Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Onion Strings made from thinly sliced onions coated in a seasoned flour mixture and buttermilk, then air fried to golden perfection. A healthier alternative to deep-fried onion rings, perfect as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Onion
- 1 large yellow or white onion
Breading Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Soaking Liquid
- 2 cups buttermilk
Additional
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Slice the Onion: Peel the onion and slice it thinly into rings using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to ensure even, very thin rings.
- Soak the Onion Rings: Place the onion rings in a medium bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Stir gently to coat the rings evenly. Allow the onions to soak for 15 minutes to soften and absorb flavor.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture and Air Fryer: While soaking, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Coat the Onion Rings: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Remove onion rings from the buttermilk one batch at a time and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture, coating each ring thoroughly.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Shake off any excess flour and place the coated onion rings in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the top of the onion strings with cooking spray to help with crisping.
- Air Fry the Onion Strings: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, work in batches as needed.
- Serve: Once golden brown and crispy, transfer the onion strings to a serving plate. Sprinkle with coarse salt and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce such as sriracha mayo, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
Notes
- Using a mandolin slicer helps achieve thinner, more uniform onion rings for even cooking.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the onion strings cook evenly and become crispy.
- Flipping halfway through cooking helps both sides to brown perfectly.
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preference for spiciness.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
- Buttermilk soak tenderizes the onions and adds subtle tanginess.
