Air Fryer Onion Rings: How Good Are They?

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep fryers, and they can be used to make onion rings. The process is simple: cut an onion into thick slices, separate the slices into rings, dredge them in flour, and dip them in an egg wash before covering them in breadcrumbs. Then, place the onion rings in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes, and you're done! This method produces crispy onion rings without the mess and guilt of deep-frying.

How to slice onions for air fryer onion rings

To make onion rings in an air fryer, you'll first need to slice the onions into rings. Most recipes recommend cutting the onions into 1/2-inch-thick slices, but some suggest 2-inch-thick slices for larger rings. Separate the onion slices into individual rings. If you prefer smaller rings, you can cut the onions accordingly.

Once you have your onion slices, you can move on to the dredging and coating process, which typically involves a standard breading procedure with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. However, some recipes include additional steps for a thicker coating.

• Peel the onions and cut off their ends.
• Slice the onions into rings of your desired thickness (1/2-inch or 2-inch thick).
• Separate the onion slices into individual rings.
• If you want smaller rings, you can cut the onions to your desired size.

The best onions for air fryer onion rings

Air fryer onion rings are a section of a healthy, tasty treat that you can make at home. They are crispy, tender, and packed with flavour.

You can also use white or red onions, but keep in mind that their sharper and more pungent taste may not pair as well with the breading.

When preparing the onions, cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices and separate them into rings. This thickness will ensure that the onion rings are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Now that you know the best onions to use, you're ready to make some delicious air fryer onion rings!

How to coat onions for air fryer onion rings

To coat onions for air fryer onion rings, you will need to follow a few simple steps. First, peel and slice the onions into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. You can use a variety of onions, such as sweet yellow onions like Vidalias, Walla Wallas, or Maui onions, or even white or red onions. Separate the onion slices into rings.

Next, prepare three separate bowls for dredging. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, and optionally, salt, onion powder, and/or paprika. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and, if desired, milk. In the third bowl, add the breadcrumbs and, if desired, a seasoning blend or olive oil.

Now, you are ready to start coating the onion rings. First, dip the onion ring into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture. Finally, coat the ring with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere. Repeat this process for each onion ring.

For an extra crispy exterior, you can double-dredge the onion rings by repeating the process a second time. Place the coated onion rings on a baking sheet or large plate. If desired, you can freeze the coated onion rings at this stage and cook them later.

How long to cook air fryer onion rings

Air fryer onion rings are a quick and easy snack that can be made in large batches and stored for later. The cooking time depends on the type of onion ring and the desired level of crispiness.

For frozen onion rings, the cooking time is significantly shorter than that of homemade onion rings. Frozen onion rings can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 4 minutes. However, some sources suggest cooking them for up to 15 minutes for a crispier texture. It is recommended to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

For homemade onion rings, the cooking process is more intricate and time-consuming. The onions must first be sliced and dredged in a flour mixture, followed by an egg wash, and then coated with breadcrumbs. The coated onion rings are then arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cooked at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for 8 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and personal preferences for crispiness.

How to reheat air fryer onion rings

To reheat air fryer onion rings, you can follow the same process as cooking them, but at a lower temperature. Set your air fryer to between 325°F and 350°F. Place the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat them for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are warm and crispy. Flip them halfway through to ensure even heating.

It is important to note that the reheating time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the onion rings to ensure they don't burn.

Additionally, if you have any leftover onion rings, it is best to store them in an airtight container, separated by parchment or wax paper, and keep them in the fridge. They should remain fresh for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as they tend to lose their crunch.

Frequently asked questions