Applebee’s Onion Rings Copycat Recipe

Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, this Applebee’s Onion Rings Copycat Recipe is the perfect appetizer or side dish! Easy to make at home with simple ingredients.

Applebee’s Onion Rings Copycat Recipe brings the crispy, golden goodness of your favorite restaurant right into your kitchen!

These onion rings are perfectly seasoned, coated in a light, crispy batter, and fried to a beautiful golden brown. The result is a snack or side dish that’s irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, pairing them with a juicy burger, or just craving a savory treat, these onion rings deliver every time. Plus, they’re simple to make and sure to impress your family and guests alike!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy Perfection: These onion rings are golden and crispy on the outside, with tender, flavorful onion on the inside, just like the ones you love at Applebee’s!
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this restaurant-quality treat at home in no time.
• Versatile Snack or Side: Serve them as a party appetizer, a side for burgers, or a snack to satisfy your crispy cravings.
• Budget-Friendly: Skip the takeout and save money by creating this delicious dish from scratch.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will love the irresistible crunch and flavor of these homemade onion rings, making them perfect for gatherings and family dinners!

If you love Copycat recipes try my recipe for Air Fryer Hardee’s Big Hot Ham N’ Cheese, Hardee’s Apple Turnovers Recipe, or Texas Roadhouse Macaroni and Cheese Recipe.

Applebee’s Onion Rings Ingredients

• Large yellow onions: These provide a sweet and mild flavor, perfect for making onion rings.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy coating and helps the batter stick to the onions.
• Cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness to the onion ring coating.
• Baking powder: Gives the batter a light and airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the onion rings.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of spice to the batter.
• Garlic powder: Infuses the onion rings with a savory, aromatic flavor.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and ensure the coating adheres well.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the onion slices.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Create an extra crunchy outer layer for the onion rings.

How To Make Applebee’s Onion Rings Copycat Recipe

Step One: Peel the onions and slice them into ½-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and set aside.

Step Two: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the buttermilk. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Step Three: Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Submerge the floured ring into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat the ring in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Step Four: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each ring. Spray the tops of the onion rings lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step Five: Remove the onion rings from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Applebee’s Onion Rings Copycat Recipe Tips

• Use the Right Onion: Sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions work best for making onion rings, as they provide a mild flavor and perfect texture when fried.
• Make Sure the Coating Sticks: After dipping the onion rings into the flour mixture, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs, press the breadcrumbs down lightly to ensure they stick well. This helps achieve a thick, crunchy coating.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer: To ensure your onion rings cook evenly and become crispy, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each one. If necessary, cook in batches.
• Adjust Cooking Time for Crispiness: Depending on your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. If the onion rings aren’t as crispy as you’d like, add an extra minute or two.
• Serve Immediately: For the best taste and crunch, serve the onion rings immediately after cooking while they’re still hot and crispy.
• Try Different Dips: Applebee’s onion rings go great with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy honey mustard sauce. Experiment to find your favorite combination!

Storing

• Storing Applebee’s Onion Rings Copycat Recipe: After cooking, let the onion rings cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezing Applebee’s Onion Rings Copycat Recipe: To freeze, arrange the cooked onion rings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating Applebee’s Onion Rings Copycat Recipe: To reheat, place the onion rings in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make them soggy.

What To Serve With Applebee’s Onion Rings Copycat Recipe

Applebee’s Onion Rings Copycat Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes that complement their crispy, savory flavor. Serve them alongside a juicy burger or a tender steak for a classic pairing, or enjoy them as a snack with a dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup. For a lighter option, serve them with a fresh green salad or a tangy coleslaw to balance out the richness of the onion rings.

Applebee’s Onion Rings Copycat Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of onion? Yes! While yellow onions are most commonly used for onion rings, you can also use sweet onions, like Vidalia onions, for a milder flavor.

Can I make these onion rings ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the onion rings by coating them in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture, then store them in the fridge for up to a few hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months and air fry them directly from frozen.

What can I use instead of buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before using.

How do I make the onion rings extra crispy? To achieve extra crispy onion rings, make sure to coat them well in the flour, egg, and panko mixture, and spray the air fryer basket and the onion rings lightly with cooking spray before air frying.

Can I deep fry these onion rings instead of using the air fryer? Yes! If you prefer to deep fry the onion rings, heat oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the onion rings for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

How can 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 air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness.

Can I make these onion rings gluten-free? Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

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