Why do you soak onions in ice water before making onion rings?

Soaking onions in ice water helps tame their bite and brings out natural sweetness. For bacon-wrapped onion rings , this step also firms up the rings so they hold their shape while wrapping and baking. The result is crisp on the outside, tender on the inside.

Do you put bacon before or after onion?

Always start with the onion ring and wrap the bacon around it. The onion forms the base, and bacon acts as the crunchy, flavorful wrap. In bacon-wrapped onion rings , the bacon must go on the outside to crisp properly and hold everything together.

How do you keep batter from falling off onion rings?

While this recipe skips traditional batter, the principle still matters. Dry the onions thoroughly and chill the bacon so it sticks well. If you're adding a glaze, wait until the final minutes of cooking to avoid sogginess. This keeps bacon-wrapped onion rings crisp and intact.

Why are Sonic’s onion rings so sweet?

Sonic uses sweet onions and reportedly dips them in a sweet milk and flour mixture before frying. That’s why they have a caramelized flavor. Our bacon-wrapped onion rings get their sweetness from the onion itself and any glaze you might use—like maple or BBQ sauce.

Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings – Ultimate Crispy Delight (2025)

Name: Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings That Break the Internet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla); 16–20 slices bacon (regular cut); Toothpicks (optional); Maple syrup or BBQ glaze (optional); Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Description

Thick sweet onions wrapped in smoky bacon and baked or air-fried until perfectly crispy—these Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings are the ultimate savory snack. Great for parties, game days, or just because.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla)

16–20 slices bacon (regular cut)

Toothpicks (optional)

Maple syrup or BBQ glaze (optional)

Chopped green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Peel and slice onions into ½-inch thick rings. Select largest rings.

2. Soak rings in ice water for 20 minutes. Pat dry completely.

3. Wrap each onion ring tightly with 1–2 slices of bacon, overlapping edges.

4. Secure with toothpicks if needed. Brush with maple syrup or glaze if using.

5. Place on baking sheet or in air fryer. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

6. Remove when bacon is crisp and golden. Garnish and serve hot.

Notes

Use cold bacon for easier wrapping.

Avoid thick-cut bacon—it takes too long to cook.

Serve with chipotle aioli, ranch, or sriracha mayo.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer, Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 rings
Calories: 220
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 410mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 30mg