Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings

Ingredients

• 1 large Vidalia Onion (refrigerated overnight; cut into ~½‑inch rings)
• 0.5 cup Cold Beer (any light lager or ale; keep cold)
• 1 tablespoon Cholula Hot Sauce (room temperature; mild heat)
• 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
• 0.75 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted; American style AP flour works best)
• 2 teaspoons Water (add a little at a time to thin batter)
• 0.5 teaspoon Sea Salt (for wet batter; fine grain)
• 1 cup Unseasoned Bread Crumbs (can substitute panko for extra crunch)
• 0.5 teaspoon Fine Grind Sea Salt (dry mix)
• 0.5 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 0.125 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for a mild kick)
• 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil (e.g., avocado oil) (for spritzing the rings before air‑frying)

Instructions

1. Cut Onion into Rings

   Leave the papery outer skin on, make a tiny flat spot on the top of the onion with the knife, then slice the onion into ~½‑inch thick rings while keeping your fingers tucked back.

   Time: PT10M

2. Remove Onion Membrane

   Working with cold rings, gently pull the thin inner membrane away from each ring using your thumb and forefinger or a fingernail. Do this for every ring.

   Time: PT5M

3. Optional Cold‑Water Soak

   If using a strong onion, place the rings in a bowl of cold tap water for 30 minutes, then pat completely dry with paper towels.

   Time: PT30M

4. Prepare Wet Batter

   In a mixing bowl combine ½ cup cold beer, 1 tbsp Cholula hot sauce, and 1 large egg. Whisk lightly until just blended.

   Time: PT3M

5. Incorporate Flour and Adjust Consistency

   Sift ¾ cup all‑purpose flour over the wet mixture in small batches, folding gently with a fork. If the batter looks too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time until it resembles a thick pancake batter. Sprinkle ¼‑½ tsp sea salt and fold in.

   Time: PT7M

6. Prepare Dry Breading Mix

   In a separate bowl combine 1 cup unseasoned bread crumbs, ½ tsp fine sea salt, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, and, if desired, ⅛‑¼ tsp cayenne pepper.

   Time: PT3M

7. Preheat Air Fryer

   Set the air fryer to its highest setting (≈450°F) and preheat for 10 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 450°F

8. Bread the Onion Rings

   Using two forks (or tongs), dip each ring into the wet batter, let excess drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.

   Time: PT10M

9. Oil and Arrange for Frying

   Lay the coated rings on a cooling rack or parchment‑lined tray. Lightly spritz each ring with neutral oil, ensuring an even coating.

   Time: PT3M

10. Air Fry First Batch

    Place 2‑3 large rings (plus any small ones) in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Air fry at 360°F for 7 minutes. Do NOT flip.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: 360°F

11. Repeat Batches

    While the first batch rests on the rack, repeat steps 9‑10 with the remaining rings, spritzing oil each time.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: 360°F

12. Cool and Serve

    Transfer the finished rings to a cooling rack and let them sit for 5 minutes to set the crust before serving.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

150

Protein

3g

Carbohydrates

18g

Fat

7g

Fiber

1g