Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer onion rings deliver satisfying crunch with every bite. This lighter alternative to deep-fried versions uses minimal oil.
Perfect for casual snacking or entertaining, air fryer onion rings are easy to make and pair beautifully with tartar sauce or your favorite dip.
What You Need for the Best Air Fryer Onion Rings
Yellow onion – Provides sweetness and structure; use thick slices to hold their shape.
Panko bread crumbs – Create the ultra-crispy crust that defines great onion rings.
All-purpose flour – Helps the egg and breadcrumb coatings adhere smoothly.
Eggs – Act as the binder between the flour and breadcrumb layers.
Onion powder & garlic powder – Enhance the onion flavor with a subtle savory depth.
Sea salt – Balances and sharpens the overall flavor.
Extra-virgin olive oil – Adds a touch of richness and helps crisp the coating.
Tartar sauce (optional) – A tangy, creamy dip that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy rings.
How to Make Air Fryer Onion Rings: A Quick Overview
Coat thick onion rings in flour, dip in egg, and press into seasoned panko. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and air fry in batches until golden brown. Serve hot with your favorite dip.
Air Fryer Onion Rings Tips and Tricks
For best results, ensure the onion rings are evenly spaced in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking. Use a light drizzle of oil, not spray, to avoid blowing off the coating. Reheat briefly in the air fryer just before serving to restore maximum crunch without drying them out.
Best Way to Store Air Fryer Onion Rings
Cool any leftovers completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to restore their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving, which softens the coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free panko and a gluten-free flour blend to replicate the texture and taste.
What type of onion works best?
Yellow onions are ideal due to their balance of sweetness and bite. Avoid overly pungent varieties.
Can I use a spray oil instead of drizzling?
It’s best to lightly drizzle or brush olive oil, as spray cans can disrupt the breading.
Do I need to flip the rings during cooking?
No flipping is needed if spaced well and evenly oiled, but you can flip halfway for extra even browning.
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 yellow onion cut into ½-inch rounds
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- 2 large eggs
- Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1¼ cups panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Tartar sauce optional, for serving
Instructions
- Combine the panko bread crumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a shallow rimmed tray. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs until blended. Add the flour to another small bowl.
- Set the air fryer to preheat at 370°F.
- Dredge each onion ring first in flour, shaking off the excess, then coat it in the egg, followed by a thorough layer of the seasoned panko mixture. Arrange the breaded rings on a large plate.
- Lightly drizzle the prepared onion rings with olive oil, and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring space between each for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches as needed.
- Air fry each batch for 8 to 11 minutes until they achieve a crisp, golden finish. Repeat with remaining onion rings. Serve hot, accompanied by tartar sauce if desired.
