I love onion rings... but I really, really hate to make them because I don't like dredging anything in egg, flour, milk, cornmeal, etc. I don't know why, but the dipping and dredging process irks me and I can't stand to do it.
Still, to get the flavor of good, fresh onion rings, sometimes I do. And in the meantime I keep looking out for the 'perfect' batter recipe. I haven't found it yet... but this one is close. I think you could also try this for fried zucchini pieces and shrimp batter as well!
1/2 c milk
1/2 c flour
1/2 t salt
1/2 t sugar
1/2 t pepper
1/2 t cayenne pepper
1/2 t garlic salt
1 onion,cut into thin rings
1/2 c flour
1/2 c corn meal
1 t garlic salt
Mix the milk, flour and seasonings. Place the onions in the batter and stir gently to cover. Let set 30 minutes. Mix the remaining flour,cornmeal and garlic salt in another bowl. Remove onions from batter, dredge in the flour/cornmeal mix and deep fry until golden brown and crisp (about 3-5 minutes).