Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings offer a healthier twist on the classic fried favorite. Coated in seasoned flour, dipped in buttermilk and egg, and then coated with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, they achieve a golden, crispy exterior with a tender onion inside. Made quickly and easily in the air fryer, they are perfect as a snack or side dish with less oil and mess than traditional frying.
Ingredients
Onions
- 2 medium yellow onions, sliced ½ inch thick and separated into rings
Breading Mix
- ¾ cup all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Wet Mixture
- ⅔ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
Coating
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for brushing and spritzing
Instructions
- Prepare Breading Stations: Arrange three bowls: in the first, combine flour, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper; in the second, whisk together buttermilk and egg; in the third, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat Onion Rings: Dip each onion ring first into the buttermilk and egg mixture, then into the seasoned flour, back into the buttermilk and egg mixture, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Brush or spritz vegetable oil onto the air fryer basket (avoid aerosol sprays), then preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
- Cook Onion Rings: Arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly brush or spritz the onion rings with vegetable oil. Air fry for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, checking periodically as cooking times may vary.
Notes
- Use fresh buttermilk and a large egg for best coating adhesion and flavor.
- Make sure onion rings are evenly sliced to ensure even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Brush oil carefully to avoid sogginess and to achieve crisp texture.
- Check the onion rings frequently towards the end of cooking to prevent burning as air fryer wattages vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
