You have got to try this homemade rendition of onion rings. I'm talking about a non deep fat fried version of onions rings with a lightly seasoned gluten free coating so more-ish and make the perfect appetiser or healthy snack.
Hands up if you're a fan of onion rings? I LOVEEEEEE onion rings, a small fact about me is that they are my food heaven.
If I could gnaw at one thing for the rest of my life I think onion rings would be high up there on the list.
That's why I made it mandatory to make a gluten free version using my trusty air fryer.
These onion rings are very much foolproof and tasty too thanks to the seasoned breadcrumbs.
The kids and adults will both enjoy this quick and easy appetiser.
Ever since I purchased my air fryer I've made soooooooooo many recipes in it. I seldom use my oven now unless I'm making a huge batch of food (one of the drawbacks about an air fryer).
Today I'm showing you how to make onion rings that aren't ladened with oil from deep fat frying.
You can enjoy your guilty pleasure without fretting too much about excess fat or other unhealthy ingredients like these Air Fryer Apple Wedges or these Spicy Air Fryer Peanuts.
All you need to do is follow my instructions, I cannot stress how important it is to follow everything to the tee in order for this recipe to work.
There will be no shortcuts unless I list them so please follow the recipe in it's entirety to avoid disappointment because I've tested this recipe for a longgggg time before finally sharing it with you all.
How to make air fryer onion rings
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil and set aside.
- Place the sliced onion rings in a medium sized bowl
- Start by preparing the buttermilk, pour the almond milk and lemon into a medium sized bowl and allow it to congeal for 5 minutes.
- Add all of the listed ingredients for the batter in the bowl with the buttermilk and beat into a smooth batter then place it directly next to the onion rings.(see picture 1)
- In another bowl add all of the ingredients for the breading and thoroughly combine so the seasoning is evenly mixed in. Leave a teaspoon in the bowl as you will need this to transport the onion rings into the basket. Then place this bowl next to the bowl of batter.(see picture 2)
- Place your air fryer basket towards the end, next to the breading bowl.
- Take each (use a pinching motion with index finger and thumb) onion ring and dip in the batter, you may need to dip a few times to ensure the batter is completely applied. Double check the batter has adhered and shake off any excess before moving onto the next step. (see picture 3)
- Still holding the battered onion ring in a pinching motion, place the onion ring on top of the breading. Now spoon the breading onto the ring (DON'T ROLL), toss the breading inside the inner rim too. Flip the onion ring over if you need to ensure it's fully coated. It should stick without dislodging and shake off any excess crumbs (see picture 5-6)
- Place the spoon inside the onion ring and carefully place it onto the spoon so it balances. (see picture 7)
- Carefully lower the onion ring into the fryer basket and repeat with the rest of the onion rings.(see picture 8)
- Spray the top of the onion rings
- Place the basket in the air fryer, set the unit 190C/375F for 8-10 minutes. Turn half way through.
Notes and tips
- Use gluten free panko breadcrumbs, they make the crispiest coating ever. Alternatively, GF cornflakes (crushed) or fine cornmeal, or regular breadcrumbs works too.
- I only use the 3-4 layers per onion ring as the centre is too small to form decent rings. Reserve the inner layers for cooking another dish,
- If the breadcrumbs are white add ½ teaspoon of turmeric to authenticate them.
- Cooking time may vary depending on your model. I have a Philips XL which takes 8-10 minutes to become crispy so use the cooking duration as a baseline.
- Double, triple check that the batter/breading has stuck, if there's not enough on the onion ring, recoat again but don't over saturate or let the batter drip before coating or the breading will clump. So shake off any excess batter that's dripping.
- Serve immediately or the same day for best results. I like to make these when I know for sure that I'm going to eat them. They aren't as crispy or hold up well the next day, so cook what you need at any given time and eat straight away.
- You can veganise the recipe by using flax eggs instead.
More air fryer recipes
- Jamaican fried chicken
- Parsnip Fries
- Air fryer chicken nuggets
- Air fryer chicken wings
- Air fryer shrimp
- Air Fryer French Fried Onions
Gluten free air fryer onion rings
Air fryer onion rings - these onion rings are game changers and so foolproof even your non gluten free friends/family won't know the difference.
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Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 254kcal
Ingredients
- 2-3 large onions spanish onions, if possible, sliced about ½ inch thick
For the batter
- 1 cup of gluten free flour 130g
- ½ cup of almond milk + 1tbsp of lemon 4 oz/100ml
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of himalayan pink salt
For the breadcrumbs
- 1 cup of GF breadcrumbs GF panko works best (130g)
- ¼ cup of gluten free flour 30g
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic granules or powder
- ½ teaspoon of turmeric optional, for colour
Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil and set aside.
- Place the sliced onion rings in a medium sized bowl
- Start by preparing the buttermilk, pour the almond milk and lemon into a medium sized bowl and allow it to congeal for 5 minutes.
