Air Fryer Onion Rings: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Making onion rings in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, with less oil and fewer calories. The process is simple: cut onions into 1/2-inch slices, separate the rings, and dip them into a flour mixture, followed by an egg mixture, and finally into a breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated onion rings in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. You can also freeze cooked onion rings for up to 8 weeks and reheat them in the air fryer.

Choosing the right onion

• Sweetness: Sweet onions, such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, Maui, or Texas onions, are excellent choices for onion rings. They have a softer, milder taste and are not as astringent as other varieties. If you can't find these, a standard yellow onion is a good alternative, as it has a nice balance of sharp and sweet flavours.
• Pungency: White onions have a sharper, more pungent flavour, while red onions are similar to yellow onions but slightly milder. If you don't mind a stronger onion flavour, you can also use yellow onions.
• Size: Larger onions are generally easier to work with when making onion rings. Look for big, sweet onions to make your preparation easier.
• Availability: Depending on your location, certain types of onions may be more readily available than others. Choose an option that is easily accessible and of good quality.
• Personal preference: Ultimately, the type of onion you choose depends on your taste preferences. If you enjoy a stronger onion flavour, you can opt for yellow or white onions. If you prefer a milder taste, sweet onion varieties are a better choice.

When preparing your onions, peel them and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices crosswise. Separate the slices to create rings, and remove the smallest rings for a different use, as they will cook faster than the larger ones.

Preparing the onion for frying

Start by choosing the right type of onion. Large, sweet onions like Vidalias or Walla Wallas are ideal, but you can also use red onions or yellow onions. Peel the onion and cut it into 1/2-inch thick slices. It's important to cut the slices evenly so that the onion rings cook evenly later on. Separate the slices into individual rings.

Next, prepare three shallow bowls for dipping and coating the onion rings. In the first bowl, combine all-purpose flour with seasonings like seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. You can also add a pinch of black pepper or a small amount of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. In the second bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk. You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk or cream if you prefer. In the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs (preferably panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch) with a small amount of vegetable oil or olive oil. You can also add cornmeal to this mixture for a crispier texture.

Now, it's time to dip and coat the onion rings. Start by dipping each onion ring into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. For an even crispier texture, double-dip the onion ring by repeating the process: dip it back into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture again, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.

Place the coated onion rings on a metal baking sheet or a large plate. If you have time, it's a good idea to freeze the coated onion rings for at least 30 minutes before air frying. This helps the coating stick better and results in crispier onion rings.

Once the onion rings are prepared, you can move on to the air frying step. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 350°F to 400°F, and arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the onion rings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray or drizzle with oil, and air fry for about 8 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Making the batter

First, you'll need three or four shallow bowls for dipping. In the first bowl, combine flour with your chosen seasonings. You can use seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, or black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and, if you have it, buttermilk. If not, regular milk or cream will work. In a third bowl, combine your breadcrumbs. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give your onion rings a crunchier texture. For extra crispiness, you can also add some cornmeal to your breadcrumb mixture. You can also add some oil to this mixture and rub it in with your fingers. If you want to get really fancy, you can divide your breadcrumb mixture into two bowls, as the mixture tends to get sticky after a few dips.

Now for the dipping! Take each onion ring and dip it first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, then back in the flour, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat each ring thoroughly and gently press the breadcrumbs to help them adhere.

Once all your onion rings are coated, place them on a metal baking sheet and put them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step is important, so don't skip it! You can even prepare them up to a week in advance and store them in the freezer until you're ready to cook.

Cooking the onion rings

Now that you've got your onion rings prepped, it's time to cook them!

First, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 350°F to 400°F. Check your air fryer's instructions and bear in mind that the cooking time will depend on your model.

Next, arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. If you're using cooking spray, spray the onion rings now.

Then, place the basket in the air fryer and cook until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy. Depending on the temperature and your air fryer model, this should take 8-15 minutes. You may want to flip the onion rings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Once they're golden brown and crispy, remove the onion rings from the air fryer and enjoy! You can sprinkle them with some extra seasoning or serve them with your favourite dipping sauce.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer onion rings are a great snack on their own, but they can also be served as an appetizer or side dish. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces and are perfect for game day or as a party appetizer.

If you're looking to make these onion rings part of a meal, try serving them as a side dish with any burger or sandwich. They would also go well with a variety of other dishes such as veggie burgers, black bean burgers, or BBQ jackfruit sandwiches.

For a healthier option, serve these onion rings with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad. You could also pair them with other air fryer recipes such as air fryer chicken wings, chicken tenders, or French fries.

• Mayo
• Ketchup
• Tartar sauce
• Vegan ranch
• Creamy chipotle sauce
• Sriracha mayonnaise

Frequently asked questions