Ingredients:

  • 2 large Ripe Avocados (Hass), mashed
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice
  • 2 Tbsp Red Onion, finely minced
  • 1 tsp Jalapeño, finely minced (seeds removed)
  • 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 cup Cream Cheese, softened (Optional Binder)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Coriander (Cilantro), chopped
  • 1 large Yellow or Spanish Onion, sliced into 1 cm rings
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 2 large Eggs, whisked
  • 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs
  • Cooking Spray or Neutral Oil (for baking)
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream or Greek Yoghurt (for crema)
  • 1 Tbsp Lime Juice (for crema)
  • 1 tsp Lime Zest (for crema)
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder (for crema)
  • Pinch of Salt and Pepper (for crema)

Instructions:

  1. Peel and slice the large onion into rings approximately 1 cm (1/2 inch) thick. Separate the rings and reserve only the largest, sturdiest exterior rings.
  2. Prepare the Guacamole Filling: In a bowl, combine mashed avocados, lime juice, red onion, jalapeño, salt, coriander, and optional cream cheese. Mash until chunky but slightly smooth.
  3. Stuff the Rings: Transfer the guacamole mixture into a piping bag. Pipe the guacamole carefully and evenly into the reserved onion rings, ensuring the filling is dense and flush with the sides.
  4. Initial Freeze: Place the stuffed rings onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for a minimum of 2 hours, or until completely rock hard. This step is crucial.
  5. Set Up Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes: 1) Seasoned Flour, 2) Whisked Eggs, 3) Panko Breadcrumbs.
  6. Coat Quickly: Working fast, coat the frozen rings in flour, then dip completely in the egg wash, and finally press firmly into the Panko Breadcrumbs, ensuring a complete coating.
  7. Final Freeze: Return the breaded rings to the baking sheet and freeze for an additional 30 minutes to set the crust.
  8. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly spray the frozen rings with cooking oil.
  9. Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until deeply golden brown and crispy. (If using an air fryer, cook at 190°C (375°F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.)
  10. Prepare Crema: While the rings cook, whisk together the sour cream/yogurt, lime juice, zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for the dipping sauce.
  11. Serve immediately after a brief rest, served hot with the Zesty Lime Crema.