This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
This air fryer onion rings recipe makes crispy golden onion rings, without the extra oil from deep frying. You only need a few basic ingredients, and you can make the best air fryer onion rings in no time!
Crispy onion rings are always a family favorite side dish. They are so good with hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, or just for snacking.
Table of Contents
WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE
We love this simple recipe because it’s so easy to make, without the grease from deep frying! They are not just a delicious side dish, they can top your favorite salad, chicken breast, sandwich, or burger.
The taste of these air fryer onion rings is just as good as going to a fast food restaurant, but without the grease. Switch up the seasonings in the batter, and you can have a variety of flavors each time you make them.
If you love easy air fryer recipes that you can serve as a side dish or appetizer, try these air fryer French fries, air fryer frozen jalapeno poppers, air fryer cheese curds, or air fryer stuffed mushrooms.
INGREDIENTS
- yellow onions- sweet onions like Vidalia and walla wallas are both delicious to use for this recipe.
- all purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- egg
- milk
- bread crumbs- or panko breadcrumbs
One medium to large onion will make enough onion rings for at least 4 people to have as a snack. Although, depending on how thick you slice the onion, you may be able to make more slices.
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
First, remove the outer layer of the onion. Then, using a sharp knife or mandolin slicer, cut the onion into ¼ inch strips. Push the center of the onion out, and then separate the slices into individual rings.
STEP 2
Place the onion slices into a large bowl or Ziploc bag. Add ¼ cup of flour and toss or shake the slices, coating each piece. Set aside.
STEP 3
In a medium bowl, add the egg, milk and whisk together until combined. Stir in the baking powder and remaining cup of flour making a batter.
STEP 4
In a second bowl, add the breadcrumbs and salt, then stir together. First, dip each coated piece into the egg mixture, then dip into bread crumbs, like these breadcrumbs from Progresso, until coated.
STEP 5
Prepare the basket by lightly spraying non stick cooking spray, or line with air fryer parchment paper.
STEP 6
Place the dipped and battered rings in the air fryer basket, in a single layer, without stacking or overlapping. Work in batches if necessary.
STEP 7
Air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes, or until the outside coating is golden and crispy.
VARIATIONS
Because coated onion rings are so simple, you can easily change up the flavors! Try switching up the batter by adding cornmeal with the flour for a sweet and crunchy coating.
If you love extra spicy flavors, then you can change up the heat level by adding paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or garlic powder to the batter.
Try replacing the breadcrumbs with panko for ex extra crispy coating.
Although we like the simple sweet flavor of yellow onions, you can can bump up the strength and flavor of the onion ring by using different onions. Red onions add a deep onion flavor and can add color to your onion rings, while white onions have a stronger flavor.
Serve your onion rings with a variety of dipping sauces. Ranch dressing is always a favorite dipping sauce, but marinara sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard, have great flavor with onion rings.
Add a cheesy flavor by topping your onion rings with grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
You can also use these onion rings to top hamburgers, sandwiches, or hot dogs. They will add an extra crunch with every bite!
EXPERT TIPS
Try and slice onion rings similar in size. This will help them air fry evenly. Thinner slices will air fry faster and be more crispy.
If you don’t have time to make these from scratch, we found the best frozen onion rings and made them in the air fryer using this air fryer frozen onion rings recipe.
I make this recipe in my Cosori air fryer. Because air fryers can have different sizes and wattages, the first time you make this recipe, be sure to check the onion rings every couple of minutes.
STORING
These onion rings are best when fresh out of the air fryer. But if you do have leftover onion rings, let them cook to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To reheat, place in the air fryer and air fry at 380 degrees F for 2-4 minutes until crispy. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy as reheating in the air fryer.
FAQS
Onion rings are delicious on their own, but we love dipping them in ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard. Try your favorite dipping sauces!
You can make your own bread crumbs by toasting bread in the air fryer and then putting it in a food processor until they are crumbs. If you don’t have bread, crush potato chips for a fun and salty coating.
We prefer sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla, but you can use red or white onions for a stronger onion flavor.
I love making these onion rings because they are so easy and perfect for snacking or game days! You have to try them!
MORE AIR FRYER APPETIZER RECIPES
Check out our book, available in stores and online!
Looking for more ideas and others to connect with? Join our Facebook community with over 2 million members and counting!
Jump down to the COMMENT section and tell us what you think about this dish! We would love to help and also appreciate your candid feedback on all of our recipes.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a STAR ⭐️ RATING in the COMMENTS 📝 SECTION below.
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour, divided
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Remove the outer layer of the onion. Then, using a sharp knife or mandolin slicer, cut the onion into ¼ inch strips. Push the center of the onion out, and then separate the slices into individual rings.
- Place the onion slices into a large bowl or Ziploc bag. Add ¼ cup of flour and toss or shake the slices, coating each piece. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, add the egg, milk and whisk together until combined. Stir in the baking powder and remaining cup of flour making a batter.
- In a second bowl, add the breadcrumbs and salt, then stir together. First, dip each coated piece into the egg mixture, then dip into bread crumbs, until coated.
- Prepare the basket by lightly spraying non stick cooking spray, or line with air fryer parchment paper.
- Place the dipped and battered rings in the air fryer basket, in a single layer, without stacking or overlapping. Work in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes, or until the outside coating is golden and crispy.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Do you use plain or Italian breadcrumbs?
Plain breadcrumbs. 🙂
Can you use pankco instead of bread crumbs?
I believe they would work too.