Crispy Baked Coconut Onion Rings

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 large onions (preferably sweet onions like Vidalia)
  • 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for extra coconut flavor)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray or olive oil

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack (optional but recommended for even crisping)
  • Mixing bowls: You’ll need separate bowls for the flour, egg wash, and coconut-breadcrumb mixture.
  • Tongs or a fork: To dip and coat the onion rings.

How to Make Crispy Baked Coconut Onion Rings

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
  2. Peel the onions and slice them into thick rings, about 1/2-inch wide. Separate the rings carefully.

Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Station

  1. In one bowl, place the flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and coconut milk together (if using).
  3. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.

Step 3: Coat the Onion Rings

  1. Take each onion ring and first dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
  2. Dip the floured ring into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
  3. Finally, coat the onion ring in the panko-coconut mixture, pressing down lightly to help the coating stick.

Step 4: Bake the Onion Rings

  1. Place the coated onion rings on the prepared baking sheet, or better yet, on a wire rack set on top of the sheet to allow airflow for extra crispiness.
  2. Lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray or drizzle them with a bit of olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
  3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy.

Tips and Variations

Get Even Crispier Results: For super crispy onion rings, use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet. This ensures air circulates around the rings, making them crisp up evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.

Go Gluten-Free: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Spice It Up: Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a little heat. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on the coconut-breadcrumb mix if you want to turn up the heat.

Dipping Sauces: These onion rings pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Try them with a spicy sriracha mayo, sweet chili sauce, or a zesty lime aioli for a tropical twist.


How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they tend to disappear fast!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

  • Fridge: Place leftover onion rings in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the onion rings in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving them, as they’ll turn soggy.

Food and Drink Pairings

Crispy Baked Coconut Onion Rings pair wonderfully with a variety of foods and beverages. Here are some suggestions:

  • Burgers or sandwiches: Serve these onion rings as a side to your favorite burger or pulled pork sandwich.
  • Salads: For a lighter option, serve the onion rings with a fresh, crisp salad. They add a nice crunch to any meal!
  • Drinks: A refreshing drink like a cold lemonade, iced tea, or a tropical cocktail such as a piña colada complements the subtle coconut flavor beautifully.

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