Air Fryer Battered Onion Rings: Do They Work?

Battered onion rings can be cooked in an air fryer, and they are a healthier alternative to deep-fried onion rings. The air fryer method is also less messy and easier to manage than traditional deep-frying, which requires monitoring the temperature of the oil and figuring out how to discard it. The air fryer also produces onion rings with a crispy exterior and a sweet and savoury onion flavour that is just as good, if not better, than deep-fried onion rings.

Onion ring batter ingredients

Battering onion rings is a simple process that requires a few basic ingredients. The first step is to slice the onions into rings, preferably 1/2-inch-thick slices. The next step is to prepare the batter. A simple batter can be made by whisking together flour, milk, and eggs. Some recipes suggest adding vegetable oil to this mixture, while others recommend soaking the onion rings in buttermilk or a mixture of egg, buttermilk, and milk before dipping them in the batter. This ensures that the batter sticks to the onion rings. To enhance the flavour of the batter, seasonings such as onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar can be added. The amount of each ingredient can be adjusted to personal preference, but a common ratio is 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of flour, and 1 egg. It is important to whisk the mixture until it reaches a smooth, pancake batter-like consistency.

Some recipes suggest adding baking powder to the batter, which can affect the texture and crispiness of the onion rings. If the batter becomes too thick, milk can be added to thin it out. The type of milk used can also be varied, with options such as soy milk or beer being used as substitutes for regular milk. The batter can also be made with gluten-free flour, such as King Arthur flour, to accommodate dietary restrictions.

After preparing the batter, the onion rings are dipped into the mixture, ensuring that they are evenly coated. This step can be repeated for a thicker coating. The battered onion rings are then placed on a plate or wire rack until the excess batter drips off. This helps to create a crispier final product.

Once the onion rings have been battered, the next step is to coat them in breadcrumbs. This step is optional, as some people prefer their onion rings without a breadcrumb coating. However, the breadcrumbs add a crispy, crunchy texture to the final product. Panko breadcrumbs are commonly used, as they create a nice crispy coating. The battered onion rings are dipped into the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.

How to coat onion rings

To coat onion rings, you can follow a few simple steps. First, cut the onions into slices about 1/2-inch thick, then separate these into rings. You can then dip the rings into a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add an egg to this mixture to help the coating stick. After dipping the rings in the flour mixture, dunk them in buttermilk to coat them fully. Finally, for an extra crunchy texture, coat the rings in panko breadcrumbs. You can season the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and olive oil for added flavour. Make sure the onion rings are evenly and thoroughly coated to prevent the batter from falling off during frying.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The ideal temperature for cooking battered onion rings in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F (approximately 177°C to 200°C). At this temperature, you can expect your onion rings to be ready in 8 to 11 minutes. However, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of onion rings you're cooking.

When cooking battered onion rings in an air fryer, it's best to arrange them in a single layer, without overlapping, to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the onion rings in multiple batches. If you're cooking a large number of onion rings, it's recommended to flip them over halfway through the cooking process to promote even cooking and prevent them from sticking to the basket.

For frozen battered onion rings, the cooking time will be slightly longer, ranging from 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). It's important to preheat the air fryer before adding the frozen onion rings to ensure even cooking. Again, flipping the onion rings halfway through the cooking process is crucial for achieving the desired crispness.

The key to achieving the perfect crispy texture and golden-brown color lies in the combination of temperature and duration. While a higher temperature of around 400°F (200°C) is suitable for most recipes, adjusting the temperature slightly up or down based on your air fryer's performance and your personal preference is recommended. Similarly, the cooking duration can vary from 2 to 11 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness and the type of onion rings being used (fresh or frozen).

How to serve onion rings

Battered onion rings can be cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer method is super simple and easy. It requires no standing over a pot of hot oil and no monitoring of the temperature of the oil. The air fryer also cuts down on the cook time and results in the crispiest onion rings possible.

Now, coming to the serving part, onion rings are a tasty and popular snack. They can be served with a variety of dishes and sides. Here are some ways to serve onion rings:

As a Side Dish:

Onion rings can be served as a side dish with any burger or sandwich. They go well with veggie burgers, black bean burgers, and BBQ jackfruit sandwiches. They can also be served as a topping on burgers.

With Dips:

Onion rings can be served with various dips such as mayo, ketchup, tartar sauce, vegan ranch, or creamy chipotle sauce. They can also be served with Sriracha mayonnaise or any other favourite dipping sauce.

With Main Courses:

Onion rings can be served alongside a variety of main courses. Some options include:

• Chicken tenders: Juicy chicken tenders pair well with onion rings, and the onion rings can even work as a great substitute for fries.
• Pulled pork sandwiches: The crispy onion rings complement the soft pork and bun, creating a perfect harmony of flavours.
• Steak: Onion rings can be a great side dish to a steak dinner.
• Fish/Seafood: Onion rings can add a nice crunch to a grilled fish or seafood dish.

With Other Sides:

Onion rings can be served with other side dishes such as French fries, stuffed mushrooms, baked ziti, coleslaw, or garlic bread.

As a Topping:

Onion rings can be used as a topping on mashed potatoes or potato casserole.

With a Salad:

Onion rings can be served with a variety of salads such as a creamy corn salad or a Caesar salad.

With a Hearty Meal:

Onion rings can be part of a hearty meal, such as a burger and potato casserole combination.

So, there you have it! Plenty of ways to serve onion rings to elevate your meal or snack time!

Onion types for air frying

Air-fried onion rings are a great snack, side dish, or topping for burgers and sandwiches. They are healthier, quicker, and easier to make than deep-fried onion rings. You can use a variety of onions for air frying, including yellow onions, which are commonly used in biryani recipes.

When making onion rings, it is important to cut the onions into 1/2-inch-thick slices before separating them into rings. You can also use a mandoline to get evenly sliced onions. The type of onion you use will depend on your preference for colour, flavour, and size. For example, red onions have a mild flavour and are smaller in size compared to other varieties. They also have a deeper colour, which can add a vibrant touch to your dish. White onions are another option and are known for their sharp, pungent flavour. They are typically larger in size and have a more intense taste. White onions can be a good choice if you want your onion rings to have a stronger onion flavour.

Sweet onions, such as the Walla Walla or Vidalia varieties, are also a great choice for air frying. They have a mild, sweet flavour and are less pungent than other types of onions. If you're looking for a more unique option, you can try air frying spring onions or scallions. They have a milder flavour and a more delicate texture compared to regular onions. Spring onions can add a nice touch of freshness to your dish.

Additionally, you can experiment with different types of breading and seasonings to enhance the flavour and texture of your air-fried onion rings. Some people prefer to use buttermilk, flour, and panko breadcrumbs, while others may opt for a gluten-free flour or regular breadcrumbs. You can also add spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the breading for an extra kick of flavour.

Frequently asked questions