How to Make Gigantic Frito Encrusted Corn Chip Onion Rings Without a Deep Fryer

These are some of the most beautiful and sinfully delicious onion rings I've ever tasted. Best of all, they're a snap to make! But take note: these aren't for the faint of heart or the clogged of artery. These onion rings are decidedly not diet or health conscious. They will, however, fill and enrich you in ways that have nothing whatsoever to do with their calories, for they are a joy to behold and a delight to eat. Their fragrance is like the lost, sacred incense of the gleaming roadside diner and the drive-in (not 'thru') burger joint. Breathe deeply and let memory speak...

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• FOR THE BASIC BATTER:
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup of milk or beer
• FOR THE FRITO ENCRUSTED ONION RINGS:
• 2 cups corn chip crumbs, divided
• 2 cups Basic Batter (made with beer or milk; either one works well)
• Oil for frying
• 1 very large yellow onion, cut and separated into 3/4 inch rings
• A food processor for grinding the corn chips

1. 

   Mix the dry ingredients of the Basic Batter well. Add the wet ingredients and whisk gently until smooth. Makes 2 cups.

2. Mix 1/2 cup of the Frito crumbs into the batter. Spread the remaining crumbs in a shallow bowl.

3. Heat 1/2 to 3/4 inches oil in a heavy skillet to 375 degrees.
   
   Dip an onion ring into the batter, coating thickly, and dredge in the corn chip crumbs. Lay it gently into the oil and cook until golden, turning once. Remove and drain on paper towels.

4. Repeat with remaining rings. You can do 2-3 at a time depending on the size of your skillet, but take care not to crowd the pan or let the temperature drop too much, or the rings will turn out greasy.

5. Variations & Serving Suggestions:
   
   1/2 tablespoon chipotle powder or chipotle sauce added to the batter definitely raises the 'zing' level quite nicely.
   
   A Salsa con Queso dipping sauce would be delicious with these.
   
   Or try this: put a layer of white or yellow rice on a plate, top with a jumbo-sized onion ring, fill the ring with chili or refried beans (or both) and top with shredded cheese and chopped pickled jalapenos.
   
   For a smoother, less crunchy surface, you can skip the crumb-dredging step.

Tips & Warnings

• I used yellow onions and Vidalias in these recipes and they both produced fine results. Use the biggest onions you can find (there's no such thing as too big!) and cut them 3/4 of an inch thick. Don't worry about the onion being 'raw' or too strong: by the time the coating cooks, the onion will be mellow and tender (while still holding its shape.)
• If you want to fit more in your skillet or fryer, you can break the onion slices into large chunks and make jumbo-sized Onion Chips (a favorite in Eastern PA); batter, dredge, and fry them the same as rings.
• Some of the proportions will be approximate depending on the size of the onions you use, how much you choose to coat them, how spicy or sweet, etc. Let your own tastes be your guide and feel free to improvise and experiment.
• The Basic Batter Recipe creates a thinnish, crispy coating which is very nice on its own, but it's really just a jumping off point for imagination...feel free to come up with your own variations. :)

Resources

• See More eHow Articles From HuggingtheCoast
• Hugging the Coast: A Celebration of Coastal Life and Food
• A Week of Onion Rings: Frito Encrusted Onion Rings
• Enjoy More of Doug DuCap's Original Recipes!

[DUSTYMILLS]

on 7/8/2008 Oh my.....this is a recipe that would have my family drooling!! We all love onion rings and I'll definately be trying this one...thank you, 5 stars!

[akchrist]

on 6/29/2008 Interesting recipe!

[Karenc1972]

on 6/28/2008 Fritos? Onion rings? Now that's a combo I would have never thought of...Sounds artery-clogging delicious and perfect for my next poker night! Thanks for sharing!