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My search for the perfect onion rings ended when I started making them in my air fryer. The sweet smell of caramelized onions fills my kitchen and my family comes running every time. These crispy rings have become our favorite movie night snack without the guilt of deep frying.
Crunch Time
The sound of biting into these rings brings me so much joy. They have this amazing golden coating that shatters just right while the onion inside stays perfectly tender and sweet. My kids who used to pick onions out of everything now beg for these as an afternoon treat.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Onions: 2 large sweet onions sliced into rings
- Coating: 1 cup flour ¼ cup cornstarch 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Wet Mix: 2 eggs 1 cup buttermilk salt pepper
- Seasonings: Garlic powder paprika olive oil spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Onions
- Slice onions into thick rings separate into singles discard centers.
- Set Up Stations
- Mix flour cornstarch seasonings in one bowl eggs buttermilk in another panko in third.
- Coating Process
- Dip rings in flour then egg then panko pressing crumbs gently.
- Air Frying
- Spray with oil cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes flipping halfway.
- Serve Hot
- Season with salt while hot serve with your favorite dips.
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My Secret Tips
Sweet onions make all the difference in flavor. I sneak cornstarch into the flour mix for extra crunch and always give them a good spray of oil before cooking. Small batches are worth the time they get so much crispier when they have space.
Perfect Pairings
We love dunking these rings in homemade fry sauce or ranch dressing. They're amazing alongside burgers or grilled sandwiches. For parties I make a big batch and set out different dips everyone has their favorite combo.
Save For Later
Any leftover rings go in a container in the fridge. A quick reheat in the air fryer brings back their crunch. My husband loves taking them to work for lunch though honestly we rarely have any left.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I toss ranch seasoning or spicy cayenne into the coating. My kids love when I add parmesan cheese to the panko. We've tried all sorts of dips from honey mustard to bbq sauce each one adds its own special touch.
Family Favorite
These onion rings have won over everyone who tries them. From quick snacks to party appetizers they never disappoint. The best part is watching people's faces light up when they realize how crispy and delicious they are without deep frying.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use sweet yellow onions?
- Sweet onions have a milder, less sharp taste than regular onions. They become tender and slightly sweet when cooked, making perfect onion rings.
- → Why add cornstarch to the flour?
- Cornstarch helps create a crispier coating. It also helps the batter stick better to the onions during cooking.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- While best served fresh, you can keep them warm in a low-temperature oven while cooking batches. They can also be reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- → Why use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs?
- Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. They create an extra crunchy coating that stays crispy after cooking.
- → How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
- Make sure to press the panko firmly onto the rings and spray them well with cooking spray. This helps the coating stick and become golden brown.