Introduction
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we enjoy our favorite fried foods, offering a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture. These Air Fryer Onion Rings are a testament to that innovation, delivering all the crunch and taste you crave with a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep frying methods. Perfectly crispy and packed with flavor, they’re bound to become a favorite appetizer or side dish in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow onions, sliced ½ inch thick and separated into rings
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅔ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare Breading Stations:
- Arrange three bowls. In one bowl, combine flour, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. In the third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat Onion Rings:
- Dip each onion ring first into the buttermilk/egg mixture, then into the flour mixture, back into the buttermilk/egg mixture, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Brush or spritz the air fryer basket with vegetable oil and preheat to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not use aerosol spray. Brush or spritz the onion rings with vegetable oil.
- Air Fry Onion Rings:
- Lay the coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-7 minutes or until crispy. Check them periodically as air fryer cooking times may vary.
Tips
- Opt for sweet yellow or Vidalia onions for a milder flavor profile.
- To prevent the flour and breadcrumb mixture from becoming soggy, split them between two bowls.
- Make your own buttermilk by combining 2/3 cup of milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Use one hand for dipping the onion rings in the buttermilk mixture and the other hand for coating them with flour and breadcrumbs to avoid sticky fingers.
- Lightly spread oil over the breaded onion rings and in the air fryer basket using an oil mister or pastry brush. Avoid using aerosol non-stick cooking sprays as they may damage the air fryer.
- Air fryer temperatures can vary, so it’s advisable to check on the onion rings periodically during cooking.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?
A: While yellow onions work well, you can also use sweet yellow or Vidalia onions for a milder flavor.
Q: How do I reheat leftover onion rings?
A: Simply place them back in the preheated air fryer for a couple of minutes to restore their crispiness.
Q: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs?
A: Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their crispiness, but you can use regular breadcrumbs as an alternative. Adjust cooking time accordingly.