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Air Fryer Crispy Onions: A Low-Fat Delight for Your Dishes

If you’ve ever found yourself drooling over a bowl of crispy fried onions, you’re not alone. These delicious morsels add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavour to a wide array of dishes, from salads and burgers to casseroles and soups. Traditionally, fried onions are made by deep-frying, which can significantly increase the fat content. However, thanks to the modern marvel of the air fryer, you can now enjoy crispy onions without the guilt. Here’s how to create your own low-fat fried onions that are perfect for elevating your culinary creations.

The Appeal of Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Air fryers have revolutionised home cooking, allowing food to be cooked using hot air circulation instead of excessive oil. By using an air fryer, you can achieve that satisfying crunch and enhanced flavour of fried onions while cutting back on calories and fat. This method not only saves on oil but also allows for more straightforward clean-up—a win-win in any kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make your crispy onions in an air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 large onions (yellow or red, depending on your preference)
• 1 cup of buttermilk (or a dairy-free alternative)
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crispiness)
• 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for spraying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slice the Onions

Begin by peeling the onions and slicing them thinly into rings. Aim for a uniform thickness, about 1-2 mm, to ensure even cooking.

2. Soak in Buttermilk

Place the sliced onions in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step not only tenderises the onions but also helps the coating to stick.

3. Prepare the Coating

In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your onions their savoury flavour and crunchy texture.

4. Coat the Onions

After the onions have soaked, drain them and allow any excess buttermilk to drip off. Toss the onions in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. For an extra crispy texture, you can double coat them by dipping them back into the buttermilk and coating them a second time with the breadcrumb mixture.

5. Air Fry the Onions

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add the coated onion rings in a single layer, ensuring there is enough space for air to circulate around them. You may need to do this in batches.

Air fry for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the onions, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. Aim for a golden-brown colour to achieve that perfect crunch.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once your crispy onions are golden and crunchy, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. They can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container for later use. These crispy onions make an excellent topping for burgers, salads, baked potatoes, or as a flavourful addition to casseroles and soups.

Conclusion

Air fryer crispy onions are a fantastic, low-fat alternative to traditional fried onions, allowing you to enjoy the satisfying crunch while keeping your meals lighter and healthier. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, they are a versatile component that can elevate many of your dishes. So, next time you’re looking to add some crunch to your meal, consider whipping up a batch of air-fried crispy onions—you won’t be disappointed!

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