Air Fryer Onion Rings: A Crunchy, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, and they can be used to make crispy onion rings with minimal oil. The process is simple: cut onions into rings, dip them in a flour mixture, coat them in an egg wash, and then cover them in breadcrumbs before air frying. The result is a tasty snack or side dish that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Onion ring prep: slicing and separating

The first step to making onion rings in an air fryer is to prepare your onions. You'll want to start with a large, sweet onion, such as a Vidalia or yellow onion. Avoid red onions, as they can be too strong in flavour for this recipe. Cut off the non-root end of the onion, peel it, and then slice it into rings. The thickness of the slices will depend on your preference, but most recipes suggest slices between 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin to get even slices.

Once you have your sliced onion, separate each slice to make individual rings. This will ensure that your onion rings have a nice, round shape when fried. Some recipes suggest removing the thin membrane from the onion slices to help the batter stick better.

If you're making a large batch, you can prepare the onion rings ahead of time and store them in the freezer. Place the breaded rings in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen solid, transfer the onion rings to a zip-top freezer bag for storage. They'll stay fresh for up to two months.

Now that your onions are sliced and separated, you're ready to move on to the next step of breading and frying your onion rings!

The dredge: flour, cornstarch, and seasoning

The dredge is an important step in the process of making crispy onion rings in an air fryer. It involves coating the onion rings in a mixture of dry ingredients, which helps to create a delicious crispy texture and adds flavour to the final dish. Here is a detailed guide to the dredge process:

Firstly, you will need to prepare the dredge mixture. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch and your chosen seasonings. You can season the dredge with a variety of spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. Some popular options include seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. You can also add in a little baking powder, which will help to create a lighter texture. Mix the dry ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps.

The purpose of the flour in the dredge is to create a base layer that will help the subsequent coatings adhere to the onion rings. It also adds a little extra crispness to the final dish. Cornstarch, meanwhile, helps to create an extra-crispy texture and ensures the coatings stay in place. It is important to note that the cornstarch should be used in a smaller quantity than the flour. A ratio of around 1:4 cornstarch to flour works well.

Once you have prepared your dredge mixture, you are ready to start coating your onion rings. Before you begin, ensure your onions are sliced to the desired thickness (usually around 1/2-inch thick) and separated into rings. Then, simply dip each onion ring into the dredge mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Gently shake off any excess dredge before moving on to the next step.

It is important to work with one onion ring at a time and to coat them thoroughly and systematically. This will ensure that each onion ring has an even, crispy coating. Depending on your chosen recipe, the next step after the dredge may involve dipping the onion rings in an egg wash, buttermilk, or milk mixture. This will help the final coating of breadcrumbs stick to the onion rings.

By following these steps and customising your dredge with your preferred seasonings, you can create delicious, crispy onion rings with a flavour profile that suits your taste. The dredge is a key step in achieving the perfect texture and flavour, so it is worth taking your time to ensure each onion ring is thoroughly and evenly coated.

The dip: egg, buttermilk, and breadcrumbs

The dip is a crucial step in the process of making crispy, crunchy, and addictive onion rings. This step involves coating the onion rings in a wet mixture, which will help the breadcrumbs stick and create a delicious, golden crust. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare and use the dip effectively:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients:

• Eggs
• Buttermilk (or milk/cream)
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch (optional)
• Baking powder (optional)
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Cornmeal (optional)

Preparation

Before you begin, make sure you have three separate bowls for the flour mixture, the egg mixture, and the breadcrumbs.

The flour mixture: In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. You can also add seasonings like seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or black pepper to enhance the flavour. Whisk or stir the ingredients together until they are well combined.

The egg mixture: In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. You can use one or two eggs, depending on the quantity of onion rings you're making. Then, stir in the buttermilk (or milk/cream). If you're using regular milk, you can add a little vinegar to create a similar tanginess to buttermilk.

The breadcrumbs: In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil or vegetable oil. Use your fingers to rub the oil into the breadcrumbs. This step ensures that the breadcrumbs will stick to the onion rings and create a crispy texture. You can also add some cornmeal to the breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Additionally, you can season the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Dipping the Onion Rings

Now that your dips are ready, it's time to coat the onion rings:

• Take each onion ring and dip it into the flour mixture first. Make sure it's well coated, and then tap off any excess flour.
• Next, dunk the floured onion ring into the egg mixture. Ensure it's completely coated, and then shake off any excess.
• Finally, toss the onion ring in the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the onion ring to ensure they adhere well.
• Place the breaded onion rings on a rack or a large plate while you prepare the rest.

By following these steps, you'll create a delicious and crispy coating on your onion rings. This dip method ensures that the breadcrumbs stick to the onion rings effectively, resulting in a crunchy and flavourful treat.

Air fryer settings: temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for air-frying onion rings depend on the model of your air fryer. The optimal temperature for air-frying onion rings is between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time varies between 8 to 15 minutes.

Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 390ºF before adding the onion rings. However, this is not mandatory, as some air fryers do not require preheating.

It is important to cook the onion rings in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the onion rings in 2-3 batches.

For best results, arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space around each ring. You can place smaller rings inside bigger ones as long as they don't touch.

The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is important to keep an eye on the onion rings during the cooking process. They are ready when they turn golden brown and crispy.

For thicker onion rings, you may need to increase the cooking time accordingly. It is recommended to flip the onion rings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.

Dipping sauces: mayo, ketchup, Sriracha, and more

There are many different sauces that can be used for dipping onion rings, each with its own unique flavour. Here are some ideas:

Mayo-Based Sauces

Mayo is a classic dipping sauce for onion rings and can be enhanced with the addition of various spices and sauces. For example, a simple combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, paprika, and Cajun seasoning creates a creamy and flavorful sauce with a kick of spice. You can also add a touch of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavour.

For a spicy kick, Sriracha mayonnaise is a great option. You can make your own by whisking together mayonnaise, Sriracha, and a pinch of salt.

Another option is to create a sauce with mayonnaise, horseradish root, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. This sauce has a tangier flavour and can be adjusted with additional spices to suit your taste.

Ketchup

Ketchup is a sweet and tangy option that can be used on its own or as a base for other sauces. It is a key ingredient in the onion ring sauce mentioned above, which combines ketchup with mayonnaise, paprika, and Cajun seasoning.

Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is a great option for those who enjoy a creamy and tangy dipping sauce. It pairs well with the crispy and savoury flavours of onion rings.

Creamy Chipotle Sauce

For those who enjoy a smoky and spicy flavour, creamy chipotle sauce is an excellent choice. It adds a nice kick to the onion rings without being overpowering.

Frequently asked questions