Air fryer crispy fried onions 

Instructions:

1. Prep the Onions:

Peel and thinly slice the onions into even rings. You can use a mandoline slicer to get uniform slices, which will help them cook evenly. Separate the rings gently and set them aside.

2. Soak the Onions:

Place the onion rings in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk (or milk). Let the onions soak in the buttermilk for at least 15-30 minutes. Soaking helps the coating adhere to the onions, making them crispier after air frying.

3. Prepare the Coating:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cornstarch (if using). The cornstarch helps create an extra-crispy crust. Mix everything together until the dry ingredients are fully combined.

4. Coat the Onions:

After the onions have soaked in the buttermilk, dredge them in the flour mixture, making sure to coat each ring evenly. Shake off any excess flour. You want a light coating, not too thick, so that the onion rings crisp up perfectly.

5. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the onions cook evenly and get crispy all over.

6. Air Fry the Onions:

Place the coated onion rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overcrowded so they can crisp up properly. Lightly spray the onion rings with olive oil or use cooking spray to ensure they get golden and crunchy.

Air fry the onions at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The onions should be golden brown and crispy when done. If you like them extra crispy, you can air fry them for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the onions are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve immediately as a topping for your favorite dishes or as a snack on their own. Enjoy the crunch!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions

1. Cut the Onions Evenly: Slice the onions as evenly as possible to ensure they cook at the same rate. Thin slices will get the crispiest, but be sure they’re thick enough to maintain some texture.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: It’s tempting to load the air fryer basket with all the onions at once, but overcrowding will prevent them from getting crispy. If you have a lot of onion rings, work in batches for the best results.
3. Spray with Oil: While air fryers don’t require much oil, a light spray of oil helps the onions get that golden-brown color and crispy texture. Olive oil works great, but you can also use any cooking spray.
4. Soak the Onions: Soaking the onions in buttermilk (or milk) before coating them is key to getting them extra crispy. The buttermilk helps the flour mixture stick to the onions and gives them a tender, juicy interior.
5. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the coating to match your taste. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or parmesan cheese for a savory, cheesy flavor.
6. Check for Crispiness: Every air fryer is a bit different, so check your onion rings a minute or two before the suggested time to ensure they don’t burn. They should be crispy and golden brown when done.

Creative Ways to Use Crispy Fried Onions

While air fryer crispy fried onions are delicious on their own, they’re also incredibly versatile. Here are some fun and tasty ways to incorporate them into your meals:

1. Green Bean Casserole: Top off your classic green bean casserole with a handful of crispy fried onions for the perfect crunch and flavor contrast.
2. Burgers and Sandwiches: Add a few crispy fried onions to your burger or sandwich for extra flavor and texture. They pair wonderfully with beef, chicken, or even veggie burgers.
3. Salads: Sprinkle crispy fried onions on top of salads for a delightful crunch. They’re great with leafy greens, roasted vegetables, or even as a topping for coleslaw.
4. Soups and Stews: Add fried onions to soups like French onion soup or stews to enhance the flavor and texture.
5. Snack Attack: Eat them as a snack! Crispy fried onions are irresistible on their own, so feel free to munch on them while watching TV or while prepping other dishes.
6. Tacos and Nachos: Top tacos, nachos, or even baked potatoes with a handful of crispy fried onions for an added burst of flavor and crunch.

Conclusion: A Healthier Crunch with All the Flavor

Air fryer crispy fried onions are a game changer in the world of crispy snacks and toppings. They provide all the satisfying crunch and savory goodness of traditional fried onions, but without the excess grease and calories. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can easily make these crispy delights at home and use them to elevate a wide variety of dishes.

So, next time you’re craving that irresistible crispy texture, skip the deep fryer and try making them in your air fryer. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make your own crispy fried onions, and how much better they taste!