Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings

Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings are golden, crunchy, and full of flavor without the heaviness of deep frying. I love how the onions turn tender inside while the coating stays light and crispy, making them the perfect snack or side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s healthier than traditional onion rings but still delivers the satisfying crunch I crave. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and pair beautifully with burgers, sandwiches, or just a dipping sauce.

Ingredients

For the Onion Rings
2 large yellow onions peeled and sliced into ½-inch rings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup milk
1 large egg
2 cups panko breadcrumbs

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. I separate the onion slices into rings and set them aside.
3. In a shallow bowl, I whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. In another bowl, I whisk the milk and egg until smooth.
5. I place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate dish.
6. I dip each onion ring first into the flour mixture, then into the milk-egg mixture, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to stick.
7. I arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spraying lightly with cooking oil.
8. I cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
9. I serve immediately with my favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It usually takes 15 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to cook, so I can have them ready in under 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I spice things up by adding cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. I also like using seasoned breadcrumbs instead of plain panko for extra flavor. For a cheesy twist, I mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumb coating.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I return them to the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes until they crisp back up. I don’t recommend microwaving since they lose their crunch.

FAQs

What type of onions work best for onion rings?

I like using yellow onions, but sweet onions also make great rings.

Do I need to soak the onions before coating?

No, but some people soak them in cold water or buttermilk to mellow the flavor.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, but panko gives a lighter and crunchier texture.

Do I need to spray oil on the onion rings?

Yes, a light spray helps them crisp up evenly in the air fryer.

Can I bake these in the oven instead?

Yes, I bake them at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping once.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes, I use plant-based milk and an egg substitute or flax egg.

Can I freeze onion rings?

Yes, I freeze them after breading, then cook directly from frozen in the air fryer.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

I press the breadcrumbs gently onto the onion rings and avoid overcrowding in the basket.

What dipping sauces go well with onion rings?

I enjoy them with ketchup, ranch, spicy mayo, or barbecue sauce.

How do I get extra crispy onion rings?

I double-dip them—coating in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs twice for a thicker crust.

Conclusion

I love making Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings because they’re crunchy, flavorful, and much lighter than fried versions. With their golden coating and tender onion inside, they’re always a hit at snack time or alongside a favorite meal.

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