Herby Onion Rings are one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that feel familiar yet quietly special. Most of us have enjoyed onion rings at pubs, barbecues, or alongside a good burger, but adding fresh herbs to the batter lifts them into something far more interesting. As a home cook who loves helping others get the best from simple ingredients, I find Herby Onion Rings to be a perfect example of how a small twist can transform a traditional favourite into a family favourite.
At their heart, Herby Onion Rings are still all about the onion. Choosing good onions matters more than many people realise. Large white or brown onions work beautifully, offering sweetness once cooked and enough structure to hold their shape. When sliced into thick rings, they promise that satisfying contrast between a crisp coating and a soft, almost silky centre. What sets Herby Onion Rings apart, though, is what surrounds those onions.
The batter is where the magic happens. Traditional onion rings rely mainly on flour and seasoning, but Herby Onion Rings invite fresh herbs into the mix. Parsley, chives, thyme, or even a little rosemary can be finely chopped and folded into the batter. As the rings cook, the herbs release their aroma, creating a gentle fragrance that hints at gardens, summer cooking, and care taken in the kitchen. It’s not overpowering, just enough to make people pause and say, “These are different.”
One of the pleasures of Herby Onion Rings is their balance. The herbs don’t mask the onion; they complement it. Each bite starts with a crisp crunch, followed by the sweetness of the onion and then a fresh, savoury note from the herbs. It’s a layered experience that feels thoughtful without being complicated. This is exactly the kind of dish I love. Especially sharing with friends and family because it shows how easy it is to cook something special at home.
Herby Onion Rings are also wonderfully versatile. They can be served piled high as a starter, or used as a side dish that steals the spotlight. They sit comfortably alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or even a simple green salad. For casual evenings, Herby Onion Rings make an excellent snack, especially when paired with a dipping sauce. A classic ketchup works, of course, but they also shine with garlic mayo, herby yoghurt dips, or a sharp mustard sauce.
From a home cook’s point of view, Herby Onion Rings are forgiving and flexible. If you’re new to frying, they’re a great way to build confidence. The herbs in the batter make them look more impressive than the effort involved, which is always a bonus. If you’re cooking for guests, Herby Onion Rings give the impression of something thoughtfully prepared, even though the ingredients are simple and familiar.
Another reason I enjoy making Herby Onion Rings is how adaptable they are to personal taste. You can change the herb combination depending on what you have to hand or what’s growing in your garden or windowsill. Softer herbs like parsley and chives give a mild, fresh flavour, while stronger herbs like thyme or oregano add a deeper, more savoury note. This adaptability makes Herby Onion Rings feel like a dish you can truly make your own.
There’s also something undeniably comforting about Herby Onion Rings. They tap into nostalgia while offering a subtle upgrade. They remind us of takeaway treats and pub lunches but with a homemade touch that feels warmer and more satisfying.
In the end, Herby Onion Rings are about celebrating simple cooking done well. They show that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something memorable. With a few onions, some fresh herbs, and a bit of care, Herby Onion Rings become more than just a side dish—they become a talking point, a comfort food, and a reminder of how enjoyable home cooking can be.
Herby Onion Rings
Ingredients
Onion Rings:
- 2 large onions white or brown
- Vegetable oil or sunflower oil, for deep frying
Herby Batter:
- 150 g plain flour
- 1 tbsp cornflour cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves finely chopped
- 200 ml cold water sparkling
Optional coating:
- plain flour Extra for dusting
Instructions
- Peel the onions and slice them into thick rings, about 1 cm wide. Carefully separate the rings and set them aside.2 large onions
- If you prefer a milder flavour, soak the rings in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, cornflour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in the chopped parsley, chives, and thyme.150 g plain flour, 1 tbsp cornflour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, 1 tbsp fresh chives, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Gradually add the cold sparkling water, whisking until you have a smooth batter with the consistency of double cream.200 ml cold water
Deep Fry
- Heat the oil in a deep saucepan or fryer to around 170–180°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a little batter into the oil—it should sizzle and float immediately.Vegetable oil
- For extra crispness, lightly dust the onion rings in plain flour first. Dip each ring into the herby batter, allowing any excess to drip off.plain flour
- Carefully lower the battered onion rings into the hot oil in small batches. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove the Herby Onion Rings with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Season lightly with extra salt while hot.
- Serve the Herby Onion Rings straight away for the best crunch.
Air Fry
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C for about 3 minutes. Arrange the Herby Onion Rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching or overlapping. Good air circulation is key to achieving an even, crisp coating, so cook in batches if necessary rather than overcrowding the basket.
- Air fry the Herby Onion Rings for 8–10 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. After flipping, give them another light spray of oil to encourage even browning. They should be golden, crisp on the outside, and tender inside when done. If they need a little more colour, return them to the air fryer for an extra 1–2 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the Herby Onion Rings from the air fryer and season lightly with salt while they are still hot. Serve immediately, as air-fried onion rings are at their best straight from the basket. This method is ideal if you want a slightly lighter version of Herby Onion Rings without sacrificing their herby flavour and satisfying crunch.
18 comments
A simple idea done well – they taste familiar but feel a bit more special than standard onion rings.
The herbs add a fresh flavour without overpowering the onion, which I really appreciated.
I enjoyed the freshness from the herbs, though I might add a little more seasoning next time.
These Herby Onion Rings disappeared within minutes at our table, always a good sign.
Crunchy, golden, and full of flavour – exactly what you want from onion rings.
Crispy on the outside, sweet and soft inside, with a lovely herby aroma that makes them hard to resist.
Nicely balanced flavours, not greasy, and far more interesting than shop-bought onion rings.
Perfect as a side dish, but honestly good enough to snack on by themselves.
Absolutely delicious – the fresh herbs really lift these onion rings above the usual pub version.
Good flavour overall, though a stronger herb like thyme really stood out more than the others.
I love onion rings but these are even. Water. The herbs add a lovely background hit.
The batter was light and crisp, and the herbs gave each bite a pleasant savoury note.
Simple, satisfying, and versatile, making them a reliable crowd-pleaser every time.
Very tasty, although they are best eaten straight away before they lose their crunch.
Great texture and flavour, especially when served hot with a garlicky dip.
A great alternative to plain onion rings and ideal for serving to guests.
These feel like proper homemade comfort food with a thoughtful twist.
The herbs make them smell amazing while cooking, which builds anticipation nicely.