every 5 minutes until they are cooked. It usually takes 8-14 minutes. They won’t get super brown in the air fryer so we recommend giving them a light spray of avocado oil or olive oil to help them darken.
The Finer the Better
When it comes to your dry mixture, the finer the better. Really crush or blend up the pork rinds in a food processer. It will make for better keto onion rings because it will stick all around for an even coating.
Avoiding Soggy Onion Rings
Sometimes the pork rind parmesan coating will get soggy being dipped into the eggs a second time. If this happens you’ll want to either reprocess them or make a new batch. If the pork rinds are soggy they won’t stick to the onion!
You can also try dropping them back into the pork rind mixture and packing the dry mixture into the rings and if it sticks and drys back out you’re good to go!
Are Onions Keto?
We answer that question in depth in our newest post all about onions on keto, but the short answer is yes, in moderation. The carbs can add up quickly so you may want to measure how much you are using.
However, 3 or 4 onion rings definitely won’t break your keto diet, onions themselves are super healthy! Onions are known for their phytochemicals like disulfides and trisulfides which are beneficial thanks to their antimicrobial properties.
Can I use Almond Flour
We specifically like pork rinds because they are fattier and crisp well in the oven and deep fryer. They even do a little better in the air fryer than with almond flour.
That isn’t to say you couldn’t use almond flour, it’s just to say we don’t recommend it because it won’t crisp the same. Our pork rind keto onion rings recipe has been perfected so why mess with the recipe that will make for the crispiest keto onion rings possible!
How to Make This Keto Onion Ring Recipe
This keto onion rings recipe is one you’ll be making time and time again. Who can say no to crunchy onion rings that are golden brown and packed with flavor?
Ingredients to Make Perfectly Crispy Onion Rings
There’s no denying fried foods make the perfect low carb appetizer. They cook evenly, they’re perfectly greasy, and even manage to make us love something as simple as onions.
If you’ve thought about making onion rings, now’s the time. They are easy to whip up, and taste just like regular onion rings thanks to our gluten free keto breading mix.
To make these onion rings you will need thick slices of white onion (you can use vidalia onions too), coconut flour, beaten egg, heavy cream, pork rinds, and grated parmesan cheese.
Trust us when you make keto onion rings you are going to learn why we love onion rings so much!
Making Keto Onion Rings
These onion rings are perfect for a low carb diet because they are packed with fat which will keep you full for hours.
Begin by slicing the onions width wise into half inch thick rings.
Then separate the rings and remove any inside rings that you won’t be using, what parts to use is up to you!
Prepare three bowls. The first shallow bowl should have the coconut flour, the second should have your egg wash, and the final bowl should have the pork rind mixture.
Start by dipping the onion rings into the coconut flour, then the egg, next the pork rinds, and then go back to the eggs to dip one last time before giving it the final breading in the pork rind mixture. This process is known as a double breading for ultimate crispiness.
Now it’s time to bake. Place the onion rings onto a greased baking rack and place into a 425 degree oven for 15 minutes.
If you are going to be putting onion rings in the air fryer, bake your onion rings at 380 for 8-14 minutes. The onion rings should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They might not brown much, but they will still be crispy. You can spray them with a little cooking spray before air frying if you want the onion slices to look a little browner.
We also love these deep fried because they get crispy just like breadcrumbs or wheat flour. It takes a little more work, but the hot oil really crisps all the onion rings perfectly.
Storing Keto Onion Rings
Similar to most other keto recipes this onion rings recipe stores well in a tupperware container. If you store leftover onion rings in an airtight container they won’t stay crispy, but that’s when you can use your air fryer to reheat.
Reheating Keto Onion Rings
To reheat your onion rings preheat the oven to 350 and bake until re crisped and warm 8-12 minutes.
For the air fryer spray the basket with some light olive oil spray and place your onion rings inside, make sure they aren’t stacked in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 4-6 minutes at 350, or until they have re crisped.
What to Dip Onion Rings in
We don’t normally just eat onions, so it’s understandable if you’re not sure what to eat with these tasty bites. Some of our favorite dipping sauces are:
- Ranch Dressing – While not super common, ranch is actually a great pairing to onion rings because the fresh herbs complement fried foods.
- Sour Cream and Onion Dip – Looking for a little extra onion flavor? This creamy and refreshing French onion dip is a great option.
- Ketchup – Known for being the best bud to chicken tenders, low carb ketchup is also fantastic with these keto onion rings.
These are just a few easy keto recipes for dipping sauces. If you aren’t a big sauce person you can also just pair the onion rings with a burger or some chicken fingers.
Keto Onion Rings are the Perfect Snack
Although I could eat onion rings all day everyday as a meal of their own, I think they are the perfect pairing to any burger.
French fries, even when cooked in the air fryer lack a lot of nutrition. That’s why you have to make these yummy onion rings that are actually healthy and keto friendly.
If you missed onion rings as much as I did, or if you just love finger foods, you need to try these! Make them for a party, football game, or for family dinner. We promise they won’t disappoint!
Low Carb Onion Rings
Ingredients:
- 1 medium white onion
- 1/2 cup Coconut flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 oz Pork Rinds
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Slice onion width wise in half inch thick rings.
- Break apart rings and set aside all the inside pieces you won’t be using.
- Use three different bowls to make a coconut flour, egg wash and heavy whipping cream, and pork rind parmesan coating stations.
