Pin it Crunchy, golden, and irresistibly savory, these air fryer onion rings are a lighter twist on the classic fried favorite — crispy without the deep fryer.
I first made these onion rings for my family on game night and they disappeared in minutes. There is something so satisfying about the crispiness that comes from the air fryer without all the oil.
Ingredients
- Onions: 2 large yellow onions, sliced into ½-inch rings and separated
- Breading Station: ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 2 large eggs, 1 tbsp milk, 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- Cooking spray: preferably olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions
- Set up breading station:
- Prepare three shallow bowls. Bowl 1: mix flour, salt, and pepper. Bowl 2: whisk eggs with milk. Bowl 3: combine panko, paprika, garlic powder, and Parmesan if using.
- Bread onion rings:
- Dredge each onion ring in flour, dip into egg mixture, then coat with panko mixture, pressing to adhere. Place breaded rings on a baking sheet or plate.
- Preheat air fryer:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Apply cooking spray:
- Lightly spray both sides of each onion ring with cooking spray.
- Air fry:
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches). Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Pin it Whenever I make these onion rings for family gatherings, everyone asks for seconds. They love that these rings are just as crunchy as the classic version but so much lighter.
Required Tools
Air fryer, knife and cutting board, shallow bowls, tongs, cooking spray
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), dairy if using Parmesan. Omit Parmesan and use dairy-free cheese for dairy-free option. Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free version.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 5 g per serving
Pin it These onion rings are sure to become a favorite snack or side dish at your next gathering. Serve them hot and enjoy every crunchy bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of onion works best?
Yellow or sweet onions like Vidalia deliver a mild, pleasing flavor and tenderness.
- → How do I make onion rings extra crispy?
Freezing the breaded onion rings for 15 minutes before air frying intensifies crunch.
- → Can I prepare these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and panko for a gluten-free option without sacrificing crispness.
- → Is there a dairy-free variation?
Omit Parmesan or substitute with dairy-free cheese for a fully dairy-free bite.
- → What dipping sauces go well?
Ketchup, ranch, or spicy sauces complement the savory onion rings beautifully.
- → How many servings does this make?
The batch yields about four generous servings as a snack or side.