These crispy, delicious gluten free onion rings are about to take your gluten free cooking to a whole new level! I am sharing gluten free onion rings made two ways; with a gluten free beer batter coating or plain batter. Either way, you decide to make your batter, these homemade gluten free beer batter onion rings are incredible! Make a batch in 30 minutes!
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This recipe is for Mr. Fearless Dining, whose love of onions knows no bounds! When we first married, I wouldn’t say I liked onions. I would go out of my way not to use them in recipes. Over the years, and after many colorful discussions, I have gotten used to using onions, and I can now eat them cooked.
If you have been looking for a crispy, delicious vegan, gluten-free onion rings recipe, give this recipe a try. I have layered in some flavor options and ways to keep them crispy!
What sets my recipe apart:
I followed the recipe and the onion rings were perfect. We don’t do a lot of fried food but they were worth the effort. Thanks for sharing.”
nicole M., Pinterest comment
Allergen Information:
This easy fried onion ring recipe is gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, egg-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free! To make these alcohol-free, substitute club soda for the gluten-free beer.
These yummy gluten-free beer-battered onion rings are also vegan!
If you love fried recipes, you will also love my Gluten Free Chicken Fried Steak and my Gluten Free Fried Chicken recipes!
Flour Blends Tested:
1. King Arthur Measure for Measure—This blend works really well in recipes where I need a batter. I don’t have to let the flour blend rest in the batter.
2. Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Blend—This blend also works very well in this recipe.
Ingredient Notes:
For the full list of ingredients and amounts, please go to the recipe card below.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend – Most gluten-free 1:1 flour blends will work in this recipe.
- Gluten-Free Beer is if you are frying your onion rings in oil. Any flavor will do, but I do NOT recommend using gluten-removed beers. They make me and many others with Celiac disease sick. I suggest Glutenberg, Redbridge, or Groundbreaker gluten-free beer brands. For non-alcoholic, use bubbly soda water.
- Onions – You can use any onion you like. I used sweet Vidalia onions. Sweet onions work really well with the beer flavors.
- Seasonings – Paprika, garlic powder, and onion salt. You can also include salt and pepper to taste.
- Oil—Because we are frying these onion rings, it is important to choose a high-heat-tolerant oil. I recommend canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil.
Frying Tips
1. Use a Dutch oven if you are frying the onion rings indoors. The higher sides of the Dutch oven will prevent a lot of oil spatters.
2. Make sure your oil is heated to 375º F. Use a digital thermometer to check the oil temperature.
3. Use long metal tongs. This will help prevent you from getting burned by oil and make grabbing and moving the onion rings much easier.
Step-By-Step Photos and Directions:
Step 1: In a large
Step 2: Add the gluten free beer or club soda. I used a measuring glass because you only need 12 ounces of gluten free beer, but my can had 16 ounces of beer.
🔑 Sandi says: You can also put all of the ingredients in a Vitamix or high-speed blender to make sure there are no lumps!
Step 3: Pour the beer or club soda into the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Whisk until the batter is a little runny but thick, as you want it to cling to the onion rings!
If using a Vitamix, add all ingredients and blend until smooth. Allow the batter to sit for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator.
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Step 5: Peel your onions and place them onto a cutting board. Cut them horizontally with a sharp knife to remove both ends. This will form large rings.
Step 6: Gently separate the onion into rings. Pressing down on the more narrow end makes it easier, and you won’t rip the onions this way. Pat the onion rings down with a paper towel to remove moisture.
While the batter is chilling in the refrigerator, heat the oil in your 12-inch cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven. I tend to use a Dutch oven if I am frying inside. The sides are higher, so there is less mess. If I am frying outside and using the side burner on my grill, I use my cast-iron skillet. You will want your oil to be around 375º F.
Step 7: Carefully dip the onion rings into the batter. Be sure the batter coats all areas of the onion ring!
Step 8: Gently lift the onion ring out of the bowl with a fork and shake off some of the excess batter.
Step 9: Drop an onion ring into the hot oil. I cook 3-4 onion rings at a time, ensuring a lot of space around each ring.
