Air Fryer Battered Onion Rings: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they can be used to make battered onion rings that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The process is simple: cut an onion into slices, dip the slices in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and then place them in the air fryer for 8 to 15 minutes. The result is a delicious snack or side dish that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.

How to make battered onion rings in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet onion
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal (optional)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Method:

• Peel and cut the onion into 1/2-inch thick slices. Separate the slices into rings.
• Combine flour, seasoned salt, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Whisk eggs in another bowl until they are frothy. Stir breadcrumbs, oil, and cornmeal in a third bowl.
• Dip each ring into the eggs, then the flour, then back into the eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
• Once all rings are coated, spray each with cooking spray.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the onion rings in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to work in batches.
• Fry for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with seasoned salt or your choice of sauce.
• Enjoy!

Tips:

• Large, sweet onions like Vidalias or Walla Wallas are best for onion rings.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can use cream or milk.
• If you don't have Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will also work.
• For extra crispiness, spray the onion rings with cooking oil spray halfway through cooking.
• You can freeze any leftover onion rings in a zipper bag for up to 8 weeks and cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer.

The best onions to use for onion rings

When it comes to choosing the best onions for your onion rings, it ultimately depends on your taste preferences and what's available to you. Here are some popular options:

Sweet Onions

Sweet onion varieties such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, Maui, Texas, or other local sweet onions are excellent choices for onion rings. These onions have a softer, milder, and sweeter taste compared to other types. They are less astringent, making them a good option if you prefer a more subtle onion flavour.

Yellow Onions

Yellow onions are a versatile option, offering a nice balance of sharp and sweet flavours. The longer you cook them, the sweeter they become. Yellow onions are a good middle ground if you want a bit of onion kick without being too overpowering.

White Onions

White onions have a sharper, more pungent flavour. They are a good choice if you want your onion rings to have a more distinct onion taste.

Red Onions

Red onions are similar in flavour to yellow onions but are slightly milder. They offer a good balance without being too strong.

Other Considerations

While the type of onion is important, other factors can also affect the taste and texture of your onion rings.

• Size: Choose larger onions to make slicing and ring formation easier.
• Thickness: For even cooking, aim for a thickness of around 1/2 inch or slightly more.
• Soaking: Soaking onion rings in buttermilk or ice water before cooking can help tone down the sharpness of the onion and add flavour.
• Flour Coating: Before dipping in batter, coat the onion rings in flour. This provides a textured surface for the batter to adhere to, ensuring it doesn't fall off during frying.

Feel free to experiment with different onion varieties to find the taste and texture you like best!

The best breadcrumbs to use for onion rings

Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for creating a crispy, crunchy coating on onion rings. They are made from bread without crusts, which are then dried and ground into flakes. This coarser texture gives a more satisfying bite to the onion rings.

Panko breadcrumbs are also favoured for their ability to absorb less oil, resulting in a healthier and less greasy snack. They are also said to yield a lighter and crispier texture when compared to traditional breadcrumbs.

For a gluten-free option, gluten-free panko breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute. Traditional breadcrumbs can also be used, as they still provide a crunchy texture and are a good option if that is what you have available.

For the best results when making onion rings, it is recommended to follow a specific process: first, dip the onion rings in flour, then in an egg wash, and finally, coat them with the breadcrumbs. This ensures the breadcrumbs adhere well to the onion rings and creates a delicious, crispy texture.

How to make onion rings in an air fryer without them falling apart

Making onion rings in an air fryer can be a fun and healthier alternative to deep-frying. Here are some tips to ensure your onion rings don't fall apart:

Choose the Right Onion:

Select large, sweet onions such as Vidalias or Walla Wallas. These onions tend to be sweeter and flatter than other varieties, making them ideal for onion rings.

Prepare the Onion Slices:

Cut the onions into 1/2-inch thick slices. The thickness is important to ensure the onion rings don't fall apart. Then, carefully separate the slices into individual rings.

Create a Breading Station:

Set up three shallow bowls for dipping and coating the onion rings. In the first bowl, combine flour with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. You can also add a bit of cornstarch to this mixture for extra crispness. The second bowl should contain a liquid mixture of buttermilk or milk, and eggs. You can also add a bit of flour to this mixture to help with binding. The third bowl should contain breadcrumbs, preferably panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. Season the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil, and mix well.

Dredge and Coat:

Now, it's time to coat the onion rings. First, dip the onion rings in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dunk them in the liquid mixture to coat evenly, and shake off any excess again. Finally, toss them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the onion rings.

Freeze the Coated Onion Rings:

Arrange the breaded onion rings on a baking sheet or plate and place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as it helps the coating stick to the onion rings and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, so you may need to experiment to find the ideal setting for your air fryer.

Cook the Onion Rings:

Place the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the onion rings in batches. Lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray, and then air fry for 8 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip the onion rings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the onion rings from the air fryer and sprinkle them with salt or your favorite seasoning. Serve them hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as Sriracha mayonnaise, tartar sauce, or a simple combination of mayo, ketchup, and horseradish.

By following these steps, you should be able to enjoy delicious, crispy onion rings from your air fryer without them falling apart!

How to make onion rings spicy

Yes, you can make battered onion rings in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make spicy battered onion rings:

Ingredients:

• 1 large yellow onion
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil
• Optional: Sriracha mayonnaise for dipping

Instructions:

• Slice the onion into 1/2-inch-thick rings. Separate the slices into individual rings.
• Set up three bowls for dredging:

• Bowl 1: Place 1/2 cup of flour for dusting.
• Bowl 2: Combine 1/2 cup of flour, milk, and egg. Whisk until a batter forms.
• Bowl 3: Add the panko breadcrumbs.

• To make the batter spicy, add the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to Bowl 2. Whisk to combine.
• Coat each onion ring in flour from Bowl 1. Then, dip them into the spicy batter in Bowl 2. Finally, coat them in the panko breadcrumbs from Bowl 3. Ensure each ring is well-coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Arrange the battered onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.
• Drizzle olive oil generously over the onion rings. Air fry for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Sprinkle the onion rings with salt and serve hot.
• Optional: For an extra spicy kick, serve with Sriracha mayonnaise for dipping.

Frequently asked questions