That looks like crispy fried onion strings (onion straws / onion bhaji–style thin onions) — deeply golden, lacy, and crunchy.
Here’s a detailed, foolproof recipe to get them extra crispy (like in the image).
🧅 Ultra-Crispy Fried Onion Strings
🕒 Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Resting: 15–20 minutes
Frying: 10 minutes
🍽 Serves
4 as snack/topping
🛒 Ingredients
3 large yellow onions (or sweet onions)
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch (KEY for crispiness)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika (smoked if possible)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
¼–½ tsp cayenne (optional)
½ tsp baking powder (helps puff slightly)
¾ cup cold buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
🔪 Step 1: Slice Properly (Important!)
Peel onions.
Slice very thin (about 1–2 mm thick).
A mandoline works best for even crisping.Separate into loose rings/strands.
👉 Thin slices = lacy, crispy texture like the picture.
🥣 Step 2: Soak (Secret for Texture)
Place onions in buttermilk.
Let soak 15–20 minutes.
This:
Softens harsh onion flavor
Helps coating stick
Adds light tang
🌾 Step 3: Make the Coating
In a large bowl, mix:
Flour
Cornstarch
Salt
Paprika
Garlic powder
Pepper
Cayenne
Baking powder
Mix well.
🔥 Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat oil to 350–365°F (175–185°C).
Use at least 2 inches of oil.
Maintain temperature — too low = soggy, too high = burnt.
🍳 Step 5: Coat & Fry
Remove a handful of onions from buttermilk.
Shake off excess (don’t rinse).
Toss in flour mixture.
Press lightly so flour clings.
Shake off extra flour.
Fry in small batches (do NOT overcrowd).
Fry 2–3 minutes, turning once, until:
Deep golden brown
Very crisp
Light bubbling slows
🧻 Step 6: Drain & Season
Remove to paper towels or wire rack.
Sprinkle light salt immediately while hot.
Let cool slightly — they crisp more as they cool.
🔥 Extra Crispy Chef Tips
✔ Use cornstarch (don’t skip)
✔ Slice very thin
✔ Fry in small batches
✔ Double fry for extreme crunch:
First fry: 2 minutes
Rest 5 minutes
Fry again 1 minute until darker
🌶 Flavor Variations
Spicy Southern
Add ½ tsp chili powder + pinch cumin
Indian Bhaji Style
Add:
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp chopped cilantro
Splash of water to make a light batter instead of dry dredge
Parmesan Garlic
After frying, toss with:
2 tbsp grated parmesan
Pinch garlic powder
🥗 How to Use Them
Burger topping
Salad crunch
Green bean casserole
Steak garnish
Snack with spicy mayo or ranch
🧂 Make-Ahead & Storage
Store airtight up to 2 days.
Re-crisp in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Do not refrigerate (they soften).
