Looking for the perfect gluten free crispy onion recipe? These homemade French fried onions are just what you need. Whether you’re topping a green bean casserole or enjoying it as a snack, these gluten-free fried onions are crispy and delicious.
I absolutely love these. They turn any dish into something special with their incredible crunch and flavor. Perfect for topping a green bean casserole or snacking on their own, they’re so delicious that you’ll want to keep them on hand all the time. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked. These will also be your new favorite casserole topping.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Delicious: These homemade gluten-free fried onions are as crispy as the store-bought. Thanks to top-notch breading, they’re perfectly crunchy and full of flavor.
- Homemade Goodness: Making these fried onions at home means you control every ingredient. You’ll use only the best natural ingredients for unbeatable taste and quality.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids adore crispy, bite-sized treats, and these gluten-free fried onions are no exception. They make a perfect topping that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
Easy Gluten-Free Crispy Fried Onions
I’m thrilled to share this with you. These gluten-free fried onions are easy to make and perfect for sudden cravings or when you want something crispy. If you love onion rings, you’ll adore this new gluten-free version—it’s sure to become your go-to snack.
You can make this recipe with my oven baked snack recipes like baked radish chips and crispy rutabaga fries for a great snack platter for hangouts and mini parties.
What Is The Taste Of Onions When Fried?
When onions are fried, their taste changes quite a bit. They turn sweeter as they cook, and their flavor becomes richer and more complex. The aroma of fried onions is inviting, and their crispy texture adds a delicious crunch to many dishes, making everything taste even better.

Is It The Same As Store-Bought Onion Rings?
Fried onions and store-bought onion rings are similar but have some key differences. Both involve coating onions and frying them until crispy, but store-bought onion rings often come with a thicker breading and may include extra flavors or preservatives.
On the other hand, homemade fried onions usually have a lighter coating and a more natural taste.
Plus, when you make them yourself, you can avoid additives like gluten and customize the flavor to your liking.
How To Make Gluten-Free Fried Onions
Here’s where the magic happens: I’ll walk you through every step of making these delicious fried onions. I’ll share all the details so you can easily make them yourself, from start to finish.
Kitchen Gadgets:
- Frying Pan: Use a deep skillet or pot with high sides to contain the oil and prevent mess. Using non-stick pans is also ideal for easy cleanup, but any sturdy frying pan will do.
- Mixing Bowl: Prepare a medium or large bowl for the buttermilk and dry coating mixture for this recipe.
- Tongs or Tweezers: You can use any of these two to coat the sliced onions and fry them.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Onions: Look for large white or yellow onions because they caramelize perfectly when fried, but if you prefer a milder flavor, you can use sweet red onions.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk tenderize the onions before coating them with the dry breading.
- Whey Protein: Adding whey protein to the coating mixture will help you get a crunchy golden-brown crust on the fried onions. You can find it at most grocery stores or health food stores. It also boosts the protein content of the onions, making it a healthier alternative to other traditional fried foods.
- Baking Powder: Add baking powder to the flour mixture for an extra crunch.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS WITH STEPS FOR MAKING CRISPY FRENCH FRIED ONIONS
First Step: Prepare Onions and All Ingredients
Start by cleaning and peeling your large white onions until all the skin and excess dirt are gone. Slice the onions thinly like small rings and separate them into individual pieces.

Second Step: Coat The Onions
Place the sliced onions in a large bowl, add the buttermilk, and soak them for 5-10 minutes.
While soaking the onions in buttermilk, you can prepare the breading and start heating oil in the pan.
Once the dry mixture is ready, add the onions from the milk to the breading and coat them evenly. Set aside after coating and repeat with the remaining batches.

