These Air Fryer Onion Rings are crispy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Made with yellow onions, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, and a touch of olive oil, they deliver that deep-fried taste—without the grease or the mess!
You know how some foods just have a hold on you? For me, it’s onion rings. If I see them on a menu, it’s an instant yes. I don’t care if I just ordered a burger and fries—onion rings must be added.
But making them at home? Whole different story. I love to cook, but I hate deep frying. The oil splatters everywhere, your whole kitchen smells like a fast-food joint for days, and let’s not even talk about cleaning up after. Nope. Not happening.
Then came the
I was skeptical at first (can air really make things crispy?!), but one bite into these Air Fryer Onion Rings, and I was sold. Crispy, golden, crunchy perfection—without a drop of deep-fried regret. Now, I make these all the time because they’re ridiculously easy, they don’t leave my house smelling like a fryer, and—bonus!—they’re slightly healthier.
So if you’ve been craving that perfect onion ring crunch but don’t want to deal with a deep-fryer disaster, this recipe is for you.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe?
- Crispy without deep frying. You get that restaurant-style crunch without the oil bath.
- Quick and easy. From craving to plate in under 20 minutes.
- Less mess. No oil splatters, no post-frying cleanup—just crispy goodness.
- Healthier but still delicious. You get all the crunch and flavor, minus the excess grease.
- Perfect for dipping. Because let’s be honest—onion rings need sauce.
Ingredient Notes:
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, just a few pantry staples that work together to make these onion rings perfect.
The Coating – Where the Magic Happens
- Panko Bread Crumbs: This is the secret to that extra crunchy texture. Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko makes a huge difference.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Boosts the natural onion flavor.
- Sea Salt: Just enough to bring everything together.
The Breading Setup
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg stick to the onions.
- Eggs: Acts like glue for the crispy coating.
The Onion Star of the Show
- Yellow Onion: Sweet, mild, and perfect for air frying. Slice into ½-inch rings for the best texture.
The Finishing Touch
- Olive Oil: A light spray before air frying helps them crisp up beautifully.
- Tartar Sauce (Optional): Classic, but honestly, ranch or chipotle mayo would be amazing too.
Pro Tip: Want extra crunch? Double-dip the rings in egg and panko before air frying!
How To Make Air Fryer Onion Rings?
These onion rings come together in no time, and your
1. Set Up Your Breading Station
You’ll need three shallow bowls:
- One for flour.
- One for whisked eggs.
- One for the panko mixture (panko, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt).
2. Slice & Separate the Onion Rings
Peel your yellow onion and slice it into ½-inch thick rings. Gently separate them—you want nice, even rings for the best crunch.
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3. Coat the Onion Rings
- Dip each ring in flour, coating it completely.
- Dunk it in whisked egg, letting any excess drip off.
- Press it into the panko mixture, making sure every inch is covered (press down a little to get that good crunch!).
4. Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Arrange the onion rings in a single layer (no stacking!). Lightly spray or drizzle them with olive oil.
Air fry for 8-11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
5. Serve & Dip
Let them cool for a minute (if you can wait that long), then dig in with your favorite dipping sauce!
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a bag. They’ll keep for 2 months!
- To Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes—they’ll crisp up like new!
Pro Tip: Don’t microwave them. They’ll get sad and soggy. And nobody wants that.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Try these fun ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or smoked paprika to the panko mix.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix grated Parmesan into the panko for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Use almond flour and gluten-free panko.
- Try Different Onions: Red onions give a slightly sweeter flavor.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Onion Rings?
These onion rings are amazing on their own, but pairing them with the right extras? Next-level good.
- Burgers & Sandwiches: Because crispy onion rings belong on a burger.
- Hot Dogs: Swap out the fries—onion rings are better.
- Grilled Chicken: Light and crispy meets juicy and flavorful.
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard—what’s your favorite?
Pro Tip: Try them as a topping for loaded nachos or mac and cheese. Trust me, it’s ridiculously good.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these without panko?
You can, but they won’t be as crispy. Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko is next level.
Do I need to soak the onions before breading?
Nope! Some people do it to mellow the flavor, but it’s not necessary.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bread them, then store them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying.
If you’ve been looking for a way to make crispy, golden onion rings without the deep-fried mess, this Air Fryer Onion Rings recipe is it. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and so easy to make—you’ll never go back to frozen ones again.
So, what do you think? Ready to ditch the deep fryer and give these a try? Let me know how they turn out—especially if you put your own twist on them! Can’t wait to hear about it!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Ingredients
- 1¼ c panko bread crumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ heaping tsp sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ c all-purpose flour
- 1 yellow onion sliced into ½-inch rings
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Tartar Sauce optional, for dipping
Instructions
- Start by combining panko, garlic powder, onion powder and salt on a rimmed tray.
- In a bowl whisk the eggs. In another bowl place the flour.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
- Coat the onion rings, with flour dip them in the beaten eggs and then cover them with the panko mixture.
- Drizzle some olive oil over them.
- Air fry them in a single layer, for 8 to 11 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- If desired serve them with tartar sauce.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
