Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy onion ring with a golden crust that crunches as you take a bite. The onion inside is tender and sweet, and the best part? These Air Fryer Onion Rings are made with minimal oil, so you can enjoy them guilt-free!
Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, onion rings are always a crowd-pleaser. Thanks to the air fryer, you can skip the deep-frying mess while still getting that satisfying crunch. Plus, this recipe is so easy to follow that you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality onion rings in no time.
Let’s jump in and learn how to make these crispy air fryer onion rings from scratch
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Onion Rings
Here’s why this recipe is about to become your new favorite:
- Healthier alternative: Using the air fryer means you’ll use little to no oil while still achieving that crispy perfection.
- Perfect texture: The combination of panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch ensures a light and crunchy coating.
- Simple ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
- Quick and easy: No waiting for oil to heat up or dealing with messy frying—just prep, air fry, and enjoy!
- Kid-friendly: These onion rings are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Onion Rings
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these crispy onion rings:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet yellow onions | 3 medium | Sweet onions work best for a milder flavor. |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Forms the base for the batter. |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons | Adds crispiness to the coating. |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the flavor of the batter. |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon | Adds a touch of spice. |
| Eggs | 3 large | Helps the breadcrumbs stick to the onion rings. |
| Milk | ¾ cup | Makes the batter smooth and creamy. |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 4 cups | Creates the perfect crunchy coating. |
| Nonstick spray | As needed | Ensures the onion rings cook evenly. |
For the Easy Fry Dip
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | ⅓ cup | The creamy base of the dip. |
| Ketchup | 2 tablespoons | Adds a sweet and tangy flavor. |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Onion Rings
1. Prepare the Onions
- Peel the sweet yellow onions and slice them into ½-inch thick rings.
- Separate the rings and set aside. Discard the smaller inner rings or save them for another recipe.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until fully combined.
- In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Onion Rings
- Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess.
- Next, dip the onion ring into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Finally, press the onion ring into the panko breadcrumbs, coating it completely. For extra crunch, press the breadcrumbs gently onto the onion ring.
- Repeat for all the onion rings and set them on a baking sheet.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
5. Cook the Onion Rings
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the breaded onion rings in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if necessary.
- Spray the tops of the onion rings lightly with nonstick spray to help them crisp up.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the onion rings halfway through cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.
6. Make the Easy Fry Dip
- While the onion rings cook, mix together ⅓ cup of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of ketchup in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
7. Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the onion rings to a serving plate and sprinkle with minced parsley for a pop of color (optional).
- Serve immediately with the easy fry dip or your favorite sauce!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (based on six servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~230 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific brands and quantities used.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Onion Rings
1. Use Sweet Onions
Sweet yellow onions, like Vidalia onions, are ideal for this recipe because they provide a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer
Arrange the onion rings in a single layer with space in between. This allows the hot air to circulate and ensures even cooking.
3. Double-Coat for Extra Crunch
If you want ultra-crispy onion rings, dip the onion rings into the egg and panko a second time before air frying.
4. Keep Them Warm
If you’re cooking in batches, keep the cooked onion rings warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest.
5. Experiment with Seasonings
Try adding paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer onion rings are incredibly versatile and pair well with many dishes. Here are some ideas:
- As a snack: Enjoy them on their own with the easy fry dip.
- As a side dish: Serve alongside burgers, sandwiches, or hot dogs.
- On a salad: Use them as a crunchy topping for a fresh green salad.
- With chili: Pair with a bowl of hearty chili for the ultimate comfort meal.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Onion Rings: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy twist.
- Cheesy Onion Rings: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs for a cheesy flavor.
- Gluten-Free Onion Rings: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Vegan Onion Rings: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture and use plant-based milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these onion rings ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the onion rings and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Air fry them just before serving for the best texture.
2. Can I freeze leftover onion rings?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked onion rings in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
3. What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs create a crunchier texture.
4. Do I need to peel the onions?
Yes, peeling the onions ensures you don’t get any papery skin in your onion rings.
5. Can I use regular cooking spray?
Yes, but avoid sprays with additives like propellants, as they can damage your air fryer basket. Opt for pure oil sprays.
6. How do I make the onion rings crispier?
Make sure to spray the onion rings lightly with nonstick spray and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Final Thoughts: Try Air Fryer Onion Rings Today!
These Air Fryer Onion Rings are crispy, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Best of all, they’re healthier than traditional deep-fried onion rings, so you can enjoy them guilt-free.
So, grab your air fryer and start slicing those onions—you’re just a few steps away from the crispiest, crunchiest onion rings ever. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Onion Rings: Crispy, Delicious, and Guilt-Free
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious, these Air Fryer Onion Rings are a healthier take on the classic favorite. Made with a light and crunchy panko coating, they deliver all the crunch and flavor of deep-fried onion rings but with minimal oil. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these onion rings are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- Sweet yellow onions, 3 medium
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup
- Cornstarch, 2 tablespoons
- Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper, 1 teaspoon
- Eggs, 3 large
- Milk, ¾ cup
- Panko breadcrumbs, 4 cups
- Nonstick spray, as needed
- For the Easy Fry Dip:
- Mayonnaise, ⅓ cup
- Ketchup, 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions:
- Peel the onions and slice them into ½-inch thick rings.
- Separate the rings and set aside. Reserve smaller inner rings for another use.
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- In the first bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- In the second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Onion Rings:
- Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Shake off excess.
- Submerge the floured onion ring into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Finally, press the onion ring into the panko breadcrumbs, coating completely.
- For extra crunch, double-coat the onion rings by repeating the egg and panko steps.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Cook the Onion Rings:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
- Arrange the breaded onion rings in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Lightly spray the tops of the onion rings with nonstick spray for extra crispness.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Easy Fry Dip:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth and creamy.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the onion rings to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish, if desired.
- Serve immediately with the easy fry dip or your favorite sauce.
Notes
- Use sweet onions, like Vidalia, for the best flavor.
- Arrange onion rings in a single layer for even cooking.
- Lightly spray the onion rings with nonstick spray to help achieve a crispy coating.
- Keep cooked onion rings warm in a 200°F oven while air frying additional batches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
