- Soak the onions. In a bowl, pour the buttermilk (or your milk and vinegar mixture) and add the thinly sliced onion rings. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to help soften the onions and allow the coating to stick better.
- Prepare the coating. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
Stage 2: Coating the Onion Rings
- Coat the onions. Take each onion ring out of the buttermilk mixture and dip it into the flour and breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated on both sides. For extra crunch, you can double-coat the onions by dipping them back into the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture.
- Spray with oil. Lightly spray the coated onion rings with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps them get golden and crispy in the air fryer.
Stage 3: Air Frying the Onion Rings
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket. Place the coated onion rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the onions. Air fry the onion rings for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Check for crispiness. If they’re not as crispy as you’d like, you can add a few more minutes until they reach your desired level of crunch.
Stage 4: Serving
- Serve immediately. Once done, transfer the crispy fried onions to a serving dish. Serve as a topping for casseroles, burgers, or salads, or enjoy them as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or ketchup.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure the onion rings are arranged in a single layer. Overcrowding can prevent them from crisping up properly.
- For extra crunch, use Panko breadcrumbs, which give a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust seasoning. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste, adding more cayenne for heat, or experimenting with other spices like paprika or dried herbs.
- Reheat leftovers. These onion rings can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Final Thoughts:
These Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions are a healthier version of the classic crispy fried onions you love. With less oil and the same delicious crunch, they make a perfect addition to any meal or as a satisfying snack. Enjoy the golden, crispy goodness without the guilt!