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If there’s ever an option to swap my side for onion rings, I’m taking it. When I can’t get out to grab some, I make them at home with this air fryer onion rings recipe. They turn out golden, crispy, and perfectly seasoned every time, and they’re ready in about 20 minutes with hardly any oil. It’s the easiest way to enjoy that classic crunchy, salty side right from your kitchen.
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Pin ItI love a flaky, crunchy onion ring, not the thick, heavy battered kind. These homemade air fryer onion rings give you that perfect crisp texture with light, golden layers of panko breadcrumbs instead of a dense coating. The air fryer keeps them crisp without any greasiness, and the mix of onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch of salt adds the right balance of savory flavor. It’s my favorite way to make onion rings at home because it’s simple, quick, and just as good as what you’d get at a restaurant.
Tips for Beginners
- Dry off the onions. Pat the onion rings completely dry before dredging to help the flour and egg cling.
- Work in batches if needed. Avoid overcrowding in the basket so air can circulate evenly. If your air fryer is small, you may need to work in batches.
- Make the breading stick. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto each ring to help them adhere. You can also place the coated rings in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before air frying.
- For crispy batter. Make sure your air fryer is fully preheated so the coating starts crisping right away. Arrange the rings in a single layer without overlapping. Lightly spray the tops with olive or avocado oil for an even, crunchy finish, and flip or shake the basket halfway through cooking.
- Rotate the onions. Air fryers can have hot spots, so rotate the basket or rearrange the rings halfway through cooking for more consistent color. Smaller rings may cook faster, so remove them early if needed.
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Ingredients
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup all purpose flour for gluten-free, use gluten-free flour
- 1 large onion sliced into rings
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and panko breadcrumbs.¾ tsp salt, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp pepper, 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Beat the eggs in a bowl. Place the flour in a separate bowl.2 eggs, ½ cup all purpose flour
- Dredge each onion slice in the flour. Then, dip in the egg mixture, letting the excess liquid drip off. Finally, toss in the panko mixture until fully coated.1 large onion
- Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the onion rings in the basket in an even layer, leaving space between each piece. You will need to do this in batches.
- Drizzle olive oil over the onion rings, or use an olive (or avocado) oil spray.
- Air fry for 7-8 minutes until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Becky’s Tips
- Choose sweet onion varieties like Vidalia or Walla Walla for a milder taste. If using standard yellow or white onions, soak the slices in cold water for 10–15 minutes, then pat them dry before breading. This helps tone down the bite and keeps the flavor balanced.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Air Fryer Onion Rings Step by Step
Gather the ingredients. Gather all the ingredients together. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F so it’s hot and ready when you add the onion rings.
Make the breadcrumb mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs with ¾ tsp salt, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Prepare the coating station: In one bowl, beat 2 eggs until smooth. In another shallow bowl, add ½ cup all-purpose flour.
Coat the onions: Slice 1 large onion into rings, then separate them. Dredge each ring first in the flour, coating it evenly. Dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finish by pressing the rings into the seasoned panko mixture until fully coated.
Arrange in the air fryer: Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated onion rings in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one so they crisp evenly. Work in batches if needed. Lightly drizzle the rings with olive oil or spray them with olive or avocado oil spray to help them brown.
Air fry the rings: Cook for 7–8 minutes, or until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy. Remove carefully and serve right away with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crisp, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes until warm and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soft and soggy.
If you’d like to freeze them, arrange the cooked onion rings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer onion rings make a delicious side for burgers, steak sandwiches, or grilled chicken, and they’re also great as a game-day snack or appetizer alongside cheeseburger sliders. Serve them with classic ketchup, fry sauce, or honey mustard, or switch things up with chipotle mayo or a garlic aioli. Pile them on top of a burger or BBQ pulled pork sandwich for extra crunch.
