Onion rings are one of the most delicious snack foods out there. That crispy, crunchy exterior combined with the sweet, tender onion inside is a match made in heaven. But traditional onion rings can pack a lot of fat and calories from being deep fried. Well, say goodbye to sad soggy oven baked rings and hello to the best onion rings you’ve ever tasted – straight from your air fryer!
What Exactly is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is essentially a mini convection oven. It uses super hot air and a teensy bit of oil to make foods crispy and delicious. It gives you all the flavor and crunch of fried foods without most of the fat and calories. We simply don’t know how we lived without one! Making tasty snacks like onion rings in the air fryer is quick, easy, and healthy.
Why Should You Make These Onion Rings?
These onion rings come out unbelievably crispy and crunchy with perfectly cooked, sweet onions inside every time. One bite and you’ll wonder how something so sinfully delicious can actually be good for you! They make the perfect game day snack to serve a crowd or midnight munchies cure when only onion rings will do. Even picky kids gobble them up. Plus, they’re ready start to finish in under 30 minutes. What are you waiting for? Your new go-to onion rings await.
What Kind of Onion Works Best?
Sweet onions like Vidalia and Walla Walla work wonderfully in these crispy air fryer onion rings. Their mild, sweet flavor balances beautifully with the crunchy coating. If sweet onions aren’t available where you live, yellow onions also make terrific onion rings. The key things to look for are onions that are large in size and uniformly thick when sliced so your rings hold their shape.
Can I Customize the Coating?
Absolutely! Once you get the basic method down, feel free to experiment with different dredges. Try substituting almond flour for a gluten-free and keto-friendly option or add spices like garlic powder or cayenne for a kick of flavor. Just avoid extremely delicate breadcrumbs as you need something sturdy to stand up to frying. Get creative and make these onion rings your own!
Should I Freeze Leftovers?
Freezing fully cooked onion rings is a great way to enjoy them again later with minimal effort. Simply cool the onion rings completely after cooking then place in a freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. They’ll keep perfectly in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer or oven. It’s a terrific way to always have a tasty snack ready to go!
Savor the delight of crispy and crunchy onion rings made in an air fryer, perfect as a flavorful snack with your favorite dipping sauce or as a tantalizing side dish for burgers or hot dogs.
Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet onion
- ⅔ cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ⅔ cup flour
- 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal (optional)
Instructions:
- Begin by peeling the onion and slicing it into ½-inch thick rings. Separate the slices carefully.
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, seasoned salt, and cayenne pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, vegetable oil, and cornmeal (if using).
- Take each onion ring and dip it first into the egg and buttermilk mixture, then coat it with the flour mixture. Redip the ring into the egg mixture, and finally, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it adheres well.
- After coating all the onion rings, lightly spray each with cooking spray. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the onion rings in the air fryer in a single layer. Cook them for 12-15 minutes or until they achieve a crisp, golden exterior.
- Once done, remove the onion rings from the air fryer and sprinkle them with seasoned salt for an extra flavor boost.
Enjoy these delectable air fryer onion rings as a snack or as a side dish, adding a crunchy, savory touch to your meal!
