I love this recipe because it delivers the satisfying crunch of classic onion rings with a fraction of the oil and none of the mess—just golden, crispy rings ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I gather:
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Sweet or yellow onions (sliced into ¼–½‑inch rings)
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All-purpose flour (for base coating)
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Eggs (and optionally milk or water, for binding)
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Panko breadcrumbs (extra crunch) mixed with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper
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Oil spray (olive oil or cooking spray) to help crisp the breading
Directions
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I preheat the air fryer—around 370–380 °F works best to ensure a crisp exterior.
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I prepare three bowls: one with lightly seasoned flour, a second with beaten egg (plus optional milk), and a third with seasoned panko.
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I dip each onion ring into flour, then egg, then panko, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
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I arrange the rings in a single layer in the fryer basket (overlapping makes them soggy), and lightly spray with oil.
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I air fry for about 8–11 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through to ensure even browning.
Servings & Timing
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Prep Time: ~10–15 minutes
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Cook Time: ~10 minutes per batch
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Total Time: ~20–25 minutes, depending on onion volume
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Serves: 3–4 as an appetizer, depending on batch size
Variations
I love tweaking this recipe—some ideas include:
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Soaking onions in cold water for 5–10 minutes to mellow their flavor before breading (and drying thoroughly before use).
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Adding smoky paprika, cayenne, or Parmesan to the panko mix for extra depth.
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Baking all the prepared rings at 200 °F for a few minutes after air frying to reheat without losing crunch.
Storage & Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To re-crisp, I pop them back into the air fryer for 1–2 minutes—they remain delightfully crunchy.
FAQs
Can I skip the flour step?
While possible, flour helps bind the coating to the onion; skipping it may lead to uneven coverings and brittle results.
What temperature is best?
I find 370–380 °F (190–195 °C) hits the sweet spot—crispy exterior with tender centers, in about 10 minutes.
Do they need turning halfway?
Yes—flipping or shaking halfway helps every side crisp evenly and prevents one side from burning.
Can I freeze them after air frying?
Absolutely—I freeze cooled rings on a sheet, then transfer them to a container. Reheat directly in the air fryer—no thawing needed.
What dipping options work best?
I enjoy them with classic ketchup, tartar sauce, spicy aioli, or sriracha mayo for a kick.
Conclusion
I adore how these Air Fryer Onion Rings bring that irresistible crunch with minimal effort and oil. They’re quick, customizable, and perfect as a snack or companion to burgers or sandwiches. I’ll happily make them again—and maybe jazz them up with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan or a dash of cayenne next time!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Perfectly golden and crunchy onion rings made in the air fryer for a lighter yet delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
2 large onions, sliced into 1/2-inch rings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, paprika, and pepper.
Place beaten eggs in a second shallow bowl and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
Dredge onion rings in the flour mixture, dip in eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Arrange coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Lightly spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve hot with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
