Who doesn't love a good onion ring? Whether served as a side, a snack, or the main attraction for a cozy night in, onion rings are always a crowd-pleaser. But what if you want to enjoy them without the hassle and mess of deep-frying? Enter the air fryer: your best friend for creating crispy, delicious onion rings with minimal oil.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, cut into 1/4-inch thick rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crunch)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Coatings: Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add flour mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Place the breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
- Coat the Onion Rings: Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, ensure it is completely coated, then shake off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the ring in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere. Repeat with all the onion rings.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes.
- Air Fry the Onion Rings: Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the onion rings in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch (you may need to do this in batches). Spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining onion rings.
- Serve: Once all your onion rings are cooked, serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ranch, ketchup, or spicy mayo.
Tips for the Perfect Air-Fried Onion Rings
- Choose the Right Onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia or Spanish onions are ideal for onion rings due to their mild flavour.
- Think Thin: Cutting the onion rings about 1/4-inch thick strikes the perfect balance between a crispy outside and a tender inside.
- Even Coating: Ensuring each ring is evenly coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs helps achieve that coveted crunch.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cooking in batches may take time, but it ensures that every onion ring gets perfectly crisped without steaming.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
Air fryers have become kitchen staples for good reason. They cut down on oil usage, making your favourite foods healthier. Not only are they energy efficient, but they're also much cleaner since there's no oil splatter to deal with. Plus, they provide results that are incredibly similar to deep-frying, without the guilt!
Conclusion
Whether you're an onion ring novice or a seasoned pro looking to try a healthier method, this recipe delivers crispy and flavourful results every time. Using an air fryer, you get all the deliciousness of traditional onion rings without the mess or excess oil. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a regular in your kitchen repertoire.