Third Step: Fry The Onions
Start deep frying and cook the onions by carefully dropping the coated onions into the hot oil on medium heat and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Stir as you need so they won’t stick to each other.
After frying, remove the onions from the hot oil and transfer them to a plate with paper towels to drain the excess oil and enhance their crispiness.
TRICKS AND TIPS TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE FRIED ONIONS:
- Slice thinly: For the crispiest fried onions, slice them as thinly as possible. Thin slices will become extra crispy when cooked, giving you that perfect crunch.
- Season: Feel free to add extra flavor to your dry coating or buttermilk mixture. Adding garlic powder, onion powder, or a simple salt and pepper can make a difference.
- Dredge Lightly: Lightly coat the onions and shake off any excess gluten-free flour mixture. A thin, even coating helps achieve a crispy texture, while too much flour can result in a less satisfying crunch.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Heat your oil to the right temperature. If it’s too hot, the onions might burn. If it’s too cold, the onions can become greasy and soggy. Aim for a temperature where the onions cook evenly and stay crisp.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I Use an Air Fryer for Making Gluten-Free Onions?
Using an air fryer to make gluten-free onions is a fantastic option. It’s a more straightforward and healthier alternative to traditional frying since it requires less oil. Just follow the same steps: soak the onions in buttermilk, coat them, and then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry them until golden brown for a crispy, less greasy treat.
What Oil Is Best to Use When Frying Onions?
For frying onions, I recommend using olive oil, which I’ve used in my clean-eating recipes for years. Olive oil adds excellent flavor and a bit of crispiness to your fried onions. It’s a healthy choice that enhances the taste of your dish while keeping it clean and delicious.
What to Serve With Gluten-Free French Fried Onions?
These crispy onions can stand alone as a snack, but you can also serve them with your favorite dips like buffalo ranch sauce and BBQ sauce for creamy and smokey flavor options. Add them to soups like this vegetable soup, or toss them on your oven-baked cauliflower rice for more flavor.
Most people also serve these as a gluten-free onion topping for green bean casserole since the crunchy texture of these onions complements the creamy green bean mixture perfectly. A cream cheese sausage ball is also a good combination for this recipe.
How Do I Store Crispy Fried Onions?
To store crispy fried onions, let them cool completely before putting them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat. They can stay crispy and fresh for up to a week when stored properly.

You can freeze gluten-free fried onions for up to 2-3 months. Store them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to use them, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
More Gluten-Free Recipes For You
Check out more of our gluten-free recipes and try them at home with only easy steps for you to enjoy making and eating.
Try our chicken chips jerky using the dehydrator and these gluten-free wraps and gluten free dumplings that are perfect for savory meats and burritos with gluten-free enchilada sauce.
If you want something sweet for snacks and desserts, try our homemade sprinkles and decorate your bundt cake or protein cheesecake with them.
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Gluten Free Fried Onions Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Onions Large
- 1 Cup Whey Protein
- 2 Tablespoons Baking Powder
- 2 Cups of Buttermilk
Video
Instructions
- Peel and clean the white onions, then slice them thinly into rings and separate them fully so they coat evenly.
- Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the breading and heat the oil. Transfer the onions from the buttermilk into the dry mixture and coat evenly, working in batches.
- Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the breading and heat the oil. Transfer the onions from the buttermilk into the dry mixture and coat evenly, working in batches.
Notes
- Slice thinly: For the crispiest fried onions, slice them as thinly as possible. Thin slices will become extra crispy when cooked, giving you that perfect crunch.
- Season: Feel free to add extra flavor to your dry coating or buttermilk mixture. Adding garlic powder, onion powder, or a simple salt and pepper can make a difference.
- Dredge Lightly: Lightly coat the onions and shake off any excess gluten-free flour mixture. A thin, even coating helps achieve a crispy texture, while too much flour can result in a less satisfying crunch.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Heat your oil to the right temperature. If it’s too hot, the onions might burn. If it’s too cold, the onions can become greasy and soggy. Aim for a temperature where the onions cook evenly and stay crisp.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
Extra snacks
For those, who loves snacking, here are some more ideas you can try.
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