Air fryer onion rings is an easy to make crunchy delectable snack that can be made in air fryer using very little oil. The recipe shared here has no eggs, no buttermilk & is completely vegan.
Everyone at my home loves onion rings. Whether it is weekend or game day, these vegan air fried onion rings are enjoyed by all. They are great to serve as snack, appetiser or side dish with burgers.
Before air fryer, I honestly made onion rings very occasionally because of the entire hassle of deep frying, but with air frying the cooking process has become so much easier. In most recipes, the onion rings are first dipped in egg batter before coating with breadcrumbs but as I wanted to make the recipe without eggs I have made a flour based batter as egg substitute.
These homemade onion rings turn out so crispy & amazing that you would love to make them on repeat. You can also easily reheat the leftover onion rings in air fryer.
Are onion rings healthy? In comparison to deep fried version, air fried onion rings are made with such little oil and hence better option.
Onion: Always go for medium or large sized onion for making onion rings (preferably sweet onions ). While cutting the onions make sure to keep the rings medium thick & not very thin. As we will be using only the outer ring part of these onion slices, the inner leftovers can be used in stir fry or salads.
Flour: All purpose flour or plain flour has been used here. Onion rings are firstly coated in dry flour and then in wet flour mixture. Dipping in dry flour ensures that the wet coating does not slips off the onion surface.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch also known as cornflour is a gluten free flour derived from the endosperm of corn kernel. A mixture of cornstarch, flour & water (called ‘slurry’) works as an egg substitute in this recipe and helps the breadcrumbs stick to the onion ring.
Breadcrumbs: To get the maximum crispy texture on onion rings, use panko breadcrumbs. I tried this recipe with plain breadcrumbs also but panko gave better results.
Seasoning: The rings are seasoned with salt, black pepper, paprika or red chilli powder and garlic powder. You can reduce or increase the amount of spices as per your taste.
Oil: You can use olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil or any cooking oil for spraying the onion rings. I have mixed some oil in breadcrumbs also as it helps in getting lovely golden brown colour.
These air fried onion rings can be served with mayonnaise, chilli garlic mayo, tandoori mayo, ketchup, barbecue sauce, sriracha, honey mustard or any dip of your choice.
Hey there, food lovers! If you’re anything like me, onion rings are the ultimate snack—crunchy, savory, and just downright addictive. But what if you wanna skip the eggs? Maybe you’ve got an allergy, follow a no-egg diet, or just don’t have any in the fridge. No worries, fam! I’m here to show you how to whip up onion rings without eggs that are just as crispy and drool-worthy as the classic kind. We’re talkin’ golden, crunchy rings that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. Let’s dive right into this easy-peasy guide and get fryin’!
Why Make Onion Rings Without Eggs?
Before we get to the good stuff, let’s chat about why you might wanna ditch eggs in your onion ring game Eggs are usually in the batter to help it stick and get that crisp texture, but there’s plenty of reasons to skip ‘em
- Dietary Needs: Some folks can’t eat eggs due to allergies or personal choices like goin’ vegan.
- Lighter Batter: Eggless batters can feel less heavy, givin’ you a fluffier crunch.
- Pantry Woes: Ever been mid-cravin’ and realized you’re out of eggs? We’ve all been there!
- Simplicity: No eggs means one less thing to crack and whisk. Less mess, more fun.
Lucky for us you don’t need eggs to make killer onion rings. With a few tricks up our sleeve we can get that same crispy magic using stuff you probably already got at home. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
The Ultimate Eggless Onion Rings Recipe
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Here’s my go-to recipe for makin’ onion rings without eggs. It’s simple, straightforward, and delivers that fast-food style crunch we all crave. I’ve messed around in the kitchen enough to know what works, so trust me on this one!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large yellow or white onions (these got thick layers, perfect for rings)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (keep 2 tablespoons aside for dusting)
- ¼ cup corn flour (or cornstarch, for extra crisp)
- ¾ cup milk (or any milk alternative if you’re keepin’ it dairy-free)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (this lil’ trick helps the batter puff up without eggs)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or any herb you fancy (adds a nice kick)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (or a pinch of garlic powder if you’re lazy like me sometimes)
- ¾ cup fresh breadcrumbs (for that final crunchy coat)
- Salt (just a sprinkle, don’t overdo it in the batter)
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep fryin’, about 3 inches deep in your pot)
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Perfection
- Prep Them Onions: Slice your onions into thick discs, about ½ inch wide. Separate the rings carefully. Them tiny middle bits? Save ‘em for a soup or somethin’. Now, toss the rings in a bowl with a bit of that reserved flour to coat ‘em lightly. This helps the batter stick later.
- Mix That Batter: In a big ol’ bowl, throw in the rest of your flour, corn flour, baking powder, oregano, and minced garlic. Give it a good whisk to mix everything up nice and even. Slowly pour in the milk while whiskin’—you want a smooth batter, not too thick, not too runny. Think pancake batter vibes.
