If you love crispy fries, onion rings, and creamy ranch dip, these Crispy Potato Rings with Buttermilk Ranch combine everything you crave into one unforgettable appetizer. Perfectly seasoned potato slices are cut into rings, coated in a crunchy crust, and fried (or baked/air-fried) until golden and crisp. Served with a cool, tangy buttermilk ranch dip, they’re the ultimate party snack or comfort food side dish.

These potato rings are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at game day gatherings, family dinners, or weekend cookouts, they disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Potato Rings

Extra crispy coating

Soft, fluffy potato center
Perfectly seasoned crust
Homemade creamy buttermilk ranch

Great for parties and sharing
Easy to fry, bake, or air fry

They’re like a cross between loaded fries and onion rings, but even better.

What Are Potato Rings?

Potato rings are thick slices of potatoes with the center cut out to create ring shapes. They’re dipped in batter or breading and fried until golden and crispy. The result is:

Crunchy exterior
Tender interior

Perfect dipping shape
Visually impressive presentation

They’re simple but incredibly addictive.

Ingredients for Crispy Potato Rings

For the Potato Rings:

3 large russet potatoes
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Oil for frying

For the Buttermilk Ranch:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream

1/3 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional)

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Russet potatoes are ideal because they:

Have high starch content
Fry up crispy

Stay fluffy inside

Yukon Gold works too but produces a slightly creamier texture.

How to Make Crispy Potato Rings

Step 1: Slice and Cut Rings

Peel potatoes (optional).

Slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
Use a small round cutter to remove the center from each slice.

You’ll have beautiful potato rings ready for coating.

Step 2: Soak the Potatoes

Place rings in cold water for 30 minutes.

This removes excess starch and helps achieve maximum crispiness.

Drain and pat completely dry.

Step 3: Prepare Breading Station

Set up three bowls:

Flour + seasonings
Eggs + buttermilk

Panko breadcrumbs

This three-step coating creates a thick, crispy crust.

Step 4: Coat the Rings

Dip each ring into:

Flour mixture
Egg mixture
Breadcrumbs

Press breadcrumbs firmly to ensure full coating.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

Fry rings in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until:

Deep golden brown
Crispy
Cooked through

Drain on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Air Fryer Method

Spray rings with cooking oil
Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes

Flip halfway

They’ll be slightly lighter but still crispy.

Oven-Baked Method

Bake at 425°F

Place on wire rack
Bake 20–25 minutes

Spray lightly with oil for better browning.

Making the Creamy Buttermilk Ranch

Whisk together:

Mayo
Sour cream

Buttermilk
Dill
Garlic powder

Onion powder
Salt and pepper

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

The flavors deepen beautifully as it chills.

Texture & Flavor Profile

These Crispy Potato Rings offer:

Crunchy, seasoned crust

Tender fluffy potato center
Savory garlic and paprika notes
Cool, tangy ranch contrast

The balance of warm crispiness and cold creamy dip is unbeatable.

Pro Tips for Extra Crispy Potato Rings

1. Dry Potatoes Thoroughly

Moisture prevents crisping.

2. Use Panko Breadcrumbs

They create superior crunch.

3. Maintain Oil Temperature

Too low = greasy
Too high = burned exterior

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Fry in batches.

5. Double Coat for Extra Crunch

Repeat egg and breadcrumb step.

Flavor Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Rings

Add cayenne and Cajun seasoning.

2. Parmesan Garlic Rings

Mix grated Parmesan into breadcrumbs.

3. Ranch-Seasoned Crust

Add dry ranch seasoning to flour.

4. Loaded Potato Rings

Top with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.

Perfect Occasions for Potato Rings

Game day snacks
Backyard BBQs

Family movie night
Holiday appetizers
Party platters

They’re guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Use oven or air fryer at 375°F to restore crispiness.

Avoid microwave — it softens the crust.

Can You Make Them Ahead?

Yes!

Bread the rings and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before frying.

Or freeze breaded rings for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen (add 1–2 minutes cook time).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the soak
Not drying potatoes

Oil too cold
Overcrowding fryer
Underseasoning

Proper seasoning is key for flavor depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the skins on?

Yes — it adds rustic texture.

What oil is best for frying?

Use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Are they kid-friendly?

Absolutely — especially with ranch dip.

Why This Recipe Works

Starchy potatoes create fluffy interior

Three-layer breading ensures crunch
Proper oil temperature prevents sogginess
Creamy ranch balances savory coating

It’s a simple process with high-impact results.

Nutritional Considerations

For a lighter version:

Air fry instead of deep fry

Use Greek yogurt in ranch
Reduce salt
Bake instead of fry

You still get crisp texture with fewer calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside:

Burgers

Grilled chicken
BBQ ribs
Sandwiches

Fresh garden salad

Or make them the star appetizer platter with multiple dipping sauces.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Potato Rings with Buttermilk Ranch are everything you want in a snack: crunchy, savory, comforting, and endlessly dippable. The golden coating paired with creamy ranch creates an irresistible combination that’s perfect for gatherings or indulgent comfort food nights.

Once you try homemade potato rings, regular fries might feel a little ordinary.

Crispy Potato Rings with Buttermilk Ranch (Golden, Crunchy & Irresistible)

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Instructions

Option 1: Baked (healthier)

Prep potatoes: Slice into ¼” rounds, then use a small cookie cutter or knife to make rings. Soak in cold water 10 min; pat dry.

Set up breading: In one bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another, pour buttermilk.
Bread rings: Dip each ring in buttermilk, then flour mixture. Place on a wire rack. Lightly spray both sides with oil.
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

Option 2: Fried (classic crunch)

Follow steps 1–3 above.
Heat 1–2″ oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry rings in batches 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Make ranch:

Whisk all ranch ingredients together. Chill 15+ minutes for best flavor.

💡 Pro Tips:
– For extra crispiness, double-dip: flour → buttermilk → flour again.
– Add cayenne or smoked paprika to the breading for heat.
– Serve immediately—potato rings soften as they cool!

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 4):