Whether you’re looking for a fun homemade snack or an appetizer for a family meal, these Air Fried Crunchy Onion Rings are sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike. Offering the same irresistibly crispy texture as deep-fried onion rings, these air-fried versions make for a healthier alternative to a classic salty snack.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 tbsp. seasoning salt, divided
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp. thyme leaves (fresh if possible)
- 1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup olive oil
- Non-stick cooking spray
Directions
Cut onion into ½” slices and divide slices into individual rings.
Place a cooling rack on ½ sheet pan and arrange onion slices on the cooling rack. Evenly spray both sides of onions with cooking spray.
Prepare 3 bowls as follows:
- Mix 1 cup flour, 1 tbsp. seasoning salt, and 1 tbsp. cornstarch.
- Whisk together 1 cup buttermilk and 2 eggs. Set mixture aside (can put in refrigerator until ready to use.)
- Mix 1 cup flour, 1 cup panko crumbs, 1 tbsp. thyme leaves, and 1 tbsp. seasoning salt.
Place onion slices into 1st mixture (flour cornstarch mixture). Toss well to coat all pieces.
Remove rings and place into 2nd mixture (egg mixture). Toss well to coat pieces.
Shake off excess and place rings into 3rd mixture (panko mixture). If the mixture becomes clumpy, make another batch for bowl 3.
Place rings into a single layer on a Baker Secret Pan or ½ sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Allow the prepared rings to chill in the freezer until firm (1 hour minimum).
After an hour, pour olive oil into a bowl. Place a cooling rack on ½ sheet pan.
Remove rings from the freezer and gently flip them in the oil until all breading has absorbed oil. Place oiled rings on the cooling rack, allowing excess oil to drain. Then move the drained rings to a baking sheet.
Place oven rack in center of the oven and preheat to 350°F using Air Fry mode.
Place baking sheet in the oven and air fry for 20 minutes. Serve hot.
Recipe and image from our friends at Frigidaire.
