air fryer onion rings

Are you craving that irresistible crunch of onion rings but want to skip the deep frying? Look no further than these delicious Air Fryer Onion Rings! With a crispy golden coating and tender, perfectly cooked onions inside, these onion rings are sure to become a favorite snack or side dish for any occasion. Plus, with the magic of the air fryer, you can enjoy all the flavor and texture of traditional onion rings with a fraction of the oil. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making these crispy delights, along with some handy cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions for those looking to indulge without the guilt. Let’s get frying!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt (divided)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (see tips above for making your own)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow sweet onion, sliced 1/2-inch thick and separated into rings
• Oil Spray (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Breading Station:

1. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, and half of the salt. Mix well.
2. In another shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth.
3. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.

2. Bread the Onion Rings:

1. Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
2. Next, dip the coated onion ring into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Finally, coat the onion ring in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

4. Cook the Onion Rings:

1. Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the breaded onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
3. Cook the onion rings in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
4. Air fry the onion rings at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Once cooked, transfer the onion rings to a serving platter and sprinkle with the remaining salt, if desired.
2. Serve the onion rings hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch, or aioli.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Use Sweet Onions: Yellow sweet onions work best for this recipe due to their mild flavor and tender texture.
• Add Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning of the flour mixture to your taste. You can add garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Simply substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs to make gluten-free onion rings.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Coconut Flour Coating: Instead of all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs, use a mixture of coconut flour and crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly coating.
• Egg Wash: Use beaten eggs or egg whites as a binder instead of buttermilk.

Low-Carb Version:

• Almond Flour Coating: Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour and crushed pork rinds or almond meal for panko breadcrumbs to keep the carbs low.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I make these onion rings ahead of time? A: While these onion rings are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the air fryer, you can prepare them ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until crispy.

Q: Can I freeze leftover onion rings? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover onion rings. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. To reheat, simply bake them in the air fryer from frozen until heated through and crispy.

Q: What can I serve with these onion rings? A: These onion rings pair well with a variety of dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, or as a tasty appetizer alongside dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or spicy aioli.

With their crispy coating and tender onions, these Air Fryer Onion Rings are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried onion rings. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, enjoying a movie night at home, or simply craving a tasty snack, these onion rings are sure to satisfy. Plus, with the option to customize the seasonings and make keto or low-carb versions, they’re suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. So fire up your air fryer, grab your favorite dipping sauce, and get ready to enjoy a guilt-free snack that’s sure to please everyone!