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#### **Instructions:**
##### **Step 1: Slice the Onions**
Peel the onions and cut them into thin rings. Aim for rings that are about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to ensure that the onion slices are evenly cut. After slicing, separate the rings and set them aside in a bowl.
##### **Step 2: Soak the Onion Rings**
Place the sliced onion rings into a bowl and pour the buttermilk (or milk) over them. Let the onions soak in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. Soaking the onions helps tenderize them and ensures that the flour mixture sticks better. If you have time, you can let the onions soak for an hour or longer for more flavor absorption.
##### **Step 3: Prepare the Coating**
In a separate shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk the mixture until everything is well-combined.
##### **Step 4: Coat the Onion Rings**
Once the onions have soaked in the buttermilk, remove them from the bowl and allow any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each onion ring into the flour mixture, ensuring that it is fully coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
##### **Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer**
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the onions cook evenly and become crispy.
##### **Step 6: Air Fry the Onions**
Spray the air fryer basket with a light coat of oil spray. Arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so if necessary, cook the onion rings in batches.
Lightly spray the top of the onion rings with oil spray. This will help them achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior. Air fry the onions at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the cooking process to ensure they don’t burn.
##### **Step 7: Check for Crispiness**
After 10-12 minutes, check the onions to see if they are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer them crispier, you can air fry them for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to overcook them as they can become too dry.
##### **Step 8: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the crispy fried onions are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately as a snack, or use them as a topping for dishes like casseroles, burgers, salads, or soups.
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### **Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions**
To help you achieve the best possible crispy fried onions, here are some tips:
1. **Even Coating:** Ensure the onion rings are evenly coated with the flour mixture.
This ensures they crisp up properly during air frying.
2. **Don’t Overcrowd the Basket:** To achieve the perfect crispiness, make sure to place the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
3. **Use Oil Spray:** Lightly spray the onion rings with oil before cooking. This helps them become golden and crispy without the need for excessive oil.
4. **Check for Doneness:** Since air fryer models vary, it’s a good idea to check on the onions halfway through cooking to ensure they don’t burn.
5. **Store Leftovers Properly:** If you have any leftover crispy fried onions, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
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### **Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions**
Air fryer crispy fried onions are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
1. **As a Snack:** Serve them on their own with a dipping sauce, such as ranch, ketchup, or honey mustard.
2. **On Casseroles:** Crispy fried onions are a classic topping for green bean casserole, adding both flavor and texture.
3. **On Burgers:** Add crispy fried onions to your favorite burger for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
4. **In Salads:** Use them as a topping for salads, particularly in dishes like wedge salads or Southwest salads.
5. **In Soups:** Add crispy fried onions to soups, especially creamy soups or chili, for added crunch and flavor.
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### **Conclusion**
*Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions* are a healthier, quicker, and cleaner alternative to traditional fried onions, without sacrificing the crispy, crunchy texture that makes them so irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients, an air fryer, and a little time, you can make these crispy fried onions at home and enjoy them as a snack or topping for a variety of dishes. The beauty of air frying is that it allows you to indulge in your favorite fried foods with much less oil and fewer calories, while still maintaining the signature crunch and flavor you love. So why not give this recipe a try? It’s a perfect way to enjoy a healthier version of a classic treat!
