Crunchy Baked Onion Rings

Onion rings are a great way to make onions more approachable for kids! Get your kids in the kitchen with many steps: they will love to help measure the ingredients, crack the eggs, and set up the breading assembly line. Little fingers might get pretty messy while making this recipe, but the end result is well worth it. Experiment with the kind of breadcrumbs you use or try grinding pretzels or crackers in the food processor to make a crunchy coating for the onion rings. Serve up the baked, crispy rings with ketchup, ranch dressing, or your family's favorite sauce to enjoy as a snack or side dish.

This recipe was developed by Heather Staller, a mom of two boys, ages 6 and 4, and cooking instructor specializing in bringing cooking into preschool classrooms. After college, Heather knew she wanted to be a teacher, but first followed her lifelong dream of going to culinary school. Teaching cooking combines both of her passions, and she truly enjoys introducing young children to the joys of cooking with fresh ingredients. Find Heather on Instagram (@heather.happykidskitchen), where she shares inventive kid-friendly recipes and ideas for cooking with kids at home.

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Crunchy Baked Onion Rings

Ingredients

• 1 large onion
• 1/2 cup flour (any kind)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 3 large eggs*
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, or ground pretzels

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil and grease with oil or non-stick spray.
2. Cut the ends off the onion then peel outer papery skin off. Carefully cut across into 1/4-inch rings. Separate out rings and set aside inner-most rings and any broken pieces aside for another use.
3. In a large bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
4. Crack eggs into a second bowl and whisk together. Add breadcrumbs to a third bowl.
5. Working with a few rings at a time, dredge in flour mixture, dip into eggs, then dredge in breadcrumbs, pressing to coat.
6. Spread onion rings in an even layer on the prepared baking sheets. Place into oven and bake until golden brown and crispy, about 20-25 minutes.
7. Sprinkle with salt then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

*For egg-free version, use 3 tablespoons of ground flax mixed with ¾ cup water or ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk.

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