- Starting with coconut flour go through all the steps of coating and place on baking rack as pictured above.
- Once all onions are coated, double back and recoat them starting with the egg wash.
- TIP: reprocess or remake the pork rind parmesan coating if it begins soggy/clumpy.
- Places double coated rings back on greased baking rack and place in 425 degree oven for 15 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Written by
Matt Gaedke
Matt is a former college basketball player turned computer engineer who discovered his passion for health and nutrition after cutting sugar from his diet in 2016. That year he founded KetoConnect with Megha in order to share their ketogenic lifestyle through recipes, videos, and educational content. Matt is always seeking to grow and try new things, a passion he shares with his wife and two amazing sons.
Sofia says
I wasted all ingredients. Nothing would hold to the onion ring. What did I do wrong?
Olivia Kendrick says
I am not sure, they should stick quite easily. They are a bit delicate though.
Teena says
Hi, I Love all your recipes. Can you please put serving sizes in the nutrition info.
Cass says
This recipe makes 2 servings, so half an onion.
Olivia Kendrick says
This recipe makes 2 servings. For example if you get 6 onion rings out of this recipe, 3 onion rings is a serving.
Steve says
Did you try these in the air fryer? If so how would you adjust cooking times?
Cass says
We’ve never made them in the air fryer, but that’s a great idea. There is probably a keto onion ring air fryer recipe online somewhere to help you find cooking time.
Sara B says
This recipe looks great, can you suggest an alternative for pork rinds? We are a no pork house. Thanks.
Cass says
You can try Parmesan cheese and almond flour.
Mary C Ekroos says
Try Parmesan Chips, made from only Parmesan, baked!
Ashley Fluty says
Is it possible to use Almond flour instead?
Cass says
You could try it, maybe a mixture of almond flour and parmesan.
Rich says
What would be a substitute for pork rinds
Olivia Kendrick says
You could try almond or coconut flour, but I am sure that they would not work as well.
Krista says
Hi, thanks for posting this- I’d really like to try it but I can’t reconcile your macros here and hope you can help. I don’t want to go over and my fitness app triples your macros for one serving.
1/2 coconut flour = 480 calories
2 eggs = 144 calories
1T whipping cream = 52 calories
2oz pork rinds= 80 calories
1/2 c Parmesan = 216 calories
Medium onion (100 g) = 40 calories
Total calories = 868 (divided by 2 means one serving is 434 calories)
What am I missing for one serving to be just 211 calories? Thanks!
Olivia Kendrick says
1/2 cup of coconut flour should only be around 240 calories
Lacey says
I didn’t have any pork rinds so I made these with hello Whisps crushed up! They came out awesome!! Super crunchy.
Holly says
I followed directions rather blindly. Onion rings are traditionally fried. They were very dry and since keto is a fat rich diet I would fry them. Will do next time.
Helene says
Do you have issues getting the 2nd round to stick or pulling off the second round? are you gentle about that part to keep the first layer intact?
Olivia Kendrick says
It would help to be gentle, but if your pork rinds are getting soggy from the egg wash, that could be causing them to not stick to the onion. You might have to make a second batch of the pork rind coating so it’s dry and will stick better.
Tash says
Tried these tonight as the recipe suggested. I stopped double breading halfway as I was running out of pork rind/parmesan mix.
I deep fried half of them in canola and oven baked the other half. I think I need to tweak this recipe somewhat as they tasted overwhelmingly bland. No discernable onion taste but rather just coconut floury (I did salt and pepper my egg wash)
The breading stuck very well and they were crispy and browned up. I might try alternative versions with different pork rinds or much thicker onion slices next time.
Rob says
Hi Guys,
Love all of your recipes. I wanted to make a general inquiry. Have you experimented with your recipes and a hot air fryer?
I figure as long as we stick with veto oils, it should be fine, but I definitely wanted your opinion. I did find some peeps online using hot air fryers with keto recipes, however, I wanted to get the “experts'” opinions first.
Best!
Keto ON!
Cass (KetoConnect) says
We haven’t ever used an air fryer 🙂
Trish says
Hey guys!! I was just wondering if instead of breading these with the pork rinds could you make some type of beer batter with the coconut flour instead?
Cass (KetoConnect) says
You can probably find an alternative keto batter somewhere online!
trish says
Wow these look amazing! Can’t wait to try this. Are you using regular ketchup here? Is there a Keto version?
Cass (KetoConnect) says
You can use sugar free ketchup 🙂
georgie @ georgieeats says
This looks honestly so delicious!! I am going to have to try this! Pinned! xox
Ashley says
Is there a good substitute for pork rinds? I don’t like the taste of them.
Megha Barot says
You could give almond flour a try!
Cody says
Like it all except the grated parm in a container — 10 per cent wood fiber. I’ll use fresh and take the extra time to grate my own.
Stacia says
How many rings are in a serving? Thanks!! p.s. love you guys! Hubby and I have started doing keto/low carb and you have helped us ALOT!!!!
Cass (KetoConnect) says
We used a medium sized onion and just split however many onion rings we made into two servings.
Naz says
I’m making this next week, yummy! What’s a good substitute for pork rinds & cocnut flour?
Keto Connect (Shannon) says
Oooh, not much we’d say. Any particular resistence to pork rinds?
Mary C Ekroos says
YES! Not everyone wants to eat pork!