This Easy Copycat Culver’s Onion Rings recipe delivers that signature restaurant-style crunch with thick-cut onions and a perfectly seasoned, double-dredged coating. These golden-brown beauties are the ultimate side dish—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and way better than anything you’ll find in the freezer aisle.
If you’ve ever ordered a Value Basket, you know that Culver’s Onion Rings are in a league of their own.
Unlike the thin, greasy rings you find at most fast-food joints, Culver’s rings are famous for their thick, breaded coating that actually stays on the onion when you take a bite.
Recreating that specific “crunch” at home is all about the double-dredge method and using the right blend of spices. Whether you’re pairing them with a homemade ButterBurger or serving them as a game-day appetizer, this copycat recipe captures that nostalgic, drive-thru flavor perfectly.
There is no need for deep frying either! Serve Copycat Culver’s Onion Rings Recipe as a quick appetizer, side dish, or game-day snack, and pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for an unforgettable treat.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- The “No-Slip” Coating: Our dredging technique ensures the breading sticks to the onion, not your fingers.
- Superior Crunch: The combination of flour and fine breadcrumbs creates a massive crunch factor.
- Budget-Friendly: Turn two large onions into a mountain of snacks for just a couple of dollars.
- Better Than Frozen: No preservatives or “onion paste”—just real, fresh onion slices.
- Fast & Fresh: Goes from the cutting board to the serving plate in about 20 minutes.
If you love quick air fryer recipes, try my recipe for Steak Kabob Texas Roadhouse Recipe, Texas Roadhouse Sweet Italian Dressing, or Texas Roadhouse Buttered Corn Recipe.
Culver’s Onion Rings Ingredients
- Yellow Onions: Thick-cut for that hearty, sweet restaurant bite.
- Buttermilk: The acidity tenderizes the onion and helps the flour adhere.
- All-Purpose Flour: The first layer of defense for a thick coating.
- Fine Breadcrumbs: Gives that distinct “Culver’s” texture that isn’t quite a batter and isn’t quite a panko.
- Cornstarch: The secret to a light, airy, and long-lasting crunch.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: Provides that savory, mouth-watering seasoning.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds that hint of golden color and depth.
How To Make Copycat Culver’s Onion Rings
Step One: Peel and slice onions into thick, 1/2-inch rings. Separate the layers and discard the small centers.
Step Two: Set up three bowls. One with flour and cornstarch, one with buttermilk, and one with breadcrumbs.
Step Three: Dip the ring in flour, then buttermilk, then back into the flour, then back into the buttermilk, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Press firmly to ensure the crumbs stick.
Step Four: Place the rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap! pray the rings generously with oil spray. If you see white flour spots, spray them again, or they will stay powdery.
Step Five: Set air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through and giving them one more light spray of oil until they are deep golden brown.
Easy Copycat Culver’s Onion Rings Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket with too many onion rings.
- Shake the basket: About halfway through the cooking time, shake the air fryer basket to help the onion rings cook evenly and prevent them from sticking together.
- Spray with cooking oil: For extra crispiness, spray the onion rings with light cooking oil spray before cooking them.
- Don’t overcook: Be careful not to overcook the onion rings, which can become burnt or dry.
- Serve immediately: To enjoy the onion rings at their best, serve them immediately after cooking.
- Timing: The Cook time may vary depending on the type and model of air fryer you are using.
Storing
- Storing: Place any leftover onion rings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C), arrange the onion rings in a single layer, and heat for 3-5 minutes or until they regain their crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Copycat Culver’s Onion Rings make the perfect side dish or snack and pair wonderfully with various meals. Serve them alongside juicy burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, or as a tasty accompaniment to a grilled steak or fish fillets. They also make an excellent addition to a salad, adding a satisfying crunch to fresh greens.
For a fun appetizer platter, serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue sauce, spicy ketchup, or a creamy aioli. These onion rings can also be enjoyed with classic comfort food like mac and cheese, hot dogs or as part of a game-day spread.
Copycat Culver’s Onion Rings Recipe Faqs
Can I make these onion rings ahead of time? You can prep the onions and soak them in buttermilk ahead of time, but it’s best to fry them right before serving to keep them crispy.
Can I bake them instead of frying? Yes! Bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, but they won’t be quite as crispy as deep-fried.
What kind of onions work best? Sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui are ideal because they balance sweetness with mild flavor and cook evenly.
Can I freeze these onion rings? You can freeze them after frying. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
How do I keep the coating from falling off? Make sure to double dredge (flour → buttermilk → breadcrumbs) and let the rings rest a few minutes before frying. Fry in small batches at 350°F for consistent coating adhesion.
Can I make them spicy? Absolutely! Add cayenne, paprika, or chili powder to the flour or breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
More Copycat Culver’s Recipes
Copycat Culvers Butter Burgers
Air Fryer Copycat Culver’s Cheese Curds
Culver’s Tartar Sauce Recipe (Easy Copycat Version)
Easy Copycat Culver’s Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Easy Culver’s Signature Sauce Recipe
The Ultimate Easy Copycat Culver’s Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
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Copycat Culver’s Onion Rings Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 2 large Yellow Onions
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups Fine Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Salt , to taste
- ½ tsp Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Slice 2 large Yellow Onions into ½ inch thick rings.
- Set up your breading station (1 cup All-Purpose Flour/½ cup Cornstarch/1 tsp Garlic Powder/1 tsp Smoked Paprika/½ tsp Salt /½ tsp Black Pepper, 1 cup Buttermilk, and 1 ½ cups Fine Breadcrumbs).
- Double-dredge: Flour -> Buttermilk -> Flour -> Buttermilk -> Breadcrumbs.
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Spray heavily with oil spray until no dry flour is visible.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping and re-spraying at the 5-minute mark.
- Serve hot with ranch or cheese sauce!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray, optional
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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