Onion rings are a beloved snack that have been around for decades. They are crispy, savory, and satisfying, making them a go-to choice for many people. However, traditional onion rings can be high in calories and fat due to the deep-frying process. That’s where the air fryer comes in – it allows you to enjoy the same delicious flavor and texture of onion rings, but with less oil and fewer calories.
Air fryer onion rings are easy to make and require only a few ingredients. All you need are onions, flour, eggs, bread crumbs, and your favorite seasoning. Simply slice the onions, coat them in flour, dip them in the egg mixture, and coat them in bread crumbs. Then, place the onion rings in the air fryer and cook until they are golden brown and crispy. The result is a healthier version of the classic snack that is just as delicious.
Ingredients
Making onion rings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic snack without the added calories and fat of traditional deep-fried onion rings. Here are the ingredients you will need to make crispy and delicious air fryer onion rings:
Onion Rings
- 1 large yellow sweet onion, sliced 1/2-inch thick and separated into rings
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing and seasoning powder (2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for seasoning
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
Optional
- Cooking spray
- 2 pinches garlic powder
- 2 pinches paprika
- 1 cup milk
The main ingredient for this recipe is a large yellow sweet onion. You will also need all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, salt, egg, water, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil to make the onion rings. For the coating, you will need all-purpose flour, ranch dressing and seasoning powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your onion rings, you can use garlic powder and paprika in the coating mixture. Additionally, you can use milk to help the coating mixture stick to the onion rings.
To prevent the onion rings from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can use cooking spray. However, the olive oil used in the recipe should be enough to prevent sticking.
Preparation
Before you start cooking the onion rings in an air fryer, you need to prepare them properly. This section will guide you through the steps involved in preparing the onion rings, flour mixture, egg mixture, and panko breading.
Prep the Onion Rings
To make onion rings, you need to slice the onions into rings. You can use any type of onion for this recipe, but sweet onions like Vidalia onions, yellow onions, and red onions are the best. Peel the onions and cut them into 1/2 inch thick slices. Separate the slices into rings and discard the small inner pieces.
Prepare the Flour Mixture
For the flour mixture, you will need all-purpose flour, onion powder, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. The cornstarch and baking powder will make the onion rings crispy and light.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
To prepare the egg mixture, you will need one large egg and some milk. Whisk the egg and milk together in a shallow dish until well combined. The egg mixture helps the flour mixture stick to the onion rings.
Prepare the Panko Breading
For the panko breading, you will need panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. The panko breadcrumbs will give the onion rings a crunchy texture.
Once you have prepared all the ingredients, it’s time to start coating the onion rings. Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip the onion ring into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Finally, coat the onion ring with the panko breading mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the onion ring to make sure it sticks.
Place the coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between them so they cook evenly. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer basket is small.
Cooking
Cooking onion rings in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Air frying reduces the amount of oil needed and therefore reduces the fat and calorie content of the dish. The result is a crispy, golden brown onion ring that is just as delicious as its fried counterpart.
Air Fry the Onion Rings
To air fry onion rings, start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the onion rings by slicing the onions into rings and separating them.
Next, prepare the coating mixture. In a bowl, mix together smoked paprika and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. In a third bowl, mix together the flour and cornstarch.
Dredge the onion rings in the flour mixture, then dip them in the egg mixture, and finally coat them with the smoked paprika and salt mixture. Be sure to shake off any excess coating before placing the onion rings in the air fryer basket.
Spray the onion rings with non-stick cooking spray to help them crisp up. Place the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy.
Once the onion rings are cooked, remove them from the air fryer basket with tongs or a fork, and serve immediately.
Serving and Storage
Serve the Onion Rings
Once the onion rings are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer basket and place them on a serving platter. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or honey mustard. You can also garnish them with minced parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Store the Leftovers
If you have any leftover onion rings, you can store them for later. To do so, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating the onion rings, you can either use the air fryer or the oven. To reheat in the air fryer, preheat it to 375°F, place the onion rings in the basket, and cook for 3-5 minutes until they are crispy again. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 375°F, place the onion rings on a baking sheet, and bake for 5-7 minutes until they are heated through.
It’s important to note that reheated onion rings may not be as crispy as freshly cooked ones, but they will still be delicious. Additionally, if you plan on storing the onion rings, it’s best to avoid using any dipping sauce until you’re ready to eat them again, as the sauce can make them soggy.
Overall, onion rings are a delicious and easy snack or side dish that can be made in the air fryer. With proper serving and storage techniques, you can enjoy them hot and crispy every time.
Tips and Variations
Make Homemade Onion Rings
Making homemade onion rings in the air fryer is easy and delicious. Use fresh onions, and slice them into uniform rings. Dip them in a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. You can also use buttermilk instead of eggs for a tangier taste. For a sweeter flavor, use Vidalia onions.
Add Seasonings to the Breading
Add your favorite seasonings to the breading mixture for extra flavor. Try adding parmesan cheese, garlic powder, or paprika. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
Try Different Dipping Sauces
Onion rings are delicious on their own, but they are even better with dipping sauces. Try dipping them in ranch, ketchup, or yum yum sauce. You can also make your own dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise with your favorite seasonings.
Reheat Onion Rings
If you have leftover onion rings, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 360-375℉/180-190℃ for 10 minutes. Place the onion rings in the basket and cook for 4-5 minutes or until heated through.
Use Different Types of Onions
While sweet onions like Vidalia are great for onion rings, you can also use other types of onions. Red onions have a milder flavor, while white onions have a stronger flavor. Experiment with different types of onions to find your favorite.
In summary, making onion rings in the air fryer is a great way to enjoy a crispy and delicious snack. Use fresh onions, add your favorite seasonings, and try different dipping sauces for a unique flavor. Don’t forget to try different types of onions to find your favorite.
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