Ready for a new crave-worthy snack? Say hello to crunchy, guilt-free Air-Fryer Onion Rings!
If you haven’t jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet, don’t worry; we’ve got plenty of room. In fact, now is the perfect time to say hello to a new appliance and say bye-bye to the age of fat-dripping, super greasy, deep-fried onion rings. If you want a guilt-free snack without skimping on all the flavors and textures, this recipe is for you.
Onion rings are such a beloved snack—I’d say they’re right up there with French fries. And like potatoes, they can be made in so many ways. You can bake ’em, fry ’em, or even air fry ’em. But only air-frying gives the perfect blend of crunch and softness, all without needing to dunk the rings into a vat of hot oil.
Plus, you get to make your onion rings however you want. I use panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and Cajun seasoning as my favorite combo. However, you can add whatever seasonings and spices you like! The sky’s the limit.
Are Air-Fryer Onion Rings Healthy?
Air-fried onion rings provide all the taste of the old-school, deep-fried variety but don’t have nearly the amount of fat from the fryer oil. Even better, air-frying minimizes the breakdown of some of the more heat-sensitive nutrients and vitamins (like vitamin C), which are usually lost during the deep-frying process. So while I wouldn’t go out of my way to call these an outright health food, they are certainly a much healthier take on your classic onion ring recipe.
You can make these onion rings gluten-free by using a GF flour and panko variety. And if you want to avoid dairy, you can swap the buttermilk soak for a plant-based alternative: Simply combine one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with one cup of your choice of plant milk. Let it sit five to ten minutes, and you have dairy-free buttermilk.
Onion Rings Go A Long Way Back
Onion rings have been around for a while; possibly longer than you might think. While we associate them as a popular snack at bars and ball games, the first version of an onion ring recipe appeared in 1802 in a British cookbook called The Art of Cookery Made Easy and Refined. By the 1920s, the snack had made its way to the States and began popping up in diners and fast-food stops. Eventually, the onion ring became a diner staple alongside burgers and milkshakes.
And that brings us to today! Here we are, still obsessed with these savory little snacks. Now, though, we’re looking for healthier ways to enjoy them, and the air fryer allows us to do just that.
FAQs & Tips
If you only need to store the onion rings for a few hours, cool them down fully and place them on a wire rack for air circulation. Cover lightly with a kitchen towel or foil (no cling film, please; we’re avoiding sogginess!). Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sun or heat sources. For anything longer than a few hours, arrange them in a single layer on a plate, then cover with wax or parchment paper, followed by foil. Pop them into the fridge where they can chill for 2-3 days without losing their fab flavor. You can reheat them right back in the air fryer.
The buttermilk softens up the onions and gives them a slightly tangy flavor. It’s not an absolutely necessary step, but I do find it makes enough of a difference to be worth it.
I pat the rings dry before bathing them in the marinade. Too much moisture will make all that breading slide right off. And really give the onion rings a good dip in the foamy egg whites before you coat them. The breadcrumbs will also need a little pressure to stick, so don’t be gentle. That said, once the breadcrumbs are on the onion, handle with care in the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
If you want to serve these air-fryer onion rings as a side, why not make some Cajun Burgers With Sweet Potato Buns? The Cajun seasoning on both the burgers and the rings is such a treat. And don’t forget about dips! Blue Cheese Dip, Spinach Dip, and Sour Cream Dip are some of my favorites for onion rings.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 onions
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 egg whites
- Nonstick spray oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and slice the onions into 1/3-inch-thick rings. Pat dry with paper towels and set them aside.
- Place the onion rings in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let the onion marinate in the milk for at least 2 hours in the fridge.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko, cornmeal, flour, and Cajun seasoning to make a breading mixture.
- In a second bowl, whisk the egg whites until very foamy. Dip each onion ring in the egg whites.
- From the egg whites, then dip the onion rings in the breading mixture. Place the breaded onion rings in the air fryer and spray with the nonstick spray. Air fry the onion rings for 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove the onions from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate. Serve with a dip of your choice!
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