Air Fryer Gv Onion Rings: Crispy, Golden, And Delicious!

Air fryer onion rings are a tasty, healthier alternative to deep-fried onion rings. They are less greasy, require less oil, and are quicker to cook. This recipe will show you how to make crispy, golden, and tender onion rings in your air fryer.

Choosing the right onion

Variety: The most commonly used onions for onion rings are sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla onions. These onions have a mild and sweet flavour, making them a perfect choice for onion rings. However, you can also use yellow or white onions, which have a stronger flavour and add a nice kick to your rings. Ultimately, the best onion is the one you have available, as any onion can be used to make delicious onion rings.

Size: When it comes to size, bigger is usually better. Large onions provide thicker slices, which can be more satisfying to bite into. They also tend to hold up better during the cooking process, making them easier to work with.

Freshness: Always choose fresh, firm onions with tight, dry skins. Avoid onions that feel soft or show signs of sprouting, as they may have a stronger flavour and won't hold up well during slicing and breading.

Taste: Consider the flavour you want in your onion rings. Sweet onions will give you a mild and sweet taste, while red onions will result in a more potent flavour. If you want a balance of sweetness and sharpness, yellow or white onions are a good choice. You can also soak the onion slices in ice water for 30 minutes to reduce their spiciness.

Storage: If you're not using the onions right away, look for onions that are dry and have their outer skins intact. This helps to prevent moisture loss and sprouting during storage. Store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place to extend their shelf life.

When selecting onions for making air fryer onion rings, remember that the key is to choose fresh, firm onions that suit your preferred flavour profile. Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find the ones that work best for you.

Preparing the coating

Firstly, you'll want to gather your ingredients. For the coating, you'll need all-purpose flour, seasoned salt or regular salt, garlic powder, onion powder (optional), black pepper, eggs, and breadcrumbs (preferably panko for an extra crispy texture). You can also add some cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. If you don't have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but your coating may not be as crunchy.

Next, create your coating station by setting up three separate bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour with your chosen seasonings. You can add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the flour and mix well. This bowl will be the first step in your dredging process.

In the second bowl, prepare your egg wash by beating a couple of eggs. This will act as an adhesive to help the coating stick to the onions. You can also add a little milk or buttermilk to the eggs if you like; this will help the crumbs adhere even better. Whisk the mixture until it is well combined.

For the third bowl, you'll prepare your breadcrumbs. Add the breadcrumbs to the bowl, and if you're using panko, drizzle a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil into the breadcrumbs and rub it in with your fingers. This will help create an extra crispy texture. If you want a more seasoned coating, you can also add additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.

Now that your coating station is set up, you're ready to start dredging and coating your onion rings. Take each onion ring, and dip it first into the flour mixture, making sure it's well coated. Then, dip it into the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the ring so they adhere nicely. You can repeat this process a second time to ensure a thick, crispy coating.

Place the coated onion rings on a plate or a wire rack, leaving a little space between them so they don't stick together. Once all your onion rings are coated, they're ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Dipping the onions

Firstly, prepare your onions by slicing them into rings. The thickness of the slices can vary from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch, depending on your preference. Separate the onion slices into individual rings.

Now, set up your dipping station. You will need several shallow bowls or plates for this process. The exact number of bowls or plates depends on the specific recipe you are following, but generally, you will need at least three.

In the first bowl, combine dry ingredients like flour, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and/or paprika. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch or cornmeal to this mixture if you like.

In the second bowl, prepare an egg wash by whisking together eggs and a liquid such as buttermilk, milk, or cream. You can also add a small amount of flour to this mixture.

The third bowl will contain the breading. Combine panko breadcrumbs, a small amount of oil, and, optionally, cornmeal. It is important to distribute the oil evenly throughout the breadcrumbs, which can be done by mixing with a fork or by rubbing the oil into the breadcrumbs with your fingers.

Some recipes also suggest adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to the breading mixture for extra flavour. You can also divide the breading mixture into two separate bowls, as the wet onion rings will cause the breadcrumbs to clump together.

Now you are ready to start dipping! The exact order of dipping may vary slightly depending on the recipe, but the general process is as follows:

Dip the onion rings into the dry flour mixture first, making sure they are evenly coated. Then, dip them into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the onion rings in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the onion rings.

Some recipes suggest double-dipping the onion rings, meaning you would repeat the process a second time. This will result in an extra-thick and crispy coating.

After dipping, it is recommended to place the onion rings in the freezer for at least 15-30 minutes before air frying. This helps the coating stick to the onions and results in a crispier final product.

And that's it! You are now ready to cook your onion rings in the air fryer. Enjoy!

Cooking the rings

Now that you've got your ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking those onion rings!

Preparing the Onions:

First, you'll want to peel and slice your onions. Aim for a thickness of around 1/2 an inch for your onion slices, and then separate them into rings. If you prefer, you can also remove the thin inner rings for a more uniform look.

Dredging and Coating:

Set up your coating station with three separate bowls. In the first bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper (if using). The second bowl will contain your wet ingredients: eggs, and possibly milk or buttermilk. In the third bowl, place your breadcrumbs, and if you're feeling adventurous, add some extra spices or grated Parmesan cheese to this mixture.

Now, take an onion ring and dip it into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, place the ring into the breadcrumb bowl, pressing the breadcrumbs onto it and flipping to coat both sides. Repeat this process for all your onion rings, placing them on a plate or wire rack as you go.

Preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°F (180-200°C). While it's heating up, lightly coat the air fryer basket or rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket or rack. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray.

Cook at the set temperature for 8-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and desired crispiness. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn, and consider flipping them halfway through for even cooking.

Once they're golden brown and crispy, they're ready to serve! Enjoy them fresh out of the fryer for the ultimate crispiness, and don't forget your favourite dipping sauces!

Serving suggestions

Air fryer onion rings are a fun snack or appetizer and are great on their own, but they can also be served as part of a meal. They are a perfect side dish for any burger or sandwich. Try them with veggie burgers, black bean burgers, BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, or classic burgers. You could also serve them with garlic parmesan wings, or a Cuban sandwich.

If you want to serve them as a snack, they go well with a variety of dips and sauces. Try mayo, ketchup, tartar sauce, vegan ranch, creamy chipotle sauce, or a homemade blue cheese dressing. You could also make a Bloomin' Onion Ring Dipping Sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, horseradish root, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.

Frequently asked questions