Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe (Easy + Vegan)
Today we are making a Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe (Easy + Vegan)! This easy and vegan-friendly version transforms ordinary onion rings into a delightful, crispy snack without the need for deep frying. Using just a fraction of the oil, our air fryer method ensures that you get all the crunch and flavor you crave with significantly less guilt.
Our recipe starts with fresh, medium white onions, sliced into perfectly uniform rings that soak in a touch of oat milk to enhance the texture. We then coat these rings in a flavorful blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour and a variety of seasonings including sweet smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs. This combination creates a wonderfully seasoned crust that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of golden, crispy onion rings that are both vegan and gluten-free. These air-fried rings are perfect as a side dish, a party appetizer, or a tasty snack anytime. So, get ready to enjoy a healthier twist on a beloved classic that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe
Healthier Twist on a Classic Favorite: Onion rings are a beloved classic, often enjoyed for their crispy, savory crunch. However, traditional onion rings are typically deep-fried, which means they’re cooked in a lot of oil, leading to a high calorie and fat content. Our Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings offer a much healthier alternative by using an air fryer, which requires only a minimal amount of oil. This means you can indulge in that crispy, golden exterior without the excess grease and calories. Not only does this make the onion rings lighter and more digestible, but it also allows you to enjoy them as a guilt-free treat. Plus, air frying helps retain the onions’ natural sweetness and flavor, making each bite satisfyingly crispy and delicious, all while being kinder to your health.
Perfectly Crispy Texture: Achieving the ideal crispy texture for onion rings can be tricky with traditional frying methods, which often result in unevenly cooked or greasy rings. The air fryer, however, excels at creating a consistently crispy texture thanks to its even heat distribution and efficient hot air circulation. Our recipe leverages this by coating the onion rings with a seasoned blend of gluten-free flour and vegan breadcrumbs, then air frying them to perfection. This method ensures a perfectly crispy coating on the outside, while the inside remains tender and flavorful. The use of baking powder in the flour mixture adds a light, airy quality to the breading, enhancing the crunchiness and making each ring a delightful bite. Whether you’re a fan of classic onion rings or new to the air fryer scene, this recipe guarantees a crispy, golden result that’s both satisfying and addictive.
Substitutions
Onions: Choose large, firm onions like yellow or white onions for the best results. Purple onions are more bitter and not recommended.
Plant-Based Milk: Choose an unsweetened variety of your favorite plant-based milk. You can choose oat milk for a nut-free and soy-free option, or soy milk for one without nuts. Almond milk and cashew milk also don’t have a strong flavor of their own, but will contain nuts. Coconut milk has a strong flavor so I wouldn’t recommend that.
Breadcrumbs: Choose any type of plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs. You can choose gluten-free breadcrumbs as well. Check the ingredient label to make sure they don’t have egg or dairy in them – a lot of breadcrumbs brands do. Panko breadcrumbs are vegan though, which are a good option.
All-Purpose Flour: Try gluten-free all-purpose flour, which can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
Avocado Oil: Use olive oil.
Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe Notes
- Put onions into ¼ to ½ inch rings for a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior. Thicker rings may need slightly longer cooking time.More Recipes You’ll Love
More Recipes You’ll Love
Chilled Garlic Sesame Silken Tofu
If you make this Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings recipe, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe (Easy + Vegan)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Whisk
- 3 Shallow Bowls
- Silicon Tray for the air fryer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- ¼ cup plain plant-based milk unsweetened
- 1 cup vegan breadcrumbs
- 1¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp pink salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp sweet smoked paprika
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 2 medium white onions cut into ¼-inch thick rings
- avocado oil
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, add the plant-based milk.
- In second bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
- In a third bowl, whisk together all the ingredients after the breadcrumbs, until the dried oregano.
- If using a silicon tray (which is optional but highly recommended), set it aside to add the onion rings in.
- For each onion ring, dip it in the milk mixture, then the flour mixture. Then again in the milk mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs mixture. Place the ring in the silicon tray.
- Repeat this process for all the onion rings. Stop once the air fryer tray is full – don't over crowd it. You will have to repeat the steps a few times, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Turn off the air fryer and remove the silicon tray using oven mitts.
- Using a fork or a pair of tongs, carefully remove each onion ring from the tray, placing it on a serving dish.
- Repeat the process with the other batches, until all the onions are cooked. While each batch runs, you can place the cooked rings on a baking tray, and place them in an oven on the "keep warm" setting until ready to serve.
- Once all the onion rings are cooked, you're ready to serve! Dip them in ketchup, ranch, garlic aioli or your favorite dipping sauces!
Notes
-
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one day. Heat back up in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for a few minutes, until cooked.
