Air Fryer Crispy Onion Strings: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Making onion strings in an air fryer is a great way to satisfy your junk food cravings without all the fat and mess of deep frying. The process is simple: cut a large onion into thin slices, dip the slices in a flour mixture, then in an egg mixture, and finally in a breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated onion slices in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook for around 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Choosing the right onion

First, it is recommended to use sweet onions, such as Maui, Vidalia, or Walla Walla onions. These varieties tend to have a milder and sweeter flavour profile, making them a popular choice for onion strings. If you cannot find these specific types, brown onions or white onions can also work well. They have a slightly stronger flavour but are still on the milder side.

Red onions are another option, but it is important to note that they have a more intense flavour. Some people may find red onions too overpowering for onion strings, so it is generally advisable to avoid them unless you particularly enjoy their robust taste.

Additionally, it is advisable to choose large onions, regardless of the variety you select. Larger onions will yield more onion strings, making your preparation time more efficient.

When purchasing onions, look for those that are firm and have smooth, dry skins. Avoid onions with soft spots, sprouting, or signs of mould. Also, ensure the onions are heavy for their size, which indicates they are fresh and have a high water content.

Lastly, it is essential to slice the onions thinly for onion strings. The thin slices will ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to achieve the desired thickness.

Preparing the onion

Firstly, select your onion. Sweet onions, such as Vidalia, Texas, Maui, Walla Walla, or red onions, are the best choice as they are sweeter and less pungent. However, white and yellow onions can also be used if that is what you have available.

Next, cut the onion into thin slices. The thinner the slices, the crispier the onion strings will be. Aim for slices between 1/8 and 1/2-inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin to get even slices, which will help with even cooking.

Now, separate the onion slices into individual rings. If you are using a mandolin, gently separate the rings before adding them to the air fryer. If you are using a knife, carefully separate the rings with your fingers.

At this point, you can choose to soak the onion rings in ice water for an hour to help keep them crispy and reduce their pungency. This step is optional but can help improve the texture and taste of the final product.

Once your onion rings are prepared, you can move on to the next step of the recipe: coating the onion rings in batter and/or breadcrumbs.

Making the batter

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need flour (all-purpose is fine), cornstarch, eggs, breadcrumbs (panko is recommended for the crispiest results, but regular breadcrumbs will also work), and your choice of seasonings. For seasonings, you can use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, or any other spices you like. You will also need a small amount of cooking oil (olive, avocado, or coconut oil work well).

Next, prepare your dipping station. You will need three bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and your chosen seasonings. In the second bowl, whisk an egg. You can add a little water to the egg to make the batter lighter and crispier. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. If you want to be extra prepared, you can divide the breadcrumbs into two bowls, as the batter can make the breadcrumbs clumpy.

Now you are ready to start dipping your onions! Take your sliced onion rings or strings and dip them first in the flour mixture, making sure they are well coated. Then, dip them into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs. Make sure each onion piece is thoroughly coated at each step. You may want to use a fork for this process, as it can get messy!

Once your onions are battered, place them in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Spray the onions with cooking oil to help them turn golden brown and crispy.

Now you are ready to cook your onion rings or strings! Follow the instructions for your particular air fryer model, adjusting the temperature and timing as needed. Most recipes recommend cooking at around 360-400°F for 6-15 minutes, flipping the onions halfway through, and spraying again with oil to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on your onions to make sure they don't burn, and adjust the timing as needed depending on how crispy you like them.

Cooking the onion strings

Now that you have your ingredients and your air fryer is prepped, it's time to cook your onion strings! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360-390°F (around 180-200°C).
• Take your thinly sliced onions and coat them in your flour mixture. Make sure they are thoroughly coated.
• Next, dip the floured onions into your egg mixture. You can use just egg whites or a combination of egg whites and water. This step will help the breadcrumbs stick to the onions.
• Now, it's time to add the breadcrumbs. Coat the onions in the breadcrumbs. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs. If you want extra crunch, consider using Italian-style breadcrumbs.
• Place the coated onion rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping and there is a little space around each ring. You may need to cook in batches.
• Spray or drizzle the onion rings with oil. This step is crucial for achieving that golden brown colour and crispiness.
• Cook the onion rings for around 6-8 minutes at the set temperature, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.
• Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• If you have more onion rings, repeat the above steps until all your onion rings are cooked.
• Enjoy your delicious, crispy onion strings! Serve them as a side, snack, or topping for your favourite dishes.

Tips for the best results:

• Use sweet onions like Vidalia, Maui, Walla Walla, or red onions for a sweeter flavour.
• The thinner you slice the onions, the crispier your onion strings will be.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• If you want extra crunch, spray the onion strings with cooking oil after half the cooking time has passed.
• If you are cooking in batches, you can keep the cooked onion strings warm and crispy by placing them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at the end.

Storing the onion strings

Once you've made your onion strings, you'll want to make sure you store them properly so you can enjoy them for as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing your onion strings:

• Let the onion strings cool down completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator.
• They should last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
• If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the onion strings to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, place them in the air fryer or oven and cook for a few minutes until crispy again.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your delicious and crispy onion strings for longer!

Frequently asked questions