Air Fryer Onion Strings: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying onion strings. Not only are they healthier, but they also require less oil, create less mess, and are easier to cook with. The result is a crunchy, tasty, and simple snack that can be made with sliced sweet onions and a simple coating.

Onion ring prep

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make onion rings in an air fryer:

• Onion (sweet varieties such as Vidalia, Maui, Walla Walla, or red onions are recommended, but plain white or yellow onions will also work)
• Flour (all-purpose)
• Cornstarch (optional)
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (Panko is recommended for the crispiest results, but regular breadcrumbs will also work)
• Olive oil or another high-oleic frying oil (sunflower oil) (avocado oil, or coconut oil are also recommended)
• Salt
• Spices of your choice (popular choices include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and chili powder)

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Medium-sized bowls (3 or 4)
• Shallow dish
• Whisk
• Cookie spatula or fork
• Paper towels
• Air fryer basket liner (optional)

Method

• Slice the onion into rings. The recommended thickness of the slices varies from 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch.
• In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch (if using), and spices. Whisk until well-combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. If using more than one egg, you may need to use a larger bowl.
• Place the breadcrumbs into a third bowl. If using Panko breadcrumbs, you can drizzle a small amount of oil and mix it in with your fingers to help the coating stick.
• Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, then shake off any excess.
• Dunk the floured onion rings into the egg mixture, ensuring they are completely coated.
• Toss the onion rings in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the breadcrumbs adhere to the onion rings.
• Place the coated onion rings on a rack or large plate. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Drizzle or spray the onion rings with oil.
• Place the onion rings into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Cook at 360-400°F for 6-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the onion rings are golden brown and crisp.
• Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips

• You can freeze any leftover onion rings by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet and placing them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the onion rings to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, place the frozen onion rings directly into the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 4-6 minutes.

Air fryer settings

To make crispy onion strings or onion rings in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to a high temperature. The ideal temperature range is between 370°F and 400°F. Some recipes specify a temperature of 380°F, while others suggest 390°F or 400°F. Preheating the air fryer is important as it helps to reduce the overall cooking time and ensures that your onion strings or rings turn out crispy.

Once preheated, you can place the coated onion slices or rings into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer with a little space around each piece. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the onions in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

The cooking time for onion strings or rings in an air fryer typically ranges from 8 to 15 minutes. For example, one recipe recommends cooking onion strings at 380°F for 14 minutes, while another suggests cooking onion rings for 10 to 15 minutes at 400°F. It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is advisable to keep an eye on the onions during the cooking process to ensure they do not burn.

During the cooking process, it is recommended to shake or flip the onions halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides. Additionally, spraying the onions with cooking oil spray after a few minutes of cooking can help enhance their crispiness and browning. However, it is not necessary to turn or shake the onions during cooking, as they will still crisp up on both sides.

Onion ring cooking

Onion rings are a great snack or side dish, and they're even better when they're homemade. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make delicious, crispy onion rings using an air fryer.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Onions (sweet onions, such as Vidalia, Texas, Maui, or Walla Walla, are recommended)
• Flour (all-purpose)
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture)
• Olive oil (extra-virgin or regular)
• Salt
• Spices (such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or black pepper)
• Optional: buttermilk, milk, vinegar, lemon/lime juice, cooking spray, or your preferred dipping sauce

Preparation

Start by slicing the onions into rings. Cut them into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick slices, then separate the slices into rings.

Dredging

Set up a dredging station with separate bowls for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. You can also add spices to the flour and breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Dip each onion ring first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg, followed by the breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip by repeating the process.

Place the coated onion rings on a plate or baking sheet. If you have time, freezing the breaded onion rings for about 15-30 minutes can help the coating stick better.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F-390°F, depending on your model. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil.

Arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space around each ring to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the onion rings in batches.

Spray or drizzle the onion rings with olive oil or cooking spray. This step will help them turn golden brown and crispy.

Air fry the onion rings for about 8-15 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispness. You might need to flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Serving

Onion rings are best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer. You can serve them as an appetizer or snack, or as a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, or wraps.

For an extra indulgent treat, top them with chili and cheese. Don't forget to serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as Sriracha mayonnaise, ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard dressing.

Enjoy your homemade, crispy onion rings!

Onion ring serving suggestions

Air fryer onion rings are a fun appetizer, snack, or side dish. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a sweet and savory onion flavor. Here are some serving suggestions for these delicious onion rings:

Dipping Sauces

Onion rings are fantastic on their own, but they are also amazing with a variety of dipping sauces. Try serving them with:

• Mayo
• Ketchup
• Tartar sauce
• Vegan ranch
• Creamy chipotle sauce
• Sriracha mayonnaise
• Honey mustard sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Blue cheese dressing

Burgers and Sandwiches

Onion rings make a great side dish for any burger or sandwich. Try serving them with:

• Veggie burgers
• Black bean burgers
• BBQ sandwiches
• Cuban sandwiches
• Slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches
• Hot dogs

Other Snacks and Sides

Onion rings can also be served as part of a larger spread of snacks or side dishes. Some ideas include:

• Garlic parmesan wings
• Chicken fingers
• Popcorn shrimp
• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Cauliflower florets
• Fried pickles
• Fried zucchini
• Fried mushrooms

Onion ring seasoning

Making onion rings in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they turn out nice and crispy. Here are some tips for seasoning your onion rings:

• Salt and Pepper: The most basic seasoning for onion rings is salt and pepper. You can use regular table salt or sea salt, and black pepper is a good option for adding a bit of kick.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is a great way to add savory, umami flavor to your onion rings. It pairs well with the onion and enhances the overall taste.
• Onion Powder: While you're already using onions, adding onion powder can boost the savory flavor of your onion rings. It adds depth and a subtle sweetness.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a nice kick and a beautiful red hue to your onion rings. It pairs well with garlic powder and black pepper.
• Cayenne Pepper: For an extra spicy kick, cayenne pepper is a great choice. It adds a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor without being overpowering.
• Other Spices: You can also experiment with other spices like chili powder, dried oregano, or dried thyme to add unique flavors to your onion rings.

When making onion rings in an air fryer, remember to preheat the air fryer for the best results. The cook time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on the first batch to ensure they don't overcook.

Frequently asked questions