Introduction
Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, these Kentucky beer-battered onion rings are grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. The rich batter, infused with a malty Kentucky ale, creates a crunchy exterior while keeping the onions tender and sweet inside. Unlike deep-frying, grilling these onion rings on the Arteflame flat cooktop ensures a perfectly even crispness with no risk of burning. Perfect as a side or snack, these onion rings are bound to become a favorite at your next cookout.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet onions, cut into thick rings
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cold Kentucky ale
- 1 large egg
- Butter, for grilling
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Pour vegetable oil on three napkins and place them in the grill.
- Stack firewood on top of the napkins.
- Light the napkins and let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and ready.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and slowly add the Kentucky ale.
- Gradually whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a smooth batter is formed.
Step 3: Coat the Onion Rings
- Dip each onion ring into the batter, ensuring a thick and even coat.
- Let excess batter drip off before placing them on the grill.
Step 4: Grill the Onion Rings
- Add butter to the flat cooktop of the Arteflame.
- Place the battered onion rings onto the hot surface near the center for a high-heat sear.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and crispy.
- Move them toward the cooler edges of the cooktop if needed to prevent overcooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the onion rings from the grill and season with salt.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips
- Keep the beer cold to ensure a light and crispy batter.
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best flavor.
- Cook in small batches so each ring gets evenly crisped.
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne and a dash of hot sauce to the batter for heat lovers.
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Cheesy Delight: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese for a savory depth of flavor.
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Herb Infused: Stir in chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
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Smoky Bourbon: Replace half of the beer with bourbon for a rich Southern touch.
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Honey Mustard: Drizzle with honey mustard sauce for a sweet and tangy finish.
Best Pairings
- Grilled ribeye steak seared at 1,000°F on the Arteflame.
- Spicy grilled wings with smoky barbecue sauce.
- Kentucky bourbon glaze burgers.
- A cold pint of Kentucky ale.
Conclusion
Grilling Kentucky beer-battered onion rings on the Arteflame enhances their irresistible crispiness without deep-frying. This method delivers a perfectly golden bite every time, making them a fantastic addition to any outdoor feast. Try different variations to keep things exciting, and enjoy these deliciously crispy rings at your next gathering.