Ingredients:

  • 1 large Vidalia or yellow onion (approx. 340g), sliced into 1/2-inch rings
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 cup (125g) Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil spray

Instructions:

  1. Toss the sliced onion rings with 1 tsp salt and let them sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture; pat the rings dry with a paper towel.
  2. Prepare three mixing bowls: one with 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour mixed with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; one with 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, 1 large egg, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; and one with 1 cup (125g) Panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, then submerge it in the buttermilk mixture, and finally press it firmly into the Panko crumbs until fully encased.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Place the rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch; cook in batches if they don't fit in one layer.
  6. Lightly mist the tops of the rings with avocado oil or olive oil spray.
  7. Cook for 5 minutes, flip carefully with tongs, spray the other side, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the edges are deep mahogany and toasted.