I’ve always had a soft spot for onion rings—the perfect crunch, the sweet and savory bite, and that golden glow that makes them almost irresistible. But every time I tried making them at home, I dreaded the mess and the amount of oil fried in a pan. That all changed when I discovered how to make them in the air fryer. Suddenly, I could enjoy crispy, delicious onion rings without feeling guilty or spending half the afternoon cleaning the kitchen.
The first time I tried air fryer onion rings, I was amazed at how perfectly crisp they came out. The coating sticks, the onions stay tender, and that satisfying crunch hits just right with every bite. After a few tweaks, I’ve perfected a recipe that’s simple, quick, and absolutely addictive. Trust me, once you try it, these onion rings will become a staple for snack nights, game days, or even as a side with your favorite burger.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Onions: The star of the show! I like to use large yellow onions because they have a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the crispy coating. Slice them into rings about half an inch thick to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Flour: This acts as the first layer of coating and helps the batter stick to the onion rings. All-purpose flour works best, giving the rings a light base without overwhelming the flavor of the onions.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is the secret to extra crunch. When combined with flour, it creates a crispy outer layer that air fries beautifully. It’s key to achieving that satisfying snap when you bite into the onion ring.
Eggs: Eggs are the binder that holds the flour mixture and breadcrumbs together. They add moisture to the coating and help everything stick to the onions so you get a perfect crust after frying.
Milk: Milk thins out the egg mixture slightly, making it easier to dip the onions and coat them evenly. You can also use a non-dairy alternative if you prefer, and it won’t compromise the crispiness.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are my go-to for a crunchy texture. They provide that extra crisp layer that makes these onion rings addictive, giving them a professional-quality crunch without deep frying.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika are essential. They enhance the natural flavor of the onions and add a subtle kick to every bite. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste or experiment with garlic powder or cayenne for more flavor.
Cooking spray: A light mist of cooking spray on the onion rings before air frying ensures they crisp up perfectly and get that golden brown color without needing a lot of oil.
Ingredients List
- 2 large yellow onions
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Onion Rings
Prepare the Onions
Peel the onions and slice them into rings about half an inch thick. Separate the rings carefully to avoid breaking them. Set aside while you prepare the coating.
Make the Flour Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well so the seasonings are evenly distributed. This will be the first coating layer for your onion rings.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the onions perfectly.
Coat the Onion Rings
Dip each onion ring first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each ring is fully coated for maximum crunch.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the onion rings cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.
Air Fry the Onion Rings
Place the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Remove the onion rings from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness—they make all the difference.
- Slice onions evenly so they cook uniformly.
- Lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray before cooking to achieve that golden finish.
- Experiment with seasonings in the flour or breadcrumbs to create your own flavor twist.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch; leftover onion rings may soften over time.
FAQs
Can I use red or white onions instead of yellow?
Yes! Red onions add a slightly sharper taste, while white onions are milder. All work well in this recipe.
Do I need to soak the onions in water before coating?
It’s optional. Some people soak them briefly to reduce pungency, but it’s not necessary for crispiness.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and the onion rings will be just as crispy.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
You can coat the onions ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 hours, but cook them just before serving for the best crunch.
What dipping sauces pair well with these onion rings?
Classic ketchup, garlic aioli, ranch, spicy mayo, or even a smoky BBQ sauce are all great options.