Guacamole Onion Rings are a crispy, creamy, and flavor-packed twist on the classic onion ring. Thick onion slices are stuffed with smooth, zesty guacamole, coated in a golden, crunchy breading, and fried to perfection. With the contrast of crunchy exterior and creamy avocado filling, these rings are an irresistible appetizer or snack.
I first made these when I wanted a fun way to enjoy guacamole beyond just dipping chips. The combination of crispy breading, sweet onion, and rich, flavorful guacamole was absolutely next-level. The moment I bit into the crunchy shell and got that creamy, tangy avocado center, I knew this was a keeper!
What’s great about Guacamole Onion Rings is how easy they are to customize. You can add a spicy kick with jalapeños, mix in some cheese for extra indulgence, or bake them instead of frying for a lighter option. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a snack, or pairing them with your favorite dip, these crispy, creamy bites are guaranteed to impress!
Perfect for:
- Game day parties
- Casual gatherings
- Taco nights
- Snack lovers
- Lovers of crispy, creamy combos
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Guacamole Onion Rings will become your new favorite appetizer:
- Flavorful Fusion: The contrast of crispy onion rings with creamy, zesty guacamole is irresistible.
- Crunchy Texture: These onion rings are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Fresh Guacamole: The homemade guacamole adds a refreshing, tangy element to balance the fried crunch.
- Perfect Snack or Appetizer: Great for casual gatherings, parties, or just as a delicious snack.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, these onion rings are easy to prepare.
- Customizable Guacamole: Add your favorite ingredients, such as diced tomatoes or cilantro, to make the guacamole your own.
- Perfect Party Food: These onion rings are always a hit at parties and get-togethers.
- Quick Frying Time: Fry the rings in a matter of minutes for a quick, hot snack.
- Great for Dipping: Serve with extra guacamole or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Vegetarian Delight: A tasty option for those looking for a meatless snack or appetizer.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Onion Rings:
- 2 large onions, sliced into rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Guacamole:
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Avocados: The creamy base for the guacamole, adding richness and flavor.
- Cornmeal: Provides an extra crispy crunch to the onion rings.
- Jalapeño: Adds a bit of spice to the guacamole for an extra kick.
- Buttermilk: Creates a thick batter that adheres well to the onion rings for a crunchy exterior.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Onion Rings:
- Slice the Onions: Peel and slice the onions into rings, about ½-inch thick.
- Soak in Buttermilk: Place the onion rings in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for 30 minutes to tenderize.
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Onion Rings: Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, coating evenly on all sides. Return to the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture again for a thicker, crunchier coating.
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the Onion Rings: Fry the onion rings in batches for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Make the Guacamole:
- Mash the Avocados: In a bowl, mash the ripe avocados with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
- Add the Veggies: Stir in the chopped onion, diced tomato, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with Cilantro: If desired, add chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor and color.
Serve:
- Top the Onion Rings: Place the hot onion rings on a plate and spoon the guacamole over the top. Serve immediately while still warm.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Guacamole Onion Rings:
- As an Appetizer: Serve before the main meal as a flavorful starter.
- With Extra Guacamole: Serve with extra guacamole on the side for dipping.
- On Taco Nights: Pair with tacos for a fun, festive meal.
- As a Snack: Perfect for game days or movie nights with friends.
- With Salsa: Add a side of fresh salsa for an extra layer of flavor.
- With Sour Cream: Serve with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
- As a Side Dish: These onion rings are a great addition to any meal, from burgers to grilled chicken.
- For Parties: Serve in a large platter for guests to share and enjoy.
- With Hot Sauce: Spice things up with a drizzle of hot sauce over the top.
- As a Vegetarian Snack: Enjoy as a meatless option with a fresh salad or veggie platter.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Fry the onion rings in batches to maintain the oil temperature and get an even golden color.
- Drain Excess Oil: Place fried onion rings on paper towels to absorb excess oil for a crisp texture.
- Use Fresh Avocados: Choose ripe but firm avocados for the best texture in your guacamole.
- Customize the Guacamole: Add diced bell peppers, red onion, or a bit of cumin for a twist.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Increase or decrease the jalapeño depending on your heat preference.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Guacamole: Add extra jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the guacamole for a fiery kick.
- Baked Onion Rings: For a lighter option, bake the onion rings in the oven instead of frying.
- Cheesy Guacamole: Mix in some shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for a creamy, cheesy version of the guacamole.
- Beer Batter Onion Rings: Use a beer batter instead of buttermilk for a different texture and flavor.
- Sweet Potato Onion Rings: Try sweet potatoes for a different twist on the classic onion ring.
- Crispy Parmesan Onion Rings: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breading for an extra layer of flavor.
- Avocado Ranch Guacamole: Mix in some ranch dressing for a creamy twist on the guacamole.
- Cilantro Lime Guacamole: Add more lime juice and fresh cilantro for a tangy, refreshing guacamole.
- Vegan Option: Make a dairy-free version of guacamole by omitting any dairy ingredients.
- Guacamole with Beef Bacon: Add crispy beef bacon bits to the guacamole for a smoky, savory flavor.
Special Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot: For frying the onion rings to perfection.
- Shallow Bowls: For dredging the onion rings in flour and buttermilk.
- Potato Masher or Fork: To mash the avocados for the guacamole.
- Slotted Spoon: To remove the onion rings from the oil while draining excess oil.
- Paper Towels: For draining the fried onion rings to keep them crispy.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen onion rings?
Yes, you can use store-bought frozen onion rings if you’re short on time, but homemade rings taste best. - How long do these onion rings stay crispy?
These onion rings are best served immediately after frying for maximum crispiness. - Can I make the guacamole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the guacamole ahead, but it’s best served fresh to avoid browning. - Can I fry the onion rings in advance?
It’s best to fry the onion rings just before serving, but you can keep them warm in the oven. - How do I store leftover onion rings?
Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh. - What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for a similar effect. - Can I freeze the onion rings?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked onion rings before frying them. Just coat them and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. - Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour and cornmeal with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or chickpea flour. - How do I keep the oil from splattering while frying?
Use a splatter guard or fry at a lower temperature to prevent excessive splattering. - Can I add other toppings to the onion rings?
Yes, try adding crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or chopped herbs for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Guacamole Onion Rings are a perfect combination of crispy and creamy, with the satisfying crunch of fried onion rings paired with a fresh, zesty guacamole topping. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these onion rings are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor.
Easy to prepare and highly customizable, this recipe is perfect for any casual gathering, game day, or family dinner. Enjoy the delicious blend of textures and flavors in each bite and treat yourself and your guests to this ultimate savory indulgence!