Dinner

Crispy Air Fryer Onion Straws for Burgers, Casseroles, and Snacking Recipe

ByMaya Quinn December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

Introduction

Crispy onion straws are a delicious and versatile addition to burgers, casseroles, or as a snack on their own. Using an air fryer makes them perfectly crunchy without the extra oil from traditional frying. This easy recipe transforms simple onions into a flavorful, crispy treat.

A close-up view of a pile of crispy fried onion rings, showing multiple thin layers of golden brown rings stacked randomly on a white plate, with some rings having darker, crunchy edges and a lightly textured batter coating, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large onions (thinly sliced)
2 cups buttermilk
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ cup cornstarch
2 tsp light brown sugar
Spray oil (such as coconut, olive, or avocado oil)

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the thinly sliced onions in buttermilk for 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, cornstarch, and light brown sugar.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 4: Remove each onion slice from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Step 5: Arrange the coated onion straws in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Lightly spray the onion straws with your choice of cooking oil.
Step 7: Air fry for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

Cook onion straws in batches to maintain crispiness and proper air circulation in the fryer.
Adjust cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to suit your spice preference.
Use a fork to handle the onion rings for less mess while coating.
Try dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or spicy mayo for added flavor.

Storage

Store leftover onion straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

A pile of crispy fried onion rings is stacked high in the center of a white rectangular plate. The onion rings are golden brown with some edges darker, showing a crunchy texture, and they vary in size from small to medium. A few onion rings lay scattered on the white marbled surface below the plate, adding to the casual presentation. The background is softly blurred, keeping the focus on the textured and crunchy onion rings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the onions and enhances flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to mimic acidity.