Who remembers the excitement of finding a stray onion ring in a bag of Burger King french fries? Was that not the best feeling in the world? I miss that feeling. Those days of fried fast foods are long gone for me, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy a delicious batch of onion rings every now and then. These air fried rings are just as delicious as the overly-processed deep-fried fast food version, AND they're gluten and dairy-free! They're lightly breaded in a flavorful breading and then air fried into golden crisp perfection. In short, they're EVERYTHING.
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Ingredients for Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Air Fryer Onion Rings
For these onion rings, I used sweet vidalia onions because the mild sweetness of the onion pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the breading mixture. For the breadin, I used eggs, gluten-free panko and Trader Joe's seasoning salt.
Are These Onion Rings Whole30 Compliant?
I think that's kind of for you to decide. The panko I used is technically Whole30 compliant because the ingredients are simply potato flour and potato starch, but I'm hesitant to outright label these Whole30 compliant. FOR ME, these rings are 100% SWYPO. The moment I was finished the photographs for this post, I demolished the entire plate (aka a food with no breaks FOR ME). Oops. I don't recommend doing that. Sharing is caring, but who am I to judge? Back to the question at hand, if the panko you're using is Whole30 compliant and onion rings don't send you into a frenzy, then I say go for it.
How to Make Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Air Fryer Onion Rings
To make these delicious rings, begin by slicing the onions into ¼ thick rounds and then soaking the rounds in a bowl of coconut milk for at least an hour. If you can tolerate dairy, butter milk would work well as a substitution for the coconut milk. While the onion rings soak, prepare the breading. Beat the eggs in a large bowl. In a separate large bowl, mix the panko and the seasoning salt together. Once the onion rings are finished soaking, dip each ring into the egg batter and then dredge them through the panko mixture, shaking off any excess. This step gets pretty messy so have a dish towel on hand.
I experimented with several cooking times and temperatures. I found that air frying these rings for 9 minutes in a 400 degree air fryer is the best option. I can't stress it enough to "fry" them in at least two batches. If air fried at 400 degrees for 9 minutes in an even layer they come out perfect! This may be time-consuming, but I can assure you, it'll be worth it. Simply cover the cooked rings to keep warm until all of the rings are finished.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Air Fryer Onion Rings
These rings would be perfect served as an appetizer at your next gathering, or perhaps piled high on a big fat juicy burger (lettuce-wrapped of course). If you're anything like me, you'll love them dunked in a Paleo-friendly BBQ sauce or ranch dressing. The possibilities are virtually endless!
I know you're going to love these rings, and I can't wait to see your recreations! Don't forget to tag me in your posts on social media and use the hashtag #paleoishkristaeats! ENJOY!
PIN NOW! AIR FRY LATER!
📖 Recipe
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Air Fryer Onion Rings
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet vidalia onions
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup gluten free panko
- 1 ½ tablespoons seasoning salt like Trader Joe's
Notes
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Slice the onions into ¼ inch thick rounds. Place onion rings into a large bowl and cover with coconut milk. Make sure all onion rings are completely submerged, and let them soak for at least an hour at room temperature.
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Meanwhile, prep the breading ingredients. Lightly beat the eggs in a large bowl.
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Stir together the gluten-free panko and the seasoning salt in a seperate large bowl.
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Dip the onion rings into the egg batter and then dredge through the panko mixture, shaking off any excess.
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Working in batches, arrange onion rings in air fryer in a single layer and "fry" at 400 degrees for 9 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
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Cover finished onion rings to keep warm while "frying" remaining onions rings.
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These onion rings are best if served immediately.
