Crispy, golden onion rings with a tender, sweet center are just 25 minutes away with this air fryer recipe. The air fryer works its magic, delivering a satisfying crunch without the heaviness of deep frying. Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a hint of warmth from the seasoning. You’ll love how quick and easy it is—just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking for a snack or side that feels indulgent yet light.
These onion rings are a game-changer for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The air fryer ensures they’re evenly cooked, with a texture that’s irresistibly crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft inside. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfectly golden and bursting with flavor, they’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Onion Rings?
- 1¼ cups panko bread crumbs (for a crispy coating)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (adds savory flavor)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (enhances the onion taste)
- Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten, for binding)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 yellow onion (sliced into ½-inch rings)
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling, helps crispiness)
- Tartar Sauce (optional, for dipping)
How to Make Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Prepare the coating: On a rimmed tray, mix the panko, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Set up your stations: In a small shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Place the flour in another small bowl.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 370°F to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
- Coat the onion rings: Dip each onion ring into the flour, tap off excess, then dip in the egg, and coat with the panko mixture. Place on a large plate.
- Add oil: Drizzle the coated onion rings lightly with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Arrange in the air fryer: Transfer the onion rings to the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space around each ring. Avoid overcrowding—work in batches if needed.
- Air fry: Cook for 8 to 11 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with remaining onion rings.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with tartar sauce, if desired.
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While tartar sauce is a classic choice, why not mix it up? Try a spicy aioli by mixing mayo with sriracha and a squeeze of lime, or a honey mustard for a sweet and tangy twist. For a lighter option, pair with a zesty yogurt dip made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
Quick Tips for Crispy Success
To ensure your onion rings stay crispy, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—this allows for even airflow. If you’re working in batches, keep the cooked rings warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest. A light drizzle of olive oil before air frying helps achieve that golden, crunchy texture.
Storage and Reheating Made Easy
Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
Fun Variations to Try
Switch up the flavors by adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the panko mixture for a smoky or spicy kick. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also experiment with different onions, like sweet Vidalia or red onions, for a unique twist.
Equipment Guidance for Best Results
If your air fryer has a non-stick basket, you’re all set—no need for parchment paper. For smaller air fryers, consider using a perforated parchment liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Always preheat the air fryer for the crispiest results.
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups panko bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into ½-inch rings
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Tartar Sauce, optional, for dipping
Instructions
- On a rimmed tray, mix the panko, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. In a small shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Place the flour in another small bowl.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
- Dip each onion ring into the flour, then tap to remove any excess flour. Dip it in the egg, coat with the panko mixture, and then place on a large plate.
- Drizzle the onion rings with olive oil and transfer them to the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer with a little space around each ring. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Work in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 8 to 11 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with any remaining onion rings.
- Serve with tartar sauce, if desired.