- Set Up Your Station: Grab a wire rack or a plate. Dip each onion ring into the batter, lettin’ it coat all over. Shake off any extra drips—don’t want no globs. Lay ‘em on the rack to keep the batter even. If you just pile ‘em on a plate, the bottom gets all soggy, and ain’t nobody got time for that.
- Breadcrumb Time: Pour your breadcrumbs into a wide bowl or plate. Take them batter-dipped rings and roll ‘em in the crumbs till they’re fully covered. Set ‘em back on the rack or a fresh plate. Pro tip: Do all the batter dippin’ first, then all the crumb coatin’ to avoid a sticky mess on your hands.
- Heat Up the Oil: Pour oil into a deep pot or fryer till it’s about 3 inches deep. Heat it up to around 350°F (175°C). If you ain’t got a thermometer, test it by droppin’ a tiny bit of batter in—if it sizzles and floats up quick, you’re good to go. Keep the flame on medium; too hot and the rings burn before cookin’ through.
- Fry ‘Em Up: Drop a few rings into the hot oil—don’t crowd the pot, or they’ll stick together like clingy exes. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side till they’re golden and crispy. Flip ‘em once halfway through for even cookin’.
- Drain and Season: Scoop ‘em out with a slotted spoon and lay ‘em on paper towels or a wire rack to drain off extra oil. Sprinkle a pinch of salt right away while they’re hot—it sticks better that way.
- Serve Hot: Dig in while they’re still steamin’! Pair ‘em with a tangy dip or just some good ol’ ketchup. Trust me, they’re best fresh outta the fryer.
Quick Table for Measurements (Cuz I Mess Up Portions Sometimes)
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Yellow/White Onions | 2 large | Thick layers are key! |
All-Purpose Flour | ½ cup | Reserve 2 tbsp for dusting |
Corn Flour (Starch) | ¼ cup | For that extra crunch |
Milk | ¾ cup | Adjust for batter consistency |
Baking Powder | ½ tsp | Egg substitute for lift |
Oregano (or any herb) | ½ tsp | Optional, but adds flavor |
Garlic (minced/powder) | 1 clove or pinch | For a lil’ zing |
Fresh Breadcrumbs | ¾ cup | Fresh is best, don’t use dry if poss |
Salt | To taste | Sprinkle after frying |
Vegetable Oil | For deep frying | About 3 inches deep in pot |
Tips to Get That Perfect Crunch Every Time
Now, I’ve burned my fair share of onion rings and ended up with soggy messes, so lemme save you the heartbreak. Here’s some tricks to make sure your onion rings without eggs come out crispy as heck:
- Oil Temp is Everything: Too cold, and the rings soak up oil like a sponge, gettin’ all greasy. Too hot, and they burn before the inside cooks. Keep it steady at medium heat, around 350°F. If they’re brownin’ too fast, turn it down a notch.
- Don’t Salt the Batter: I learned this the hard way. Salt in the batter pulls moisture outta the onions, makin’ ‘em less crispy over time. Sprinkle it on right after fryin’ instead.
- Use a Wire Rack: Layin’ the battered rings on a rack before fryin’ stops the batter from poolin’ at the bottom. No rack? A slotted tray works too. Just don’t dump ‘em on a flat plate.
- Fresh Breadcrumbs for the Win: Dry crumbs just don’t cut it—they suck up oil and get weird. Tear up some fresh bread and blitz it in a mixer for 30 seconds. Boom, perfect coating.
- Fry in Small Batches: Overcrowdin’ the pot drops the oil temp and makes the rings stick. Fry 4-5 at a time, dependin’ on your pot size.
- Onion Thickness Matters: Slice ‘em too thin, and they flop. Too thick, and they don’t cook through. Aim for half an inch—Goldilocks style, just right.
Customizin’ Your Onion Rings Like a Boss
One thing I luv about makin’ onion rings without eggs is how easy it is to switch up the flavors Once you’ve got the basic recipe down, play around with these ideas to make ‘em your own
- Spice It Up: Toss a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the batter if you like a lil’ heat. It gives a nice kick without settin’ your mouth on fire.
- Herb Vibes: Mix in some chopped dill, parsley, or thyme with the batter. Smells amazin’ while fryin’ and tastes super fresh.
- Cheesy Twist: Add some grated Parmesan or cheddar to the breadcrumbs. You get this savory, melty vibe that’s next level with a dip.
- Sweet Surprise: After fryin’, drizzle a tiny bit of honey or serve with a sweet chili sauce. Sounds weird, but the sweet-salty combo is straight fire.
- Garlic Overload: If you’re a garlic nut like me, double up on it in the batter. Minced fresh garlic or a hefty sprinkle of powder—chef’s kiss!
Can You Bake ‘Em Instead of Fryin’?
I know, I know, fryin’ ain’t always the healthiest, and sometimes you don’t wanna deal with hot oil splatterin’ everywhere. So, can you bake these onion rings without eggs? Heck yeah, you can! They won’t be quite as crispy as the fried ones, but they’re still darn tasty. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Coat the rings in batter and breadcrumbs just like the recipe says.
- Lay ‘em on a bakin’ sheet lined with parchment paper—don’t let ‘em touch too much.
