Air Fryer Onion Rings for Two

 One thing I really like is Onion Rings.  I think if I had to choose between Fries or Onion Rings I would really have a hard time choosing which one to have.  If push really came to shove, Onion Rings would win every time.

They are not so healthy though (as if fries are!). Deep fried food is not really a healthy thing to be eating.  Also I tend to not deep fry anything at home if I can help it, due to the smell and mess.  I save deep fried food for eating out and the occasional treat! 

 

I recently purchased an air fryer and have determined to learn how to use it properly.  I have had a difficult time coming to terms with it. I mostly just cremate food in it. In fact I have been calling it my cremator.

I really want it to pay for itself however, so I am sticking with it. I am happy to say I am getting way better and have had success with the last few things I have tried!

 

Air frying is so much better for you than deep fat frying.  Not only it is quicker to cook foods in an air fryer, but studies have found that people who cook with a an air fryer reduce their calorie consumption by 70 to 80%!

All plusses in my book.  I have never been a person that deep fried a lot of food anyways, but it is nice to know that if I want something with a deep fat fried flavor and texture I can achieve that in a much healthier way.

 

These newer air fryer models are so much better and more efficient than the fryers of the past and most of them these days provide multiple functions, rather than just frying.

Today I decided to do onion rings in them, because, as I said above. I enjoy onion rings, but I don't always enjoy the grease and indigestion they give me from the grease.  Having said that however, I also have my favorites when it comes to onion rings.

 

Typically I have always found onion rings that are made from ground up onions, mixed into a batter and then fried in ring shapes disappointing.  I want real onions, with a crispy coating. I like to chew my own food thank you very much!

When I was searching for recipes online as a guide to make my onion rings, I found that most were made with bread crumbs, and some with bread crumbs and cornmeal for extra crunch.  I confess, I don't like the cornmeal.  For me, that is a bit too much crunch.

 

I love cornmeal in breads and such, but not so much in breading.  Panko bread crumbs seem to give the best results crunch wise, but don't worry if you only have regular dried bread crumbs. They can also be used with success.

If you really want a treat, add a bit of finely grated Parmesan Cheese and some herbs to the bread crumbs.  You may want to make them the regular way first however so you know what to expect.

 

You want to use a sweet onion to make onion rings with.  A Vidalia is great if you can get them, or a Spanish onion. You do want a large onion if possible.

Don't be tempted to use red onions.  End of.

You will only need 1/2 of a large onion to make this recipe which I have sized perfectly for two people.  You will find that it served two very generously.

 

Cut the onion into 1/2 inch thick slices and then separate them into rings. You won't be able to use the inner most parts, but that's okay, you can save them for something else.

The art of dredging or coating things in an egg/flour/breadcrumb coating is called Pane.  It is not my favorite thing to do because it can get rather messy rather quickly.  

I find that using three separate forks for each element of the pane works well and doesn't cross contaminate your coatings. You will need one for the flour mixture, one for the egg/buttermilk and one for the breadcrumbs.  If you keep them separate with the three forks then there is very little mess.

 

These are not completely fat free of course.  You need a bit of fat for flavor and to crisp them up.  A bit of oil is mixed into the bread crumb mixture, which helps to crisp the crumbs beautifully.  Use a healthy oil, a canola is good.

You will also need to spritz with some oil cooking spray as well.  Some people swear by avocado oil cooking spray.  I just used ordinary Pam.

 

This recipe I am sharing today makes the perfect amount for two people, although you could certainly double the recipe to feed more people if you wish.  

Its helpful to know that you can also freeze these when done.  Simply pop onto a baking sheet and into the freezer, repacking them into  a zip lock freezer bag when frozen. 

They will keep for up to two months packed this way and can easily be reheated quickly for a few minutes in the air fryer when you want to serve them.

I was really pleased with how these turned out.  Not only were they quick and easy to make, but they were crisp and delicious as well.

I served mine simply with some tomato ketchup for dipping, but some people enjoy them with fry sauce (equal parts of ketchup and mayo) sour cream dip, etc. You know what you like best.

I would make these again and plan on making them sometime when Eileen and Tim come over. I just know they will love them! And it makes me feel good knowing that I can make a snack for them that is a bit healthier than the alternative!

Air Fryer Onion Rings for Two

Yield: 2

Author: Marie Rayner

Prep time: 12 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 27 Min

Crisp and delicious and oh so simple to make! Sized perfectly for two people. Great on their own as a snack with a dip, or as a side for burgers or dogs.

Ingredients

• 1/2 of a large sweet onion (the sweeter the better)
• 1/3 cup (50g) plain all purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp seasoning salt
• hefty pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 large free range egg
• 1/3 cup (80ml)  buttermilk
• 1 cup (110g) panko bread crumbs
• 1 TBS vegetable oil
• 1 TBS cornmeal (optional)
• low fat cooking spray
• additional seasoning salt to finish 

Instructions

1. You will need  three shallow bowls for the breading. 
2. In bowl one, whisk together the flour, seasoning salt and cayenne pepper
3. In bowl two, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
4. In bowl three, whisk together the bread crumbs, oil and cornmeal (if using.)
5. Cut your onion into 1/2 inch thick slices. (I peel my onion after I slice it.) Separate into rings.  Save the small inner parts for another use.
6. Working with one ring at a time, dip first into the buttermilk egg mixture, then into the flour and back into the buttermilk.  Toss into the bread crumb mixture, pressing to adhere.  
7. Spray each with some cooking spray and place into the air fryer basket (s), in a single layer, taking care that they don't touch.  (You can put the really small ones inside of the larger ones.)
8. Preheat your air fryer to 350*F/180*C. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and crisp. 
9. Sprinkle with additional seasoning salt and serve immediately.

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