Vegan Onion Rings Recipe (Air Fryer) – Crispy & Healthy Snack

If you’re craving crispy, golden onion rings but want a healthier, plant-based twist, this Vegan Onion Rings Recipe (Air Fryer) is just what you need! These onion rings are perfectly crunchy, guilt-free, and incredibly easy to make. With the magic of an air fryer, you can enjoy your favorite snack or appetizer without the excess oil, making it lighter but just as satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party, snacking during game night, or simply looking for a side dish that’s quick to prepare, these onion rings will steal the show!

This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and a dairy-free batter to ensure that it’s entirely vegan. The air fryer helps to achieve that perfect crunch, replicating deep-fried onion rings while significantly cutting down on calories and fat.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 15 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~180

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Ingredients

Batter and Coating:

• 1 large onion (yellow or sweet)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crispiness)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)
• Vegan dipping sauces, such as ranch or chipotle mayo

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Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls (2 medium-sized)
• Whisk
• Forks or tongs
• Baking tray or plate (to hold prepared onion rings before frying)
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onion Rings

1. Peel the onion and slice it into ½-inch thick rings. Carefully separate the layers into individual rings. Reserve smaller inner pieces for another recipe if they’re too tiny to coat.
2. Pat the onion rings dry with a paper towel. This step helps the batter stick better.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Gradually whisk in the plant-based milk until you have a smooth, pancake-like batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

1. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. For extra crunch, you can season the breadcrumbs with additional paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Coat the Onion Rings

1. Dip each onion ring into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
2. Allow excess batter to drip off, then immediately coat the ring in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere.
3. Place the coated onion rings on a baking tray or plate lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Air Fry the Onion Rings

1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper designed for air fryers.
2. Arrange the onion rings in a single layer, leaving space between each one for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. Air fry the onion rings for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the onion rings and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to cool slightly.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

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Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg

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Tips for Success

1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For the crispiest onion rings, panko breadcrumbs are ideal. They create a light, crunchy texture.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: To ensure even cooking, keep the onion rings in a single layer. Overcrowding can result in uneven crispiness.
3. Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with spices like cayenne for heat or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
4. Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

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Why Choose Air Fryer Vegan Onion Rings?

1. Healthier Alternative: Air frying reduces the need for excessive oil, making this dish lower in calories and fat.
2. Vegan-Friendly: This recipe uses no animal products, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
3. Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: These onion rings are crispy, flavorful, and pair perfectly with any dipping sauce, making them a hit with everyone.

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Cuisines and Course

• Cuisine: American, Vegan
• Course: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish