Air Fryer Onion Rings
These Air Fryer Onion Rings are thick, crispy, and golden-brown, made with minimal oil for a healthier twist. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re high in fiber, easy to make, and ready in just 30 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying crunch every time.
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 3 Shallow Mixing Bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Nonstick
Ingredients
Onion:
- 1 medium-large sweet onion about 250g, sliced into ½-inch rings
Dry Mixture:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder optional
- ½ tsp onion powder optional
- Pinch cayenne pepper optional
Egg Mixture:
- ⅔ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
Bread Crumb Mixture:
- 1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
Other:
- Nonstick spray for air fryer basket
- Seasoned salt or garlic salt for sprinkling
- Dipping sauces such as onion ring sauce BBQ, garlic aioli, or tartar sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion Rings: Peel the sweet onion and trim both ends. Slice the onion horizontally into ½-inch thick rounds.Gently separate each round into individual rings, keeping them intact as much as possible. This ensures the rings hold their shape while cooking. Set them aside on a clean plate, ready for the coating process. Handling them carefully now will make for a visually appealing and evenly cooked final result.
- Mix the Dry Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine ½ cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional), ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional), and a pinch of cayenne (optional). Whisk thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly blended. This seasoned flour forms the first layer of coating, adding a subtle kick of flavor and helping the batter stick to the onions during the subsequent steps.
- Prepare the Wet Egg Mixture: In a second shallow bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup buttermilk and 2 large eggs until smooth and uniform. The buttermilk tenderizes the onion rings, while the eggs help the coatings adhere evenly. Make sure there are no streaks of egg or buttermilk left unblended, as a consistent mixture ensures a perfect bond between the onion and the breading.
- Prepare the Bread Crumb Mixture: In a third shallow bowl, mix 1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs with 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil. Stir until the oil is evenly distributed throughout the crumbs. This coating will provide the signature golden-brown crunch without overloading the onion rings with oil, making them lighter, crispier, and more enjoyable.
- Coat the Onion Rings – First Dip: Take one onion ring at a time and submerge it fully in the egg mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Gently tap the ring against the side of the bowl to remove excess liquid. This step prevents clumps of wet mixture from forming, which could lead to uneven breading during cooking.
- Coat the Onion Rings – Dry Layer: Immediately place the egg-coated onion ring into the seasoned flour mixture. Turn it gently so that every surface is covered. Shake off any excess flour to avoid a thick, heavy crust. This layer provides structure and flavor, giving the onion rings a sturdy base for the next coatings.
- Coat the Onion Rings – Second Wet Layer: Dip the flour-coated ring back into the egg mixture. This second wet layer ensures the bread crumbs stick properly and creates an even, cohesive coating. It also prevents the crumbs from falling off during air frying, resulting in a perfectly crunchy exterior.
- Coat the Onion Rings – Final Bread Crumb Layer: Transfer the ring into the panko mixture and press gently so that the crumbs adhere evenly on all sides.Place the finished ring on a plate in a single layer. Repeat this multi-step coating process for all onion rings, making sure none overlap. This method guarantees every ring will have a consistent golden crust.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the onion rings begin crisping immediately when placed inside and prevents them from becoming soggy. A properly preheated air fryer guarantees even cooking and a perfect crunchy texture.
- Arrange Onion Rings in the Air Fryer: Place a single layer of coated onion rings in the basket, spacing them evenly so they are not touching. This allows hot air to circulate around each ring, ensuring uniform crispiness. Lightly spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray to enhance golden browning. Overcrowding the basket will reduce crispiness, so cook in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry the Onion Rings – First Side: Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes. The rings should begin to turn golden brown around the edges. The circulating hot air crisps the panko crumbs while gently cooking the onions inside. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning, as air fryers may vary slightly in temperature.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: After 10 minutes, carefully flip each onion ring using tongs. Spray lightly with nonstick spray again to help the second side achieve the same golden-brown color. Cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, checking for deep golden crispiness and ensuring the onions are tender inside.
- Season the Onion Rings: Immediately after removing from the air fryer, sprinkle with seasoned salt or garlic salt while they are still hot. This step allows the seasoning to adhere better and intensifies the overall flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste for maximum satisfaction.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the crispy onion rings to a serving plate and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces, such as BBQ, garlic aioli, tartar sauce, or a classic onion ring sauce. Enjoy them fresh for the ultimate crunch. Leftovers can be cooled and stored in an airtight container for reheating later.
- Optional Storage Tip: To store, let the onion rings cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe airtight container. They can be frozen for 1–3 months. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness, making them a convenient make-ahead snack or side dish.
Notes
- Use sweet onions for natural sweetness and crisp texture.
- Slice onions evenly to ensure all rings cook at the same rate.
- Optional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne can be adjusted to taste.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches for best crispiness.
- Lightly spraying the coated rings with oil helps achieve a golden, crunchy exterior.
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; reheated onion rings may be slightly less crispy.
