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Faux-Fried Onion Rings with Smoky Mayonnaise

These healthy baked onion rings offer all the satisfying crunch of a deep-fried classic without the heavy oil. By soaking large, sweet onions in milk and coating them in a seasoned whole-wheat panko crust, the result is a beautifully golden and crisp vegetarian snack. The oven-baking method ensures they stay light while remaining incredibly flavourful, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a more nutritious alternative to traditional pub food.

Perfect as a savoury starter or a crowd-pleasing side dish, these rings are elevated by a simple yet sophisticated smoky mayonnaise. The addition of liquid smoke and a hint of spice creates a rich dipping sauce that complements the natural sweetness of the onions. Serve them warm from the oven at your next gathering for a homemade treat that feels indulgent yet remains wholesome.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Faux-Fried Onion Rings with Smoky Mayonnaise

  • 4 large Vidalia onions, cut into 1/2-inch-thick-slices

  • 475ml skimmed milk

  • 475ml whole-wheat flour

  • 250g whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs, such as Ian's All-Natural

  • 4 large egg whites

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • Nonstick cooking spray

  • 180ml Rocco's Magnificent Mayonnaise or store- bought reduced- fat mayonnaise such as Hellmann's Low- Fat Mayonnaise Dressing

  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke, such as Stubb's

  • Tabasco sauce

Separate the onions into individual rings. Use only the larger rings for this recipe; reserve the smaller rings for another use. You should have 20 rings total. Lay the rings in a single layer in a large rectangular baking dish. Pour the milk over the rings and allow them to soak for about 20 minutes, turning them once so that all surfaces of the onion rings have been exposed to the milk.

Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Place a wire baking rack on each of two foil-lined baking sheets, and set them aside.

Put the flour in a shallow dish. Put the panko in a small dish. In a large bowl, whip the egg whites with a whisk until they are extremely foamy but not quite holding peaks.

Working in batches, remove the onion rings from the milk and dredge them in the flour, shaking off any excess. Add the rings to the egg whites and toss to coat completely. Add the rings, a few pieces at a time, to the panko and coat completely.

Spread the onion rings out on the wire racks. Season the rings generously with salt and pepper, and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake until the panko is golden brown and crispy and the onions are tender, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and the liquid smoke. Season to taste with Tabasco.

Serve the onion rings with the mayonnaise for dipping.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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