I absolutely love cooking with my air fryer, and this Air Fryer Onions recipe is one of my go-to choices when I’m craving something crispy and flavorful without the hassle of deep-frying. It’s the perfect side dish or snack to accompany any meal, and it’s so easy to make! Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to traditional fried onions, but still delivers that satisfying crunch and golden color that everyone loves.
What I love about this recipe is how quick and simple it is. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of crispy, tender onions with a lightly seasoned, crunchy exterior. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a topping for burgers, or just a snack to munch on, these air fryer onions are bound to impress!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Onions: Onions are the star of this recipe. I prefer using medium-sized yellow onions, as they provide the perfect balance of sweetness and sharpness. They’re sliced into rings, creating that classic onion ring shape that’s perfect for the air fryer.
Flour: The flour helps to coat the onions, giving them a light, crispy exterior once they’re cooked in the air fryer. I usually use all-purpose flour, but you can also opt for a gluten-free flour if you’re looking for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch helps the onions achieve an extra crispy texture. It’s one of those secret ingredients that really elevates the crunch factor!
Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper gives these onions a flavorful kick. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, but this mix provides the perfect balance for crispy onions.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping the flour mixture adhere to the onions. It’s essential for creating that perfect crunchy coating.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend using panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy finish. These breadcrumbs are lighter and crunchier, which makes them ideal for air frying.
Cooking Spray: Lightly spraying the onions with cooking spray before air frying ensures they get that beautiful golden color and crispy texture.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium-sized yellow onions, sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Onions
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Start by peeling the onions and slicing them into thick rings. Try to make the slices even so they cook uniformly. Once sliced, separate the rings, and set them aside for later.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dipping Stations
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. Finally, place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. This will create your three dipping stations: flour mixture, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Onion Rings
Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, followed by the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the onion to ensure a thick, even coating.
Step 4: Air Fry the Onions
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, and arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer in the basket. Spray the tops of the onions with a little more cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the onions are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. These crispy, air-fried onions are perfect on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like ranch, ketchup, or a tangy BBQ sauce.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the onion rings by dipping them into the flour mixture, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs, and repeating the process.
- If you’re cooking multiple batches, keep the cooked onions warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) while you finish air frying the rest.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings! Add a bit of paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Make sure the onion rings are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- If you prefer a lighter option, skip the breadcrumbs and opt for a lighter coating of the flour mixture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of onion? Yes, you can use red onions or sweet onions if you prefer. However, yellow onions give the best balance of flavor for this recipe.
Can I make these onion rings ahead of time? You can prep the onion rings and store them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. This will help the coating adhere better during cooking.
Can I freeze the onion rings? Yes, you can freeze the coated onion rings before air frying. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes of cook time.
Can I use a different coating for the onion rings? Absolutely! You can use crushed cornflakes or even a gluten-free breadcrumb option if you prefer. Just make sure the coating is crispy for the best texture.
Enjoy your crispy, golden air fryer onions – a delicious treat that’s sure to satisfy your snack cravings!