Onion straws are thin slices of sweet onion lightly breaded and deep fried until golden and crispy. Enjoy by them themselves or serve with Chipotle Pepper Aioli as the perfect party appetizer. They are also delicious served over grilled steaks, barbecued burgers, smoked chicken and even mac and cheese.
Have you ever tried onion straws? If you haven’t you are missing out on a treat. They are just that good. There is just a special place in my heart for little bits of onion breaded and fried to golden perfection. Now add my Chipotle Pepper Aioli dipping sauce and you have yourself a real treat.
How to make onion straws?
Start by cutting your onions into thin slices. Soak them in buttermilk for at least one hour up to overnight. While the onions pieces are soaking in a small bowl mix the garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice and chipotle pepper. Cover the bowl with plastic and refrigerate while you bread and fry the onions.
Grab a shallow plate and mix together the flour, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper and paprika. I like to mix it with a fork because it makes less mess and mixes better than with a spoon. Heat about about 1 – 1 1/2 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot to 375 degrees.
Now using tongs remove the onions from the buttermilk and dredge into the flour mixture. Gently shake off any excess flour. Working in small batches drop into the heated oil and use the tongs ever so gently to separate them so they do not fry in clumps. Fry until golden brown and crispy. This will only take 1-2 minutes. Carefully remove them from the oil and place on paper towels to drain. Serve warm with the Chipotle Pepper Aioli.
What onions are best for this recipe?
I think Vidalia Onions are the best for crispy straws because they are a little sweeter than other onions and generally speaking I think they hold up better from harvest to market. However any good firm yellow or white onion will make delectable onion straws.
Recipe notes and tips
- Slice your onions thin. If you have a mandoline slicer use it. If not a sharp knife will work just fine.
- Soak the onion slices in buttermilk for at least one hour up to overnight. Soak them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Dredge the onion slices well in the flour mixture and shake every so gently.
- When frying work in small batches and use the tongs to gently separate large clumps in the oil before they fry together.
- Remove fried onions to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Best methods for frying onion straws
If you have a deep fryer and it is easy to use and clean by all means use it. However there are other alternatives. Use a good heavy Dutch oven or skillet to help maintain temperature. Try to maintain a consistent oil temperature of 375 degrees. Use a candy thermometer and remember when you add a batch of onions the temperature will fall so you will need to compensate by turning the heat up slightly. When you remove the fried food the temperature will raise so you will need to turn heat down slightly.
Other onion recipes to try
Onion Straws with Chipotle Pepper Aioli.
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce minced
- 2 medium vidalia onions very thinly sliced
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cayenne
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- canola oil for frying
Instructions
- In small bowl mix garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice and chipotle pepper. Cover and refrigerate.
- In wide based bowl combine onions and buttermilk. Allow to sit for one hour; stirring occasionally.
- On shallow plate combine flour, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne and paprika. Mix well with a fork.
- Heat oil in heavy stock pot or Dutch oven to 375 degrees.
- Using tongs remove onions from buttermilk and dredge through the flour mixture. Gently shake excess flour from the onions. Working in batches add onions to oil. Using the tongs break them up a bit so they don't clump. Stay close they should be done in 1-2 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve with the Chipotle Pepper Aioli.
Notes
- Slice your onions thin. If you have a mandoline slicer use it. If not a sharp knife will work just fine.
- Soak the onion slices in buttermilk for at least one hour up to overnight. Soak them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Dredge the onion slices well in the flour mixture and shake every so gently.
- When frying work in small batches and use the tongs to gently separate large clumps in the oil before they fry together.
- Remove fried onions to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Nutrition
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This post was originally published December 13, 2015 and was republished April 22, 2019 with new content.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
katerina
We made these and they were SO GOOD! I can’t wait to make them again and again!
Beti
Onion Straws are a favorite around here! I can’t wait to try these out!
Vikki
Very crispy and spicy, overall so tasty!
Jo
This is my first time making this appetizer, And it turns out so great! Making this again for sure!
Rhonda Hetrick
I am wondering if there is another option other than buttermilk to soak onions?
Bonnie
Can these be made in an air fryer?
Beth Pierce
I am not sure. I have not tried these in an air fryer.
Donna
These are all kinds of amazing, especially when paired with that chipotle aioli – flavor explosion!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Donna! So glad that you liked them!
Adrianne
Just the thought of the chipotle aioli with these onion straws is making me hungry!! Yum! I love how simple this recipe is but I can see why it holds a special place for you as its such a delicious snack idea!
Jill
These look just like onion straws you’d order at a restaurant.. and I mean that as a compliment! Loving the sound of that chipotle pepper aioli too, yum!
Irina
It is worth trying this recipe and making stewed pears! They are so crispy, yummy, and delicious! I will be making it again. 🙂
Biana
Yum! I love onions, and will definitely be making these onion straws soon.
Jamie
These would be a great side for burgers I’m making tonight! I love how crispy they look!
Sara
What a great alternative to chips and dip this was! Enjoyed this for an afternoon snack, and cleared the plate! Delish!
Kim Guzman
This was so fun! I made it last night and served the onions and chipotle sauce on hamburgers. It was just the perfect thing and such a nice change from your typical burger.
Claudia
Now this looks like a wonderful to makek at home hubby always gets them on his steak he will love them!, I am sure everyone will rave when I make them this weekend cant wait!
Lily
These were such an amazing snack, I could not stop my fingers from grabbing more and more! They are so addictive!