Air Fryer Crispy Onions Recipe

Air Fryer Crispy Onions are a healthier alternative to deep-fried onions, perfect for adding crunch to salads, burgers, casseroles, or as a snack. These onions are coated in a light breading, then air fried to crispy perfection, cutting down on the oil while still delivering that delicious crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion (yellow or white), thinly sliced
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons milk (or buttermilk for extra flavor)
• Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky touch
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicy kick

For Serving:

• Top salads, casseroles, or burgers
• Serve as a crispy side or snack with dipping sauces

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onion Rings

1. Slice the onion into thin rings, about ¼ inch thick. Separate the slices into individual rings.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the egg and milk together.
2. In another shallow bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs (and Parmesan cheese, if using).

Step 3: Coat the Onion Rings

1. Dredge each onion ring in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess flour.
2. Dip the onion rings into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
3. Finally, coat the onion rings in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs lightly to ensure they stick.

Step 4: Air Fry the Onion Rings

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook in batches.
4. Spray the tops of the onion rings with a light coating of non-stick spray or olive oil spray.
5. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the crispy onions from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
2. Serve immediately as a topping for salads, burgers, casseroles, or enjoy as a crispy snack with your favorite dipping sauce.

Cooking Notes

• Onion Type: Yellow onions work best for a sweet and savory flavor, but you can use white onions for a sharper taste or red onions for a milder flavor.
• Crispiness: For extra crispiness, you can add more panko breadcrumbs to the coating and spray a bit more oil on the onions before air frying.

Variations

1. Spicy Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.

2. Cheesy Onion Rings

Mix 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for an added cheesy flavor.

3. Smoky Onion Rings

Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a smoky and slightly spicy flavor.

4. Gluten-Free Onion Rings

Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make a gluten-free version.

5. Buttermilk Battered Onion Rings

Soak the onions in buttermilk for 30 minutes before coating them. This adds extra flavor and helps the coating stick better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Air Fryer Crispy Onions ahead of time?
Yes, but they are best served immediately for maximum crispiness. You can store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

Q: How do I store leftover crispy onions?
Store any leftover crispy onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness.

Q: Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
Yes! You can use regular breadcrumbs or Italian-style breadcrumbs for a different texture or flavor. Panko gives the lightest and crispiest result, but any breadcrumb will work.

Q: Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the onion rings in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: Can I freeze these crispy onions?
Yes, you can freeze the coated onion rings before air frying. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Air fry from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

These Air Fryer Crispy Onions are the perfect way to enjoy deliciously crispy onions without the extra oil and mess of deep-frying. They’re light, flavorful, and perfect for topping all your favorite dishes or enjoying on their own. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, these crispy onions are sure to become a go-to side or snack in your kitchen!