Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings (Blooming Onion)
Crispy Outside, Tender Inside! Easy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe
Experience the perfect harmony of sweet onions and a wonderfully crispy coating with these Blooming Onion Rings. Made easily in your air fryer, they offer a uniquely addictive flavor that’s hard to resist once you start. They’re perfect as a delightful snack for kids or a tasty accompaniment to your favorite beverages!
Main Ingredients
- 1 large onion
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for frying)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 200ml milk
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp paprika powder
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Simple Mayonnaise Dip Sauce
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the onion. Trim off just the very ends of the onion and then make 16 cuts from the top towards the root, stopping just before you reach the bottom. This creates a ‘blooming’ effect, like flower petals.
Step 2
Place the cut onion in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. Soaking the onion helps to remove its pungent, raw flavor, resulting in a sweeter and milder taste.
Step 3
After soaking, carefully lift the onion out of the water and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Ensuring the onion is completely dry is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.
Step 4
Prepare the first coating. In a wide bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with paprika powder. The paprika adds a lovely color and a subtle, sweet-spicy note.
Step 5
In another bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs and 200ml of milk to create an egg wash.
Step 6
Finally, prepare the breadcrumbs. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the breadcrumbs and mix well. This step helps the onion rings achieve a more fried-like crispiness when cooked in the air fryer.
Step 7
Now, coat the onion. Dredge the onion first in the seasoned flour, then dip it into the egg wash, followed by another dip in the seasoned flour, and then the egg wash again. Ensure each layer is applied evenly; gently shaking or patting after each step helps the coating adhere well.
Step 8
Finish by coating the onion generously with the olive oil-mixed breadcrumbs. If you like, you can mix in some dried parsley with the breadcrumbs for an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor.
Step 9
Arrange the coated onion rings in your air fryer basket. Cook at 170°C (340°F) for about 15 minutes. To ensure even cooking and crispiness throughout, consider flipping the onion rings halfway through or gently separating the ‘petals’ so heat can circulate.
Step 10
Air fryer models can vary, so cooking times and temperatures might differ slightly. Keep an eye on the onion rings during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they are golden brown and perfectly crispy, without burning. Enjoy your delicious homemade onion rings!
