Air Fryer Onion Rings: Crispy, Golden, Breadcrumb-Free Treats

Making onion rings in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they're just as crispy and tasty. This method is also less messy and cuts down on cooking time. To make onion rings in an air fryer without breadcrumbs, you can use flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs for the coating. First, cut a large yellow or red onion into 1/2-inch thick slices and separate them into rings. Then, prepare three bowls: one with flour, seasoned salt, and cayenne pepper; another with whisked eggs and buttermilk; and the last with flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture. Place the coated onion rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 350-400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Enjoy your healthy, crispy, and delicious air-fried onion rings!

Choose the right onion

Choosing the right onion is essential for making delicious onion rings in an air fryer. Here are some tips to help you select the best onions for this purpose:

• Sweet onions are generally recommended for making onion rings. Varieties such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, Texas, Maui, or Walla Walla are ideal due to their sweet taste and flatter shape compared to other onions. Their mild flavour makes them perfect for pairing with the crispy coating.
• Large onions are preferable as they provide bigger rings, which are easier to work with and give a more impressive result.
• Red onions can also be used, as mentioned by one source, which states that they are the variety used in their recipe. However, they note that any onion except for plain yellow cooking onions should work fine.
• If you want your onion rings to have a stronger onion flavour, you could opt for white or yellow onions. However, keep in mind that the breading might not adhere to these varieties as well, and the flavour may be too sharp and pungent for some palates.
• For the best results, choose onions that are firm and have tight, dry skins. Avoid onions with signs of sprouting, dampness, or softness, as these indicate that the onion is past its prime.
• When preparing the onions, cut them into thick slices, approximately 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick. This thickness will ensure that the onion rings don't fall apart during the cooking process and provide a good ratio of onion to coating.

Prepare the dredge

The dredge is a crucial step in the air fryer onion ring-making process, as it creates a layer of coating that gives the onion rings their signature crunch. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to prepare the dredge:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need all-purpose flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs (preferably panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture). You can also season your dredge with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or salt to enhance the flavour of your onion rings.

Prepare three separate shallow bowls or containers for the dredging process. In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with your desired seasonings. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the flour. You can also add a pinch of cornstarch to the flour mixture, as some recipes suggest, to help the coating crisp up.

In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. You can also add a bit of buttermilk to the eggs, which will help the breadcrumbs stick to the onion rings. If you don't have buttermilk, regular milk or cream will work too. Whisk the wet ingredients together until well combined.

The third bowl will contain the breadcrumbs. If you are using panko breadcrumbs, you can add a small amount of oil and mix it in with your fingers. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the onion rings and create an even crispier texture. If you like, you can also season the breadcrumbs with additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or salt.

Now that your dredging station is set up, you are ready to start dipping your onion rings! Make sure to coat each onion ring thoroughly in the flour mixture, followed by the egg mixture, and finally, the breadcrumbs. It is important to ensure that each ring is evenly coated at each step before moving on to the next.

Once all your onion rings are coated, it is a good idea to place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour, to help the coating set. This will ensure that the breadcrumbs adhere properly and result in a crispier texture when cooked.

And that's it! Your dredge is now prepared, and you are one step closer to enjoying delicious, crispy air fryer onion rings.

Make a batter

Making onion rings in an air fryer is a fun and easy way to make a tasty snack or appetizer. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the batter for your onion rings without using breadcrumbs:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need flour, eggs, buttermilk, and seasoning of your choice. You can also add a little baking powder to the flour if you like. The exact measurements will depend on how many onion rings you want to make, but a good rule of thumb is to use around 1 cup of flour, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup of buttermilk for a large onion. For seasoning, you can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to taste.

Now, let's make the batter! Start by whisking the eggs in a bowl until they are frothy. Then, add the buttermilk to the eggs and whisk until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and your chosen seasonings. You can also add a couple of teaspoons of baking powder to the flour mixture if you like a little extra crunch.

Once you have your wet and dry mixtures ready, it's time to dip your onion rings. Cut your onion into 1/2-inch thick slices and separate them into rings. Dip each onion ring into the wet mixture first, making sure it is well coated. Then, dip it into the flour mixture and ensure it is evenly coated. You can repeat this process for a second time if you want an extra thick and crispy coating.

After all your onion rings are coated, place them on a baking sheet or plate and put them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step is important as it helps the batter stick to the onion rings and ensures they will be extra crispy.

And that's it! You now have onion rings battered and ready to be cooked in your air fryer. Simply preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°F and cook the onion rings in batches for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Enjoy!

Bread the onion rings

Now for the fun part! Bread the onion rings by dipping them into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour, and then dunking them in the egg mixture. Make sure to coat the rings completely and shake off any excess egg. Next, toss the rings in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the onion rings.

Place the breaded onion rings on a rack set over a baking sheet or a large plate. Repeat this process until all the onion rings are coated. You can also freeze the battered onion rings for 15 minutes on a baking sheet or metal baking sheet to help the panko mixture stick better.

Cook in the air fryer

Now that you've got your onion rings prepared, it's time to cook them in the air fryer!

First, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer model, so check the instructions. While it's heating up, spray your onion rings with cooking spray. This will help them turn a nice brown colour.

Once your air fryer is ready, place the onion rings inside in a single layer. Make sure they're not overlapping and that there's a little space around each ring. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the onion rings in batches.

Close the air fryer and cook the onion rings for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crispy. You don't need to turn them over during the cooking process.

When the onion rings are ready, remove them from the air fryer and sprinkle them with seasoned salt or your sauce of choice. Enjoy!

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