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### Instructions:
#### **1. Prep the Ingredients**
Start by peeling and cutting the **onions** into 1/2-inch thick slices. Gently separate the slices into rings and set them aside. For the **fries**, peel the **Russet potatoes** and cut them into even strips, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly. Soak the fries in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch and help them crisp up when baked or fried.
#### **2. Prepare the Breading Station for Onion Rings**
To make the crispy coating for the onion rings, set up a breading station with three bowls:
– In the first bowl, combine **flour**, **cornstarch**, **baking powder**, **garlic powder**, **salt**, and **black pepper**. This is your dry mixture.
– In the second bowl, whisk the **egg** and **buttermilk** together.
– In the third bowl, combine **panko breadcrumbs** and **regular breadcrumbs**.
#### **3. Coat the Onion Rings**
Dip each onion ring into the dry mixture first, making sure it’s coated evenly. Then dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the rings to ensure they stick well. Repeat this process for all the onion rings.
#### **4. Prepare the Fries**
Preheat your oven to **425°F (220°C)**. After soaking the fries, drain and pat them dry with a paper towel. Toss the fries in a large bowl with **olive oil**, **salt**, **black pepper**, **paprika**, and **garlic powder** until they are evenly coated.
#### **5. Fry the Onion Rings**
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the onion rings. The oil should be around **350°F (175°C)**. Test the oil with a small piece of bread—if it browns in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready. Carefully fry the onion rings in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
#### **6. Bake the Fries**
Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for **25-30 minutes**, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer extra crispy fries, you can increase the baking time by 5 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
#### **7. Serve and Enjoy**
Once your onion rings are crispy and your fries are golden and tender, it’s time to serve! You can place both the **crispy onion rings** and **crispy fries** on a large platter or individual plates. For extra flavor, serve them with dipping sauces like **ketchup**, **ranch dressing**, or **sriracha mayo**. Enjoy these crispy delights with your favorite burger, sandwich, or on their own as a satisfying snack!
### Why You’ll Love This Crispy Onion Rings & Fries Recipe:
– **Crispy Perfection**: Both the onion rings and fries are designed to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The **panko breadcrumbs** in the onion rings provide an extra crunch, while the fries are perfectly seasoned and crisped up in the oven.
– **Easy to Make**: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment. You can easily fry the onion rings in a skillet and bake the fries in the oven for a hands-off approach.
– **Customizable**: You can switch up the seasonings and sauces to make the onion rings and fries your own. Add a little **cayenne pepper** to the fries for some heat or drizzle **cheese sauce** over the crispy rings for an extra indulgent treat.
– **A Crowd-Pleaser**: Whether you’re serving these as a side dish or a snack for guests, they’re sure to be a hit. The combination of crispy fries and crunchy onion rings makes for the ultimate comfort food.
### Tips for the Perfect Crispy Onion Rings & Fries:
– **For the crispiest onion rings**, ensure your oil temperature is correct. If the oil is too hot, the rings will burn; too cold, and they will be soggy.
– **Soak the fries** before baking to remove excess starch, which will help them become crispier when cooked.
– **Double-coat the onion rings** for an extra crispy texture. If you want even more crunch, dip the rings in the egg mixture a second time before coating them with breadcrumbs.
– **Serve immediately** for the best experience! The onion rings and fries are most crispy when fresh out of the oil or oven.
### Variations:
– **Sweet Potato Fries**: Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more nutritious version of fries. They pair wonderfully with the crispy onion rings.
– **Beer-Battered Onion Rings**: For a more indulgent version of onion rings, make a beer batter instead of the breadcrumb coating. This creates an extra-crunchy, beer-flavored exterior.
– **Spicy Fries**: Add a little **cayenne pepper**, **chili powder**, or **paprika** to your fries for a bit of heat that complements the crispy texture.
### Conclusion:
The **Crispy Onion Rings & Fries** recipe is a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will satisfy all your cravings for crunchy comfort food. Whether you’re serving these as a side or enjoying them as a snack, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. With easy-to-follow steps and a few simple ingredients, you can create these crispy, golden delights in no time. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something crispy, golden, and absolutely delicious, this recipe has you covered!
