Description
Delicious and crispy vegan onion rings made healthier using an air fryer. These golden onion rings are coated with a flavorful seasoned batter and panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch, perfect as a snack or appetizer. Easy to prepare and enjoy with your favorite dips.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large onion
Batter
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (divided)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (divided)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika or red chili powder
- Approximately 1/2 cup water (as required)
Coating
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Others
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing and spraying)
Instructions
- Prepare Onion Rings: Peel the onion and cut it into 1 cm thick slices. Gently separate the full rings from each slice and discard the inner parts. Set aside the rings for coating.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, cornstarch, baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Gradually add water while whisking to form a smooth batter that is neither too thick nor too thin.
- Season Breadcrumbs: Mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to enhance flavor and prevent bland coating.
- Set Up Dredging Station: Arrange four bowls: one with the onion rings, one with 1/4 cup dry flour, one with the batter, and one with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Coat Onion Rings: First dip each onion ring in the dry flour, then into the batter allowing excess to drip off, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Place coated rings on a greased plate as you finish each one.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer at 200°C (392°F) for 3-4 minutes while you finish coating the rings.
- Air Fry the Rings: Brush or spray oil on the air fryer basket and arrange the onion rings in a single layer without overlapping. Spray or brush oil on top. Air fry at 200°C (392°F) for 6-8 minutes, spraying oil halfway through cooking for even color. Cook until rings are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Serve hot immediately with your favorite sauces like mayonnaise or ketchup.
Notes
- Slice onion rings approximately 1 cm thick for the best onion to breadcrumb ratio.
- Monitor cooking time closely after 6 minutes to avoid overcooking or burning.
- Do not overlap rings in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- To make in advance, air fry rings halfway (3-4 minutes), refrigerate, and finish air frying until golden before serving.
- Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days; reheat in the air fryer for best results.
- Alternatively, onion rings can be deep fried on stovetop using medium heat oil for golden crispy results, but air frying is healthier and less oily.
