If you're looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried onion rings, then air-fried onion straws are the way to go. They're easy to make, and you only need a few simple ingredients: onions, flour, salt, pepper, and oil. You can also add an egg and milk to the flour to make a batter for the onions. The key to getting crispy onion straws is to slice the onions thinly and evenly—a mandolin slicer works best for this. You can also soak the onions in buttermilk before frying for extra flavour and tenderness. To cook the onion straws, preheat your air fryer to between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for around 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Onion type | Sweet Vidalia, Texas, Maui, Walla Walla, yellow, white, red, or shallots |
Onion preparation | Peel and thinly slice the onions |
Onion size | 1/8-inch, 1/2-inch, or 1-inch thick slices |
Onion shape | Rings or straws/strings |
Onion coating | Battering (buttermilk, milk, or egg) and breading (flour, cornstarch, breadcrumbs, or panko) |
Onion seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, BBQ seasoning, cumin, or chili powder |
Cooking method | Air fryer or deep fryer |
Air fryer temperature | 360-400°F (175-200°C) |
Air fryer time | 6-15 minutes |
Air fryer preparation | Spray the air fryer basket with oil |
Serving suggestions | Salads, burgers, steaks, soups, dips, curries, pizzas, or green bean casseroles |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right onion
Sweet onions, such as Vidalia, Texas, Maui, Walla Walla, or yellow onions, are ideal for onion straws. They have a mild, sweet taste and are less pungent than other varieties. This sweetness pairs well with the savoury batter and ensures that your straws are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Sweet onions are also flatter, making them easier to slice into thin straws.
White onions, on the other hand, have a sharper and more pungent flavour. They can add a bit of a kick to your onion straws, but be careful not to overpower the other ingredients.
Red onions are similar in flavour to yellow onions but are slightly milder. They can be a good middle ground if you want a hint of sharpness without the full intensity of white onions.
When selecting your onions, look for large ones, as they will be easier to slice into thin straws. Also, consider the texture and firmness, ensuring the onions are not too soft, which can make slicing difficult.
Remember, the key to successful onion straws is thin and even slices. The thinner the slices, the crispier your straws will be, and they will cook faster. So, choose onions that are easy to slice thinly and uniformly.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of onions to find the flavour and texture that you like best. You can even mix and match onion varieties to create unique flavour profiles.
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Soaking the onions
To begin, peel the outer layer of the onion and use a mandolin slicer to cut it into paper-thin slices. The thinner the slices, the crispier the onion straws will be. Separate the onion rings and place them in a bowl. You can use any type of onion, but sweet varieties like Vidalia, Texas, Maui, or Walla Walla are ideal because of their flat shape and mild taste.
Once the onions are sliced, it's time to soak them. Pour buttermilk over the onion rings, ensuring they are completely covered. You can also use a buttermilk alternative or a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Let the onions soak for at least 15 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes. This will give them a subtle tangy flavour and make them nice and tender.
After the onions have finished soaking, it's time to move on to the next step of coating them with a seasoned flour mixture. But before you do that, be sure to let the excess buttermilk drip off so that the coating will stick properly.
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Preparing the coating
The coating for your onion straws is a simple mixture of flour, salt and pepper. You can also add in some garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a little extra kick. Mix these dry ingredients together in a small bowl.
For an extra crispy texture, you can also add in some panko breadcrumbs. If you don't have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work too, but the result might not be as crunchy.
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
Before coating your onions, you'll want to soak them in buttermilk first. This will give them a subtle tangy flavor and make them nice and tender. It also helps the coating stick better. Simply pour buttermilk over your onion rings and let them soak for about 30 minutes. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon/lime juice to half a cup of milk.
Once your onions have soaked, it's time to coat them. Remove them from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Then, toss the onion rings in the seasoned flour mixture until they're evenly coated. Make sure to coat them thoroughly so you get that delicious crispy texture.
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Frying the onions
Slicing the Onions:
Start by peeling the outer layer of the onion. You can use a variety of onions such as sweet Vidalia, yellow, or red onions. Using a sharp knife, mandolin, or the slicer disk on your food processor, slice the onion into thin, even pieces. The thinner the slices, the crispier your onion straws will be. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 to 1/2-inch thick. Separate the onion rings and set them aside.
Soaking the Onions:
In a bowl, prepare a soaking liquid by combining buttermilk, milk, or a mixture of non-dairy milk and vinegar. You can also add a little oil to this mixture. Submerge the onion slices in the liquid, ensuring they are fully covered. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes, and up to 30 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the onions, infuses them with flavor, and creates a natural adhesive for the coating to stick better.
Preparing the Coating:
In a separate bowl, mix together all-purpose flour and cornstarch (optional), and seasonings. You can use basic seasonings like salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or chili powder. Mix everything together until well combined. You can also add an egg to the flour mixture for a dairy-free alternative.
Coating the Onions:
Remove the onion rings from the soaking liquid, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. You can use a fork or your hands to dredge and toss the onion rings in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated. Make sure to coat them thoroughly.
If you're using a deep fryer or skillet, heat about an inch of oil to 360°F (175°C). You can use peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil for frying. Carefully add the coated onion rings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the onion straws for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried onion straws and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to between 360°F and 400°F (depending on your model's instructions). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated onion rings in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray, then air fry for 6 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Your crispy onion straws are now ready to be devoured! Enjoy them as a snack or use them to top your favorite dishes like burgers, steaks, salads, or casseroles.
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Storing the onion straws
Another option is to freeze the onion straws for longer-term storage. Spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen onion straws to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they can be stored for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen onion straws, you can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and spread the onion straws on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispness. For the air fryer, preheat the device and reheat the onion straws for 2 to 3 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Remember to always label and date your containers before storing, and consume the onion straws within a reasonable timeframe to ensure the best taste and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need onions, flour, salt, pepper, buttermilk, and olive oil spray.
Sweet onions, such as Vidalia, Texas, Maui, or Walla Walla, are best as they are sweeter and less pungent. However, yellow onions are also a good option and are more readily available.
Peel and thinly slice the onions, then separate them into rings. Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for flavour and tenderness—this will also help the flour coating stick better.