Air-Fryer Onion Rings: A Healthy, Crispy Treat?

Yes, you can put onion rings in an air fryer! In fact, it's a healthier alternative to deep-frying them, and they'll still come out crispy and crunchy. You can use a variety of onions, but sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are recommended for their mild, sweet flavour. If you're short on time, you can even make frozen onion rings in the air fryer.

Onion ring prep: slicing, dredging, and coating

Slicing

First, peel and slice your onions into 1/2-inch-thick slices or rounds. You can also slice them into 1/4-inch slices if you prefer thinner onion rings. Separate the slices into individual rings. Sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, are ideal, but yellow, red, or white onions will also work.

Dredging and Coating

Set up a breading station with three bowls or shallow dishes. In the first bowl, place flour, and in the second, beat one or two eggs. You can also add milk to the egg wash, or even a splash of vinegar or hot sauce for some extra kick. For a thicker coating, add some flour to the egg mixture. In the third bowl, prepare the coating by mixing breadcrumbs with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, or cayenne pepper. You can also add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy crust.

Now you're ready to dredge and coat the onion rings. First, dip each onion ring into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy exterior, double-dip the onion rings by repeating the process. Place the coated onion rings on a plate or baking sheet until you're ready to fry them.

Air fryer settings and cooking times

For example, one source recommends preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for frozen onion rings, while another suggests preheating to 390ºF.

When cooking from scratch, most recipes suggest a temperature setting between 370°F and 400°F. However, one source recommends heating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is higher than the other suggested temperatures.

Cooking times will also vary depending on the model of your air fryer. For frozen onion rings, cooking times range from 4 to 20 minutes. For homemade onion rings, the cooking time is generally between 8 and 15 minutes.

It is important to note that you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer. This will ensure even cooking and the crispiest onion rings possible.

Onion types and alternatives

Onion rings are a versatile snack, and you can use any type of onion you want, depending on your taste preferences and availability. Here are some common types of onions used for onion rings:

• White onions – These have a sharper and more pungent flavour.
• Yellow onions – They offer a nice balance of sharp and sweet flavours, becoming even sweeter the longer they are cooked.
• Sweet onions – Varieties include Vidalia, Texas, Maui, and Walla Walla. These onions are less astringent and have a softer, sweeter taste.
• Red onions – These are similar in flavour to yellow onions but are slightly milder.

When making onion rings, it is important to cut the onions into slices of consistent thickness, so they cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. The slices should be around 1/2-inch thick, and you can separate the larger outer rings from the smaller inner rings, which will cook faster.

For the batter, a simple combination of milk, flour, and egg works well. You can also add various seasonings to enhance the flavour, such as onion powder, brown sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or garlic powder.

If you are looking for alternatives to deep frying, you can try oven-baked onion rings, which are a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the battered onion slices for around 20 minutes until crispy. Another option is to use an air fryer, which is easier and less messy than deep frying. Air-fried onion rings are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a sweet and savoury onion flavour.

Dips and sauces

Air fryer onion rings are a great snack on their own, but they go well with a variety of dips and sauces. Here are some ideas to elevate your onion rings:

Classic Options

You can't go wrong with the classics! Ketchup, mayo, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing are always great choices for onion rings.

Spicy Twists

For a spicy kick, try sriracha mayo or mix some sriracha sauce into your egg mixture when making the onion rings.

Gourmet Choices

If you're feeling fancy, you can whisk up some toasted marshmallow dip or honey mustard dip to impress your guests.

Simple Condiments

Keep it simple with some tartar sauce or vegan ranch.

Burger Sauce

Try a basic 'fry sauce' by mixing mayo, ketchup, horseradish, salt, and pepper for a sauce that's perfect with onion rings and burgers.

Customizable Options

You can also customize your dips by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.

Storage and reheating

Storing Air-Fried Onion Rings

If you're storing your onion rings in the fridge, let them cool down to room temperature first, so they don't get soggy. Then, pop them into an airtight container, separating each ring with some parchment or wax paper so they don't stick together. They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Air-Fried Onion Rings

Freezing your onion rings is not recommended, as they will lose their crunch when you defrost them.

Reheating Air-Fried Onion Rings in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is the best way to reheat onion rings and bring back their crispy texture. Here are some steps to follow:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding and soggy spots.
• Reheat in batches if you have a lot of onion rings.
• Reheat for about 3 to 4 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket gently or use tongs to flip the onion rings over for even heating.
• Check if the onion rings are warm throughout and have regained their crispy texture.

Reheating Frozen Onion Rings in an Air Fryer

If you're reheating frozen onion rings, put them directly in the air fryer without thawing, as this will help maintain their texture. They might take a bit longer, around 5-6 minutes.

Tips for Maintaining Crispiness

• Avoid overcooking the onion rings, and make sure they are in a single layer so they reheat quickly and evenly.
• If your onion rings have become soggy in the fridge, the air fryer can help bring back the crunch, but be careful not to overcook them.
• Stick to a temperature of 350°F and adjust the time depending on the thickness of your onion rings.
• Gently shaking the basket halfway through is crucial for even reheating.

Creative Serving Ideas for Reheated Onion Rings

• Serve with classic dips like ketchup, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo, or get creative with tangy barbecue sauce or spicy sriracha mayo.
• Serve as a side dish with a gourmet burger or sandwich, adding a crispy texture to your meal.
• Use as a topping on a salad, chili, or soup for a crunchy element.
• Make bite-sized sliders by sandwiching the reheated onion rings between mini burger buns or slider rolls, and add your choice of toppings.

Frequently asked questions