Air Fryer Onion Rings (Homemade)
User Reviews
5
Air Fryer Onion Rings (Homemade)
Description
To prepare, thick onion rings soak in buttermilk for several hours, which tenderizes them. The breading combines panko, cornmeal, flour, and Cajun seasoning to create a textured coating. Whipped egg whites foam the batter, helping the coating stick and crisp up during cooking. The air fryer cooks the rings at high heat, flipping halfway to ensure even crispness and a golden color.
The finished onion rings have a satisfying crunch outside with a tender onion inside, highlighted by the slightly spicy seasoning. This method uses minimal oil spray compared to deep frying and keeps preparation relatively simple. These onion rings serve well as a snack or side dish.
Various seasoning blends can be used to customize flavor. Homemade onion rings are best enjoyed freshly cooked but can be stored briefly and reheated in the air fryer. Frozen store-bought onion rings also crisp well in the air fryer with adjusted timing.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion
- 3 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup cornmeal yellow
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ cup egg white
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Peel and slice the onion into 1/3 to 1/2 inch rings. Gently separate the onion rings and place them in a baking dish (or a large Ziploc bag.) Pour the buttermilk over the onion rings. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 12 hours to marinate.
- Once the onions have had plenty of time to soak in the buttermilk, preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Drain the buttermilk off the onion rings. Set out two bowls. In the first bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, flour, and Cajun seasoning. Mix well. In the second bowl, whisk the egg whites until very foamy.
- Working in small batches, dip each onion ring in the egg whites to coat in foam, then dunk in the breading mixture. Make sure the onion rings are mostly coated and set aside. Whip the egg whites as needed when they deflate.
- Place 5 to 8 onion rings in the air fryer basket at a time making sure not to overlap. Spray thoroughly with oil spray.
- Air fry the onion rings for 5 minutes. Then open the basket, flip them over, spray the other side with oil, and continue air frying for another 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining batches. Serve warm with favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Any seasoning blend such as Cajun, Adobo, Tajin, Lemon Pepper, Old Bay, or Taco seasoning can be used to adjust the flavor.
- Frozen store-bought onion rings can be cooked in the air fryer at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping once mid-way, as a convenient option.
- Freshly cooked onion rings are best enjoyed right away but can be refrigerated for 1-2 days and reheated in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes at 400°F to restore crispness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 394 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 8rings | |
| Calories | 394kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 62g | 21% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 360mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 613mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
| Vitamin A | 2022IU | 40% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 265mg | 27% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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