Description
These Crispy Air Fried Onion Rings are perfectly golden and crunchy, made with a flavorful batter and coated with crispy panko breadcrumbs. They are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried onion rings, cooked in the air fryer to achieve a satisfying crisp without the excess oil. Ready in just 15 minutes, they make a delicious snack or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Onion Rings
- 2 medium onions, cut into 1/2-1/3 inch rings
Batter and Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Prepare Onion Rings: Cut the onions into thick rings about 1/2 to 1/3 inch in thickness and gently separate them into individual rings to maintain their shape.
- Make Dry Mixture: In a shallow dish, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and half of the flour. This will add flavor and help the batter stick better.
- Make Wet Batter: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, baking powder, and the remaining half of the flour until thick and smooth. This thick batter will help the coating adhere well.
- First Coating: Roll each onion ring in the dry mixture, making sure to coat all sides thoroughly for better texture and adhesion.
- Batter Dip: Transfer the coated onion rings into the wet batter, coating each ring completely to ensure the breadcrumbs will stick evenly.
- Panko Coating: Pour the panko breadcrumbs onto a plate, then roll each battered onion ring through the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to coat thoroughly.
- Air Fry: Arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the rings halfway through at about 5-6 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the crispy onion rings from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding paprika or cayenne pepper to the dry mixture.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure crispiness.
- If buttermilk is not available, you can make a substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Use medium-sized onions for uniform ring sizes and even cooking.
- The baking powder in the batter helps create a lighter, crispier texture.