Allow the batter-coated onion rings to cook on each side for 1 1/2-2 minutes. It is easiest to cook the onions in small batches so none get overcooked. When they are finished deep frying, they will look golden brown.
Step 10: Quickly move the fried onion rings to a paper towel-lined plate so the excess oil can be absorbed. Continue until all of the onion rings are fried.
While you are visiting, check out all of my easy gluten free side dish recipes!
Serve With:
Enjoy these gluten free beer batter onion rings as an appetizer or serve them as a side dish with these Grilled Chicken Filet Burgers or my popular Gluten Free Sloppy Joes.
You can also have fun dipping these crispy onion rings in different flavored dips. Serve these gluten-free fried onion rings with these dipping sauces: smokey ketchup, ranch dressing, or sriracha.
Storage/Reheating:
Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat them so they are crispy again, I recommend heating them in the air fryer at 365º F for 5 minutes or bake them at 325º F for 12-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can make these in the air fryer, but I recommend a different coating by using an egg to dip the onion rings into and then a panko coating.
The best way to keep the gluten free batter from falling off is to make sure your batter is very cold.
For this recipe, I didn’t need to soak my onions because Vidalia onions are very sweet. I recommend soaking the onion slices for 15 minutes if you use yellow onions. Be sure to dry the onion rings well before dipping them into the batter.
I made these recently for my daughter using club soda instead of beer and they were delicious!”
Sarah K., Facebook comment
If you are looking for a non-battered, air fryer version, use gluten free bread crumbs to make this Air Fryer Onion Rings recipe.
More Gluten Free Side Dish Recipes:
- Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
- Cinnamon Brown Sugar Carrots
- Crispy Baked French Fries with Curry Dipping Sauce
Love This Recipe?
If you made and enjoyed this recipe, I would be incredibly grateful if you could leave a comment below. Please include which flour blend you used. This will help others know this recipe is delicious. Thank you!
Beer Battered Gluten Free Onion Rings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free flour any brand
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 large vidalia onions
- 12 ounces gluten free beer * see note
- 1 cup canola oil for frying * see note
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Instructions
- In a large bowl, add 2 cups gluten free flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and whisk to blend.
- Add 12 ounces gluten free beer to a measuring glass. You only need 12 ounces of gluten free beer; many cans have 16 ounces.
- You can also put all of the ingredients into a Vitamix or blender to make sure there are no lumps!
- Pour the beer into the dry ingredients. Whisk until your batter is a little runny but it should be a thick runny.
- If using a Vitamix, add all ingredients and blend until smooth. Allow the batter to sit for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Peel 2 large vidalia onions and cut them horizontally to remove both ends.
- Gently separate the onion into rings. Pressing down on the more narrow end makes it easier and you won't rip the onions this way.
- While the batter is chilling in the refrigerator, heat the oil in your 12-inch cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven. I tend to use a Dutch oven if I am frying inside. The sides are higher so there is less mess. If I am frying outside and using the side burner on my grill, I use my cast-iron skillet. You will want your oil to be around 375º F.
- Carefully dip the onion rings into the batter. Be sure the batter coats all areas of the onion ring.
- Gently lift the onion ring and shake off the excess batter.
- Drop an onion ring into the hot oil. I cook 3-4 at a time, but make sure there is a lot of space around each onion ring. If you crowd the frying onion rings, they can stick together.
- Allow the batter-coated onion rings to cook for 1 1/2-2 minutes on each side. It is easiest to cook the onions in small batches so that none get overcooked. I recommend using long tongs to flip the onion rings and remove them from the oil to prevent the hot oil from spattering on you.
- Quickly move the fried onion rings to a paper towel-lined plate so the excess oil can be absorbed. Continue until all of the onion rings are fried.
Notes
- You can use any kind of yellow onion. Vidalia onions are sweeter and I felt they worked really well in this recipe.
- You can use any gluten free flour blend.
- I recommend using Glutenberg, Ground Breaker, or Red Bridge gluten free beers. Do NOT use gluten-removed beers as many still get reactions to those.
- These gluten free fried beer batter onion rings will keep fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container.
