Air Fried Onion Rings Recipe

Onions: Sliced into rings, these form the base of the recipe.

All-purpose flour: Used for the initial coating to help the buttermilk adhere.

Baking powder: Helps to make the coating light and crispy.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the onion rings.

Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps the breadcrumbs stick.

Panko breadcrumbs: Preferred for their extra crunchiness.

Paprika: Adds a mild heat and color to the coating.

Garlic powder: Infuses the coating with a savory garlic flavor.

Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor in the coating.

Cooking spray: Used to help the onion rings crisp up in the air fryer.

To achieve the crispiest onion rings in your air fryer, make sure to avoid overcrowding the basket. This allows hot air to circulate evenly around each onion ring, ensuring a uniform, golden-brown finish. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain that perfect crunch.

• onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can provide a slightly different but pleasant taste to the onion rings.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, making the onion rings a bit healthier.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Use half the amount of baking soda as a substitute for baking powder, but add a small amount of acid like vinegar or lemon juice to activate it.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different flavor profile.

• buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can mimic the tanginess and thickness of buttermilk, making it a good alternative.

• panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can provide a similar crunch and texture to panko breadcrumbs.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor that can enhance the taste of the onion rings.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Dried minced onion can offer a similar flavor and texture to onion powder.

• cooking spray - Substitute with olive oil in a spray bottle: Olive oil can provide a healthier fat option and add a slight flavor to the onion rings.

• Allow the onion rings to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Place the cooled onion rings in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to maintain their crispiness.

• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain their crunch.

• For freezing, arrange the cooled onion rings in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Transfer the frozen onion rings to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until hot and crispy.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Use your air fryer to bring back the crunch. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• For a quick fix, use the microwave. Place the onion rings on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds. Note: This method may not retain the original crispiness but works in a pinch.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the onion rings on the rack or a baking sheet. Toast for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil. Place the onion rings in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and crispy.

• Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to cook the onion rings, ensuring they become crispy without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: You will need three of these to separately mix the flour mixture, buttermilk, and breadcrumb mixture.

• Whisk: Useful for combining the flour, baking powder, and salt evenly.

• Tongs: Handy for dipping the onion rings into each mixture and placing them in the air fryer without getting your hands messy.

• Cooking spray: This helps to coat the onion rings lightly with oil, ensuring they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the onions into rings.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the onions.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the flour, buttermilk, and breadcrumbs.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Plate or tray: Useful for holding the coated onion rings before they go into the air fryer.

Pre-slice onions: Slice the onions in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge to save time on prep day.

Organize ingredients: Arrange all ingredients in separate bowls before starting the coating process to streamline the workflow.

Use assembly line: Set up an assembly line with the flour mixture, buttermilk, and breadcrumb mixture to make the coating process faster and more efficient.

Batch air frying: Air fry multiple onion rings in batches, ensuring they are in a single layer, to cook more at once without overcrowding.