Air Fryer Crispy Onion Rings: A Tasty, Healthy Treat

Making onion crisps in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they can be used to top burgers, salads, soups, and more. To make them, thinly slice an onion, coat it in oil, and place it in the air fryer basket. Fry at 300F for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 240F and continue frying until crispy.

Choosing the right onion

First, look for onions with thin layers. Onions such as white, yellow, sweet, red, or even shallots will work well. These varieties tend to have thinner layers, which will crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Avoid thick-layered onions like large sweet onions or red onions, as they may not crisp up as effectively.

Next, consider the size of the onion. For air fryer onion crisps, it is best to choose onions that are on the larger side. This will make it easier to slice them into rings or strips, ensuring even cooking. Smaller onions tend to be more challenging to cut into uniform pieces.

When selecting your onions, look for those with dry, papery skin. This indicates that the onion is fresh and has not started to spoil. Avoid onions with soft spots or signs of sprouting, as these are past their prime.

The colour of the onion can also provide some clues about its flavour and potency. Yellow onions, for example, tend to be sweeter and milder in flavour, making them a good choice for crisps. Red onions, on the other hand, have a higher concentration of antioxidants and can lend a slightly sharper taste to your crisps. White onions fall somewhere in between, with a slightly sharper flavour than yellow onions but not as pungent as red ones.

Finally, when choosing onions for crisps, it is best to avoid pre-chopped or pre-sliced onions, as these tend to spoil faster and may not provide the same crisp texture you are looking for. Opt for whole, fresh onions instead, and slice them yourself to ensure the best results.

Slicing the onion

After slicing, separate the onion rings and gently toss them with a small amount of oil. You can use a neutral, high-heat oil such as vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil. Coconut oil is also a good option, and it is commonly used in South Asian cooking.

If you are making onion rings, you can create a batter by mixing flour with buttermilk, or whole milk, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Dip the onion rings into the batter, ensuring they are well coated, before frying.

For plain onion crisps, simply place the oiled onion slices or rings into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out evenly and not overcrowded. Set the air fryer to around 300-370°F and cook for 10-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and crispy.

The key to successful onion crisps is even slicing and ensuring the onions do not overlap in the air fryer basket. This will ensure even cooking and browning, resulting in crispy, golden brown onions.

Adding the coating

Step 1: Prepare the Onion Coating Mixture

Start by preparing a simple flour mixture for coating your onions. In a medium-sized bowl, combine all-purpose flour with seasoned salt. You can use a whisk or a fork to mix the ingredients together until they are well blended. This mixture will serve as the base for your onion coating.

Step 2: Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture

In a separate bowl, prepare a buttermilk mixture by combining buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also use whole milk if you don't have buttermilk on hand. Whisk the ingredients together until they are fully incorporated. This mixture will help the flour coating adhere to the onions.

Step 3: Dip the Onions in the Buttermilk Mixture

Take each onion ring or slice and fully submerge it in the buttermilk mixture. Ensure that the onion is well coated. This step will help the flour mixture stick to the onion and create a delicious, crispy coating when fried.

Step 4: Coat the Onions with the Flour Mixture

After dipping the onions in the buttermilk, it's time to coat them with the flour mixture. Fully coat each onion ring or slice with the flour mixture. Use your hands or tongs to gently shake off any excess flour. Make sure all sides of the onion are evenly coated.

Step 5: Optional - Double Dipping for an Extra Crispy Coating

For an even crispier treat, you can double dip your onions. Simply repeat the process by dipping the coated onions back into the buttermilk mixture, followed by another coat of the flour mixture. This extra step will create an extra layer of coating, resulting in an even crunchier texture.

Step 6: Prepare the Breadcrumbs (Optional)

If you want to take your onion crisps to the next level, you can also add a layer of breadcrumbs. Prepare Italian breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. You can use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. This step is entirely optional but will give your onion crisps an extra crunchy texture and a unique flavour.

Step 7: Coat the Onions with Breadcrumbs (Optional)

After coating the onions with the flour mixture, dip them into the bowl of breadcrumbs. Ensure that they are well coated. Gently shake off any excess breadcrumbs. This step will give your onion crisps an extra crispy exterior and a beautiful golden colour when air-fried.

Step 8: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

As you finish coating your onions, it's important to prepare your air fryer basket. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil or cooking spray. This step will prevent the onions from sticking to the basket and make cleanup easier.

Now that you've prepared the coating and your air fryer, you're ready to move on to the next step of air-frying your delicious onion crisps!

Air-frying the onion

To start, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to 270ºF/130ºC or 300ºF. You can use red, white, yellow, sweet, or red onions, or even shallots. Peel and thinly slice the onions—the thinner, the crispier and faster they will cook. You can use a sharp knife, a mandolin, or the slicer disk on your food processor to get even-sized pieces.

Next, place the sliced onions in a mixing bowl and add some ghee or oil. Mix well with a silicone spatula. You can also use a flour mixture or batter the onions before frying for an even crispier texture.

Now you're ready to add the onions to the air fryer basket. Spread them out evenly and spray with a little oil. Fry at 300F for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 240F and continue frying until crispy and well done. Alternatively, you can fry at 320 F for 20 minutes, mixing and spreading the onions every 5 minutes. Make sure to shake or toss the onions every 5 minutes so they cook evenly.

Once the onions are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. You can then season them with salt and pepper if desired. Allow the onions to cool entirely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Storing the onion crisps

Cooling the Onion Crisps:

First, it is essential to let the onion crisps cool down completely before storing them. This step is crucial to prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the crisps soggy. Spread them out on a plate or a wire rack to speed up the cooling process, and ensure they are at room temperature before proceeding to the next step.

Choosing the Right Storage Container:

Always use an airtight container to store your onion crisps. Glass or ceramic containers with airtight lids are ideal, as plastic containers can absorb odours and flavours. Make sure the container is large enough to hold the crisps in a single layer, allowing them to remain undisturbed and maintain their delicate crispiness.

Storing at Room Temperature:

Onion crisps can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry, and dark place. Place the airtight container in a pantry, cupboard, or any area that meets these conditions. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can affect the quality and freshness of the crisps. The crisps will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Refrigerating the Onion Crisps:

For extended freshness, store the onion crisps in the refrigerator. Place the airtight container in the fridge, ensuring it is not placed near strong-smelling foods to prevent odour absorption. Refrigeration can help maintain the crispiness and flavour of the onion crisps for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing the Onion Crisps:

If you plan to store the onion crisps for an even longer period, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled crisps in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer. Frozen onion crisps can last for 4 to 6 months. When you're ready to use them, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature. Freezing is an excellent way to preserve the freshness and crispiness of the onion crisps for future use.

Re-Crisping the Onion Crisps:

If you notice that the onion crisps have lost some of their crispiness during storage, you can easily re-crisp them. Place them in an air fryer or an oven preheated to 375ºF/190ºC for just a few minutes. This step will help restore their crispiness and make them as good as new!

Frequently asked questions