1. Prepare the Onion Rings:
- Slice Onions: Peel and slice the onion into 1/4-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and discard any small or broken pieces.
- Soak: Place the onion rings in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This helps to tenderize the onions and allows the breading to adhere better.
2. Prepare the Breading Station:
- Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, place the flour. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. Bread the Onion Rings:
- Coat with Flour: Remove the onion rings from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge each ring in the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
- Dip in Buttermilk: Return the floured onion rings to the buttermilk, allowing them to be coated again.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat each onion ring in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
5. Cook the Onion Rings:
- Arrange in Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Arrange the breaded onion rings in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air Fry: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket or flip the onion rings halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
6. Serve:
- Cool and Serve: Remove the onion rings from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
Tips for Perfection:
- Even Slicing: Slice the onions into uniform rings to ensure even cooking.
- Dry Rings: Make sure the onion rings are well-drained after soaking to avoid excess moisture that can affect the crispiness.
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the onion rings cook evenly and become crispy.
Variations:
- Spicy Onion Rings: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
- Herbed Onion Rings: Experiment with different dried herbs, such as basil or rosemary, for unique flavor variations.
- Cheesy Onion Rings: Add more grated cheese to the breadcrumb mixture or use flavored breadcrumbs for different tastes.
These Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings are a healthier and delicious alternative to traditional fried onion rings. They’re perfect for satisfying your craving for a crunchy snack without the extra oil. Enjoy!