- Add all of the listed ingredients for the batter in the bowl with the buttermilk and beat into a smooth batter then place it directly next to the onion rings.
- In another bowl add all of the ingredients for the breading and thoroughly combine so the seasoning is evenly mixed in. Leave a teaspoon in the bowl as you will need this to transport the onion ring into the basket. Then place this bowl next to the bowl of batter.
- Place your air fryer basket towards the end, next to the breading bowl.
- Take each (use a pinching motion with index finger and thumb) onion ring and dip in the batter, you may need to dip a few times to ensure the batter is completely applied. Double check the batter has adhered and shake off any dripping batter before moving onto the next step.
- Still holding the battered onion ring in a pinching motion, place the onion ring on the breading. Now spoon the breading onto the ring (DON'T ROLL), toss the breading inside the inner rim too. Flip the onion ring over if you need to ensure it's fully coated. It should stick without dislodging and shake off any excess crumbs
- Place the spoon inside the onion ring and carefully place it on the spoon so it balances.
- Carefully lower the onion ring into the fryer basket and repeat with the rest of the onion rings.
- Spray the top of the onion rings
- Place the basket in the air fryer, set the unit 190C/375F for 8-10 minutes. Turn half way through
Notes
- Use gluten free panko breadcrumbs, they make the crispiest coating ever. Alternatively, GF cornflakes (crushed) or fine cornmeal, or regular breadcrumbs works too.
- I only use the 3-4 layers per onion ring as the centre is too small to form decent rings. Reserve the inner layers for cooking another dish,
- If the breadcrumbs are white add ½ teaspoon of turmeric to authenticate them.
- Cooking time may vary depending on your model. I have a Philips XL which takes 8-10 minutes to become crispy so use the cooking duration as a baseline.
- Double, triple check that the batter/breading has stuck, if there's not enough on the onion ring, recoat again but don't over saturate or let the batter drip before coating or the breading will clump. So shake off any excess batter that's dripping.
- Serve immediately or the same day for best results. I like to make these when I know for sure that I'm going to eat them. They aren't as crispy or hold up well the next day, so cook what you need at any given time and eat straight away.
- You can veganise the recipe by using flax eggs instead.
Nutrition
Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 640mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 83IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 2mg
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sabrina says
1 onion powder needs a measurement. I am guessing 1tsp but I could be wrong, can you please clarify?
Charla says
Hi Sabrina, yes you are correct and my apologies, it should say one teaspoon, I hope that clarifies things for you and thanks for pointing that out :).
Sherry says
These were so good! I used a flax egg and they turned out great! I did use a little less thyme as I’m not a big fan of it.
Charla says
Thanks Sherry!
Cody Lettow says
Can you replace the almond milk with coconut milk?
Charla says
Hi Cody, yes you can!
Jan says
I plan to try this recipe tomorrow. Do you or does anyone have a few favorite GF favorite preferred flours ?
Thanks. Jan
Charla says
Hi Jan, I've started using my own GF flour for most recipes now. Here is My GF flour blend . In terms of storebought - King Arthur, Cup4cup (this is GF but contains dairy) and Krusteaz are quite popular choices.
Beth says
Yummy! My husband and I love onion rings! This recipe is perfect for us! Can't wait to make these!
Charla says
No problem Beth. You are welcome.
Helen says
This is a great idea for a healthier version of onion rings, and very tasty too. So easy to make. They would make a perfect movie snack with some homemade dip.
Charla says
Yes it would Helen and thank you!
Linda says
I live with an onion ring lover so finding great onion rings I can make for him is always on my list. And since I use my air fryer as much as possible too these were a must to try. And they came out just like you predicted - crunchy on the outside and soft flavorful onion on the inside. My husband thanks you!
Charla says
No problem Linda. You are welcome.
Gina says
Love the GF spin to these. I need to make a batch ASAP!
Charla says
Thank you!
Danielle Wolter says
I love how thorough the instructions are. This is a great recipe and comes out just perfect!
Charla says
Thanks Danielle. I'm so glad you were able to follow the instructions to perfect these onion rings.
Linda Kint says
Batter would not stick no matter what I did. Recipe Fail
Charla says
Sorry it didn't work for you.
Carla says
Oh, my goooodness! I can't tell you how flippin' elated I am with the details of exactly what and what NOT to do to make these work! I'd given up a long time ago with so many GF recipes because they were soooo frustrating, the dredging, the fall off, the flops with breading. These are happening tomorrow!
Thank you 😊
Charla says
Hi Carla, you are very welcome. Yes, if you follow the recipe to the tee, you should get what is pictured.
Gemma says
Just made these to accompany my lunch best decision I've made all day !!
Thanks for sharing this recipe will be making again.
Charla says
Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it