- Give ‘em a light spray of cookin’ oil if you got a spray bottle. Helps ‘em brown up nice.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flippin’ halfway, till they’re golden and crunchy.
They might not have that deep-fried crunch, but they’re a solid guilt-free option. Plus, your kitchen won’t smell like a fry shop for days!
Servin’ Suggestions to Impress Your Crew
These eggless onion rings are a snack on their own, but pairin’ ‘em with the right stuff takes ‘em from good to “gimme more!” Here’s how I like to serve mine:
- Burger Buddy: Stack a few rings on top of a juicy burger or sandwich for extra crunch. It’s like a texture party in your mouth.
- Dip Central: Whip up a quick sour cream dip, ranch, or blue cheese sauce. Even plain ol’ ketchup or BBQ sauce works wonders.
- Sidekick Vibes: Serve alongside a hearty main like grilled chicken or a big ol’ steak. They steal the show as a side dish.
- Party Snack: Lay out a big platter at your next get-together. Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “onion ring.”
Troubleshootin’ Common Onion Ring Fails
I ain’t gonna lie—sometimes things go south in the kitchen, even with a solid recipe. Here’s some fixes for when your onion rings without eggs don’t turn out quite right:
- Soggy Rings: If they’re more limp than crisp, your oil prob’ly wasn’t hot enough. Crank the heat a bit next time and fry in smaller batches. Also, don’t skip drainin’ ‘em on paper towels.
- Batter Fallin’ Off: If the batter don’t stick, you mighta skipped dustin’ the rings with flour first. That step’s key to makin’ it cling to the onion.
- Burnt Outside, Raw Inside: Oil’s too hot, my friend. Turn down the flame to medium and let ‘em cook slower. They need time to get golden without charrin’.
- Too Greasy: Again, oil temp. Too low, and they soak up every drop. Test with a small piece of batter first to get the heat just right.
Why I’m Obsessed with Eggless Onion Rings
Lemme get personal for a sec. I stumbled into makin’ onion rings without eggs a few years back when I was cookin’ for a buddy who couldn’t eat eggs. I thought, “No way this gonna work without ‘em,” but boy, was I wrong! First batch was a disaster—soggy, fallin’ apart, the works. But after a few tries (and a lotta curse words in my kitchen), I got it down. Now, it’s my go-to snack for movie nights or when I just wanna impress someone without breakin’ a sweat.
There’s somethin’ satisfyin’ about bitin’ into a crispy ring and knowin’ you didn’t need no fancy ingredients to make it happen. Plus, I feel a lil’ less guilty munchin’ on these since they’re a tad lighter without the egg. My fam can’t get enough, and I bet yours won’t neither!
FAQ: Your Burnin’ Questions Answered
I’ve had pals ask me all sorts of stuff about this recipe over the years, so let’s tackle some common curiosities about onion rings without eggs:
- Can I use somethin’ else instead of milk? Yup, you sure can. Buttermilk gives a tangy vibe, yogurt works if you thin it out a bit, and even water can do in a pinch. Just watch the batter consistency—it might change up a lil’.
- What if I don’t have breadcrumbs? No stress. Crushed cornflakes or even extra flour can work for a diff kinda crunch. It won’t be the same, but it’ll still taste good.
- How long do leftovers last? Store ‘em in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. They won’t stay crispy, but pop ‘em in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to perk ‘em back up.
- Can I use red onions? You could, but they’re stronger in flavor and thinner, so they don’t hold up as nice. Stick to yellow or white if you can for best results.
Final Thoughts on Eggless Onion Ring Magic
Makin’ onion rings without eggs ain’t just a workaround—it’s a legit game-changer. Whether you’re dodgin’ eggs for health reasons or just wanna try somethin’ new, this recipe’s got your back. We’ve walked through the steps, from slicin’ up them onions to fryin’ ‘em to golden perfection, plus all the lil’ hacks to keep ‘em crispy and tasty. I’ve thrown in ways to mix up the flavors, bake instead of fry, and fix any oopsies along the way.
So, next time you’re hankerin’ for a crunchy snack, don’t let a lack of eggs stop ya. Grab some onions, whip up this batter, and treat yourself to a batch of rings that’ll rival any diner or fast-food joint. I’m tellin’ ya, once you try these, you might never go back to the eggy version. Drop a comment if you give ‘em a whirl—I’d love to hear how they turned out or if you added your own twist! Now, go get cookin’ and enjoy every crispy bite!
Reheating onion rings in air fryer:
Apart from low oil cooking, air fryers are also great for reheating leftover snacks. To reheat onion rings in airfryer, first preheat the air fryer at 180°C (350°F). Transfer the onion rings in air fryer basket & spray some oil on them. Air fry for 2-3 minutes at 180°C (350°F) till they are crispy hot again.
You can also make frozen rings in air fryer in similar way. Without thawing them, add them straight away to preheated air fryer and air fry for 8-10 minutes at 180°C (350°F) till they are golden & crispy. You can also spray some oil on them if required.
I do not recommend microwave for reheating onion rings as they turn them limp & soggy. Hope you would try & like this easy no egg onion rings recipe.