Name: Air Fryer Onion Rings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3 medium sweet yellow onions; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 3 large eggs; 4 cups panko breadcrumbs; Nonstick spray, for cooking; Minced parsley, for garnish (optional); 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup

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Delicious and Crispy Side Dish

If you’re someone who enjoys crispy, flavorful sides, then these homemade Air Fryer Onion Rings will surely hit the spot. These onion rings are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, yet they still deliver the same satisfying crunch and sweetness. Made from sweet yellow onions, breaded in a flavorful coating, and cooked to perfection in an air fryer, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy onion rings without the extra grease. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or the perfect side dish to complement a burger, this recipe has you covered.

Why Air Fryer Onion Rings?

There are several great reasons to make onion rings in an air fryer:

Perfect for Smaller Portions: An air fryer is ideal for cooking smaller amounts of food. You can make just a few onion rings for two people in less time compared to traditional deep frying.
Less Mess, Less Grease: Since no deep-frying is required, you avoid dealing with large amounts of oil and the mess that comes with it. The air fryer also makes cleanup a breeze.
Healthier Option: Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil used, making these onion rings a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts. A light spray of oil is all you need to get a crispy finish.

If you’re feeding a larger group, the air fryer may not accommodate all the onion rings at once. In this case, you can air fry in batches or opt for traditional deep-frying if you prefer. Either way, onion rings are a crowd-pleaser that will elevate any meal.

Choosing the Right Onions

When making onion rings, sweet yellow onions like Vidalia onions are your best bet. They have a naturally sweet flavor that works wonderfully with the crispy coating. You can also use white onions if necessary, but they won’t have the same sweetness.

It’s best to avoid red onions, as their sharp, pungent flavor doesn’t work well for this recipe. Their bite can be a bit overpowering and may not pair well with the breading and air frying process.

Tips & Tricks for Perfectly Crunchy Onion Rings

Achieving the perfect crunch for your onion rings is easier than you might think. Follow these tips to ensure your onion rings come out crispy and golden brown:

Use Cornstarch: Mixing cornstarch with the flour in the breading mixture helps the coating adhere to the onions better and creates a light, crispy crust.
Panko Breadcrumbs for Crunch: Regular breadcrumbs won’t deliver the same crunch. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier, resulting in a crispier texture, making them ideal for air frying.
Spray with Oil: Even though air frying uses less oil, a light spray of olive oil or nonstick cooking spray on the onion rings before frying ensures they crisp up nicely. It helps the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and keeps them from becoming too dry.

Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer Onion Rings are perfect as a side dish for burgers, wraps, sandwiches, or even alongside grilled meats. They’re also great for game day snacks, served with dipping sauces.

Dipping Sauces for Onion Rings

While a simple fry sauce made from mayonnaise and ketchup is a classic pairing, you can experiment with other dips to find your favorite. Some other options include:

Ranch dressing
Spicy mayo
Barbecue sauce
Honey mustard

Storing & Reheating

One of the benefits of air-fried onion rings is that you can make just enough for a single meal. However, if you end up with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes at 350°F, or reheat them in a 350°F oven until they become crispy again, which takes about 8-10 minutes.

Additional Notes

Batch Cooking: If you’re making onion rings for a larger group, consider making them in multiple batches in the air fryer, keeping the finished rings warm in a low oven (200°F) until the rest are ready.
Thicker Onion Rings: Feel free to adjust the thickness of the onion slices. Thicker slices will give you meatier rings, while thinner slices will result in a more delicate texture.

These homemade onion rings will leave you wondering why you ever settled for the frozen, pre-made versions. By following this easy recipe, you’ll enjoy delicious, crispy onion rings that are perfect for any occasion.

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