Air-Fryer Onion Rings: The Perfect Crispy Bargain

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they can be used to make crispy onion bhajis, onion rings, or simply crispy onions to add to other dishes. To make onion bhajis, you'll need to slice onions very thinly, add spices and flour, and shape the mixture into small balls before air frying. For onion rings, you'll need to cut onions into thick slices, separate them into rings, and dredge them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before air frying. If you simply want crispy onions, slice an onion thinly, toss with oil and salt, and air fry in batches until golden brown.

Choosing the right onions

Sweet onions, such as Vidalias, Walla Wallas, Texas, Maui, or yellow sweet onions, are the best choice for making onion rings. They have a sweet and mild flavour, and they are usually flatter than other onions, making them easier to slice into rings. These onions also have a lower water content, which helps to reduce the amount of moisture in the air fryer, ensuring a crispier end result.

White and yellow onions are not recommended for this recipe as they have a sharp and pungent taste that can be overpowering.

When selecting your onions, look for those that are firm and have smooth, dry skins. Avoid onions with soft spots or sprouting, as these are signs that the onion is past its prime and may not taste as fresh.

For the best results, use large onions, as they will yield more rings and provide a more substantial bite. However, if you only have smaller onions on hand, you can still use them, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Once you've selected the perfect onions, slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds, and separate them into individual rings. Now you're ready to begin the dredging process and cook your onion rings to crispy perfection!

Preparing the onions for frying

Peel and Slice the Onions:

Start by removing the outer skin of the onions. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to thinly slice the onions. The key to getting crispy onions is to slice them as thinly and evenly as possible. This ensures that the onions cook properly and attain the desired crispiness.

Separate the Slices:

Take a moment to separate the onion slices to prevent them from clumping together. This step is important as it ensures even heat distribution and allows air to flow through the slices evenly during cooking.

Soak the Slices (Optional):

If you prefer a milder flavour for your fried onions, you can soak the onion slices in cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This process helps remove some of the pungent flavours and makes the onions slightly sweeter.

Sprinkle with Salt (Optional):

If you want to draw out the moisture from the onions, you can sprinkle a bit of salt over the slices. This technique is especially useful if you plan to create a batter for onion bhajis, as the released moisture can be used in place of water.

Mix with Other Ingredients:

If you're making onion bhajis, this is the step where you'll mix your sliced onions with the other ingredients to create the batter. Typically, this includes ingredients like gram flour (chickpea flour), spices, and a small amount of water to form a thick batter. Combine the ingredients gently, taking care not to add too much flour or water.

Form the Bhajis:

Once your batter is ready, it's time to shape it into small bhajis. You can use a scoop or spoon to form rough patties or balls with your hands. Place them on a tray or board, and you'll be ready to start frying!

By following these steps, you'll have perfectly prepared onions that are ready for frying in your air fryer. Remember, the key to success is thinly sliced onions and even heat distribution during cooking.

Soaking the onions

Start by peeling and thinly slicing the onions. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to get even slices. Red, yellow, or white onions are commonly used for frying. Once sliced, separate the onion slices to prevent clumping, which will ensure even heat distribution during cooking.

Next, place the onion slices in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. This process helps to draw out some of the pungent flavours and moisture from the onions. After soaking, gently squeeze the onions to release the excess water back into the bowl. You can then proceed to mix the onions with the other ingredients to make the batter.

If you are making crispy fried onions without a batter, you can simply skip the batter-making step and proceed to toss the onions with oil and salt before placing them in the air fryer. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and cook the onions in batches if needed. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the onions for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your onion bhajis or onion rings start cooking as soon as they come into contact with the hot air, giving them a crispy texture and delicious flavour. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for the best results:

Firstly, set your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking crispy onions is around 350°F (175°C) to 380°F (190°C). You can also try a higher temperature of 400°F for 5 minutes, as suggested by Ministry of Curry, if you want to caramelize your onions. This step is crucial as it ensures that your air fryer reaches the optimal temperature for cooking onions.

Allow your air fryer to preheat for a few minutes before adding the onions. This waiting period ensures that the air fryer basket is sufficiently hot, which is essential for achieving the desired crispiness. Do not rush this step, as preheating is key to ensuring even cooking and the best results.

Once the air fryer has preheated, it's time to add the onions. Depending on the model of your air fryer, you may need to cook the onions in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Spread the onions in a single layer, allowing the hot air to circulate freely.

After placing the onions in the basket, you can proceed with the cooking process, following your chosen recipe's instructions for cooking time and any additional steps.

Remember, every air fryer model is unique, so make sure to refer to your user manual for specific instructions and guidelines regarding preheating and cooking. Happy cooking!

Cooking the onion rings

Now that you've got your onion slices coated in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture, it's time to cook them! Place the onion rings in your air fryer basket, making sure they are arranged in a single layer with a little space around each ring. Don't overcrowd the basket—work in batches if necessary.

Generously drizzle or spray the onion rings with oil. This will help them get nice and crispy. Set your air fryer to 350-390°F and fry for 8 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

If you are cooking in batches, you can keep the first batch warm by placing them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes after you've cooked the second batch. Serve the onion rings hot, with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions