If you love the crispy, golden-brown onion rings from Dairy Queen, you’re in luck! This Dairy Queen Onion Rings copycat recipe lets you recreate that irresistible fast-food classic right in your own kitchen. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these onion rings are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor.

Golden crispy homemade Dairy Queen-style onion rings served with dipping sauce
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Whether you’re planning a game day snack, family dinner, or party appetizer, this easy recipe will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

  • Crispy and crunchy: Perfectly golden-brown batter.
  • Tender inside: Sweet onion flavor shines through.
  • Easy to make at home: No need for a deep fryer.
  • Perfect for dipping: Pair with ketchup, ranch, or zesty sauces.

Dairy Queen Onion Rings Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Dairy Queen Onion Rings Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Yellow onions – sliced into ¼-inch rings
  • All-purpose flour – for a light, crispy coating
  • Baking powder – adds extra crunch
  • Salt – enhances flavor
  • Black pepper – mild seasoning
  • Buttermilk – tenderizes and adds flavor
  • Panko or regular breadcrumbs – crispy coating

How To Make Dairy Queen Onion Rings

Whisking flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and buttermilk into smooth batter.

Step 1: Peel and slice onions into rings about ¼-inch thick. Separate rings carefully.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually stir in buttermilk until smooth.

Onion rings dipped in batter and coated with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Dip each onion ring into the batter, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently so the breadcrumbs stick well.

Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Place coated onion rings in the air fryer basket.

Step 5: Place coated onion rings in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve immediately with ketchup, ranch, or zesty dipping sauce. Enjoy that crispy, Dairy Queen-style flavor without all the oil!

Coated onion rings arranged in an air fryer basket, ready to cook, golden and crispy after cooking

Dairy Queen Onion Rings Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches for even crispiness.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunch closer to deep-fried onion rings.
  • Spray lightly with oil to achieve a golden color without excess grease.
  • For extra flavor, sprinkle a little paprika or garlic powder on the coating.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

  • Storing: Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness before serving.
  • Freezing: Freeze uncooked, coated onion rings on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen in the air fryer for best results.
  • Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or previously frozen onion rings in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
Golden crispy Dairy Queen-style onion rings served on a plate with dipping sauce

Dairy Queen Onion Rings Recipe Faqs

Can I make these onion rings without an air fryer? Yes! You can deep fry or bake them in the oven at 425°F until golden and crispy.

What type of onions work best? Sweet yellow onions or Vidalia onions give the best flavor and tenderness.

Can I make these ahead of time? You can slice and coat the onions in advance and store in the fridge for a few hours, then air fry when ready.

How do I keep them crispy? Air fry in a single layer and avoid overcrowding. Reheating in the air fryer or oven helps maintain crispiness.

What dipping sauces go well with Dairy Queen onion rings? Classic options include ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, or a zesty copycat Dairy Queen sauce.

Can I make them healthier? Air frying instead of deep frying reduces oil, and using whole-wheat breadcrumbs or a lighter coating can make them healthier.

Golden, crispy Dairy Queen-style onion rings stacked on a plate with dipping sauce

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Golden crispy homemade Dairy Queen-style onion rings served with dipping sauce

Dairy Queen Onion Rings Recipe

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Learn how to make crispy, golden Dairy Queen-style onion rings at home. Perfectly crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, ideal for snacks or sides.

Ingredients 

  • 2 large yellow onions , sliced into ¼-inch rings
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  • Peel and slice 2 large yellow onions into rings about ¼-inch thick. Separate rings carefully.
  • In a bowl, whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder , 1 teaspoon salt , and ½ teaspoon black pepper . Gradually stir in 1 cup buttermilk until smooth.
  • Dip each onion ring into the batter, then coat with 2 cups panko breadcrumbs . Press gently so the breadcrumbs stick well.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  • Place coated onion rings in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve immediately with ketchup, ranch, or zesty dipping sauce. Enjoy that crispy, Dairy Queen-style flavor without all the oil!

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 7gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 649mgPotassium: 191mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 68IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 137mgIron: 2mg

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