- To reheat them, bake at 325º F for 10-15 minutes to re-crisp them. You can also reheat them in an air fryer to heat them. Cook for 5 minutes at 365º F.
SPECIAL NOTE
Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, my rule of thumb is to add more flour if your dough or batter is wet and add more liquid if the dough or batter is too dry!
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
This post was updated from an old July 2021 post with more recipe details.
Can you freeze the onion rings after they have been cooked.
Hi Janice, I am not sure. I haven’t tried it. If you do, please let me know how they turn out.
WOW!! To start, let me say I’ve only made one fried breaded thing in my life. But, this recipe was perfect and foolproof. I used Trader Joe’s gluten free flour and Glutenberg white. My boyfriend is not gluten free and he loved these more than I did! I got 20-25 rings out of a pretty large onion and had a little bit of batter left so also did some fresh jalapenos which were a hit as well. Definitely using this recipe again next time I want to beer batter anything.
I am so glad everyone loved these onion rings. I enjoy that Glutenberg beer and it is quite good in this recipe. I need to batter jalapeños next time. Yum!
What can i use in place of the beer?
Hi Christi, I talk about this in the post. Club soda works well.
Has anyone tried this with Ginger beer which is not beer at all? When I try it I will definitely, leave a comment.
Hi Jennie, I haven’t heard of anyone using ginger beer, the flavors would be intriguing. I have used club soda and that works well if you are looking for a non-alcoholic batter.
can these b done in a air fryer
Hi Michele, I have not tested this recipe in the air fryer.
Thanks, I must have missed that, I’ll give that a try!
No worries, I hope you love them as much as we do!
Could you use tapioca flour on these?
I haven’t tested it. If you try it, please come back and let me know how it turned out.
These are Amazing, a food I have been missing..instead of with beer I used club soda, and I made a batch with ginger ale sooo yummy..
I love the idea of using gingerale…I bet it added great flavor!
This was a wonderful treat! I used lime club soda because that was what I had on hand, and it paired well with the other seasonings. Gluten-free flour worked well. We cooked them a little longer because we like them crunchy. Delicious!
I am so intrigued by the lime club soda…I bet it was good!
These were wonderful. Can’t remember the last time I had an onion ring. Batter was so light and crispy. Before we finished eating, was asked when I was making them again. A big hit! Thank you so much for taking the time to develop all these receipes.
I am so glad you loved the recipe Bobbie!
I made these tonight with the club soda and they were sooooo good! My husband loved them he said it was the best part of the meal for supper! This is such a wonderful recipe definately will be making these again!
I am so glad everyone loved them. I really appreciate your coming to let others know Janice!! Thank you!
These onion rings are amazing! I put my own twist on this recipe & it was pretty darn yummy. Instead of beer I used Coca-Cola & as a garnish I sprinkled a 50/50 blend of sugar & salt. Bam!
I love the idea of using Coca Cola, you are amazing!
These look so tasty! Yes Been so long since I have had onion rings! Will definitely be trying these out as soon we get back after new year!
I am so glad you are going to try them :-). Enjoy and thank you for your note.
I just want to thank you for your help! It’s making this transition to gluten free cooking so much easier for me! I have learned so much from you. The notes after the recipes are invaluable to me.
Thanks, again!
I am so glad to help. Please reach out with any questions :-).
Great tasting onion rings!!!! But I question your recipe and 1 cup of oil for frying. I tried 2 cups and the rings stuck. So I added more. But GREAT flavor and texture!!!!
I am really glad you loved them Lynne. I hear you on the oil. If I put 2 cups it would throw the calorie counter off so I wasn’t sure how to handle it. I will see if there is a way to clarify without messing it up since more than 2 cups of oil wouldn’t all be absorbed and consumed.
I don’t think this would work with the one cup of oil, but what ended up working with the two cups (because the onion rings were still sticking) was to use tongs and not let go of the ring until the underside in the oil crusted over a bit…it didn’t take but seconds. They were amazing reheated last night!!!! Thanks for another great recipe!
Yes, it does need more oil but if I write in more in the recipe card, it calculates the calories as if you ate 2 c of oil.