Ingredients
Onion Rings
- Onion (large) – 1
Batter
- All purpose flour – 1/2 cup
- Cornstarch – 3 tbsp
- Baking powder – 1/4 tsp
- Salt – 1/2 tsp (divided: 1/4 tsp for batter, 1/4 tsp for breadcrumbs)
- Ground black pepper – 1/2 tsp (divided: 1/4 tsp for batter, 1/4 tsp for breadcrumbs)
- Garlic powder – 1/2 tsp
- Paprika or red chili powder – 1/4 tsp
- Water – approximately 1/2 cup (as required)
Coating
- All purpose flour – 1/4 cup (for dredging)
- Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp (for brushing and spraying)
Instructions
- Prepare the onion rings: Chop off the ends of the onion, peel, and slice into 1 cm thick rounds. Gently separate each full ring from the slice without breaking it. Set the rings aside and discard or save the inner parts for other uses.
- Make the batter: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Gradually whisk in water to create a smooth batter that is neither too thick nor too runny, using slightly less than 1/2 cup water.
- Season the breadcrumbs: In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper to add flavor to the coating.
- Set up the dredging station: Arrange four bowls – one with the prepared onion rings, one with 1/4 cup dry all-purpose flour, one with the batter, and one with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the onion rings: Coat each onion ring first in the dry flour, then dip into the batter to cover completely, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Place breaded rings on a greased plate. Repeat for all rings. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for 3-4 minutes.
- Air fry the onion rings: Brush or spray olive oil on the air fryer basket and place the onion rings in a single layer without overlapping. Spray or brush oil on top of the rings as well. Air fry for 6-8 minutes at 200°C (392°F), turning or spraying oil halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Watch closely after 6 minutes to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the onion rings from the air fryer and serve hot with mayonnaise, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Do not slice the onion rings too thin to maintain a good onion-to-breadcrumb ratio and avoid an overpowering breadcrumb taste.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer brand and size; monitor closely after 6 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Avoid overlapping rings in the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
