Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Introduction

Deliciously crispy and vegan-friendly, these air fryer onion rings are a perfect snack or side dish. They offer all the satisfying crunch of traditional onion rings without deep frying, making them lighter and easier to prepare at home.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
• 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)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel the onion and cut it into 1 cm thick slices. Gently separate the full rings from each slice and set them aside. Discard or save the inner parts for salads or gravies.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and garlic powder. Gradually whisk in water until a smooth batter forms, neither too thick nor too thin.
3. Step 3: Mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper to add flavor to the coating.
4. Step 4: Set up a dredging station with four bowls: onion rings, 1/4 cup dry flour, batter mixture, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
5. Step 5: Coat each onion ring first in the dry flour, then dip into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded rings on a greased plate while preheating the air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for 3-4 minutes.
6. Step 6: Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange the onion rings in a single layer. Air fry at 200°C (392°F) for 6-8 minutes, brushing or spraying oil halfway through for an even golden color. Serve hot with your favorite dip.

Tips & Variations

• Slice the onion rings about 1 cm thick to maintain a good balance between onion and coating for the best texture and flavor.
• Keep an eye on the onion rings after 6 minutes to avoid overcooking or burning, as air fryer times can vary by model.
• Avoid overlapping the rings in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Storage

Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 180°C (356°F) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

What dips go well with air fryer onion rings?

These onion rings pair wonderfully with vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, barbecue sauce, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.

Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 517 reviews

Crispy and flavorful vegan onion rings made effortlessly in the air fryer. These golden rings have a perfectly seasoned, crunchy panko breadcrumb coating and a tender onion center. This recipe uses a simple batter and air frying techniques for a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried onion rings without sacrificing taste or texture.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onion

• 1 large onion

Batter

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp paprika or red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Approximately 1/2 cup water (as required)

Coating

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Other

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing and spraying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the onion rings: Peel the onion, then slice it into 1 cm thick rings. Gently separate the individual rings discarding the inner small pieces. Set the rings aside for breading.
2. Make the batter: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and garlic powder. Gradually whisk in water until you achieve a smooth, slightly thick but pourable batter.
3. Season the breadcrumbs: Mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to flavor the coating for extra crunch and taste.
4. Set up the dredging station: Arrange four separate bowls: one with prepared onion rings, one with 1/4 cup dry flour, one with the batter slurry, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs.
5. Coat the onion rings: First dredge each onion ring in dry flour, then dip it into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press and turn the ring in the breadcrumb bowl until fully coated. Place coated rings on a greased plate. Repeat with all onion rings.
6. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and preheat for 3-4 minutes while you finish breading all rings.
7. Air fry the rings: Brush a little olive oil onto the air fryer basket. Arrange the onion rings in a single layer without overlapping. Spray or brush them lightly with olive oil. Air fry at 200°C for 6-8 minutes, turning and spraying oil halfway through cooking to ensure even crispness and browning.
8. Serve hot: Remove the crispy onion rings from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dips such as vegan mayonnaise or ketchup.

Notes

• Slice onion rings about 1 cm thick to maintain a good onion to breadcrumb ratio.
• Keep an eye on the rings after 6 minutes to avoid overcooking or burning, as air fryer times vary by model.
• Do not overlap rings in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Keywords: vegan onion rings, air fryer onion rings, crispy onion rings, air fried snacks, healthy onion rings, vegan snacks