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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
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- 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
- In one bowl, place the flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and coconut milk together (if using).
- In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.
Step 3: Coat the Onion Rings
- Take each onion ring and first dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Dip the floured ring into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the onion ring in the panko-coconut mixture, pressing down lightly to help the coating stick.
Step 4: Bake the Onion Rings
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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