These Air Fried Onion Rings take simple onions and turn them into a flavor packed recipe everyone will enjoy! Perfect to enjoy on game day, as an appetizer, snack, or anytime of the day! Next time that crunchy craving hits, skip having to order take-out and make these Air Fryer Onion Rings in no time!
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Air Fryer Onion Rings
I don’t know about you, but I love a good shortcut recipe that tastes just like restaurant quality, but without all the calories, fat, and work required! Since the air fryer uses less oil than the classic fried version, you don’t have to feel guilty going back for seconds (or thirds, I’m not judging).
Also be sure to try my Air Fryer French Fries, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, and crispy Air Fried Brussel Sprouts for more great air fryer recipes!
Air Fried Onion Rings Recipe Ingredient Notes
This recipe comes together quickly using simple, basic ingredients. For printable recipe card with exact amounts and directions, scroll to the bottom of this post.
- Onions– I typically use two medium sized sweet onions like Vidalia’s. Yellow onions work great, so keep it simple and use whatever you have on hand.
- Flour– this helps create the coating that goes on the onion slices when combined with the egg mixture. I use all purpose flour.
- Breadcrumbs– Panko bread crumbs are my go-to as they offer the most flavor and give these onion rings a nice crispy texture.
- Egg– one large egg is all you need for this recipe.
- Buttermilk– if you don’t have any on hand, you can also use milk, but buttermilk adds a lot more flavor and creaminess.
- Salt/ Pepper– season to taste, but once added, it really enhances all the flavors.
- Garlic Powder– this and salt are classic seasonings used to really bring these air fried onion rings to new levels.
- Baking Powder– ensure freshness by changing yours out every 6 months. This helps the coating to stick onto the onion slices.
How to make Onion Rings in the Air Fryer
- Peel and cut the onion into ½- ⅓ inch thick rings and separate them into individual rings.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic and half the flour. Feel free to use additional spices depending on taste desired such as onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, etc.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, baking powder, and remaining flour. The batter will be quite thick, that is okay.
- Roll onion rings into the dry mixture, coating thoroughly on all sides.
- Transfer the onion rings to the batter and coat thoroughly.
- Pour Panko breadcrumbs onto a plate and roll the coated onion rings through the mixture.
- Place coated onion rings into air fryer basket, ensuring a single layer.
- Cook at 375 degrees for about 10-12 minutes, turning over one time halfway through.
- Once golden brown, remove from basket and serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
How to make Fried Onion Rings without air fryer
Don’t have an air fryer? No worries! Here are the simple changes that you’ll make if frying using oil. The only additional ingredient needed is 3-4 cups frying oil.
- Pour frying oil into a suitable pan and start heating it. Keep the heat on low while chopping the onion and preparing the batter. The ideal temperature is 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Cut the onion into ½-1/3 inch thick rings and separate them into individual onion rings.
- In a bowl, mix half the flour, salt and granulated garlic. You can use other spices as well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, baking powder and remaining flour. The batter should be quite thick.
- Roll onion rings in the dry flour mixture on all sides.
- Transfer the onion rings to the batter and coat until each ring is evenly coated.
- Pour Panko into a separate plate and roll in onion rings. Then put it in a pan with oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes, focusing on the color of the shell – it should be orange, but not brown.
- Place the fried onion rings on napkins to absorb excess oil. *I line a baking sheet with paper towel for this step. Then serve with desired sauce.
Tips for the best air fryer onion rings recipe
- These are best enjoyed hot and fresh. If needed, make in batches and once all have been air fried, place them all back into the air fryer basket for about 1-2 minutes to heat them all up again.
- Once cooked and cooled, you can freeze these air fry onion rings up to 2 months in a freezer bag or airtight container. Cook from frozen in the air fryer when ready to serve again.
- To save on time, cut the onions up one day before needed and store in a airtight bag in the refrigerator.
- Best onions to use for this recipe are Vidalia, Sweet White, Spanish Onions, or even red onions.
- To get the onion rings even crispier, feel free to spray the onion rings with olive oil or cooking spray before placing them into the air fryer to cook.
Sauce Suggestions
Wondering what to dip your crispy onion rings into? Here are some of our fav sauces:
- Ketchup– such a tried and true classic!
- Southern Comeback Sauce– oh my gosh I could drink this stuff, ha-ha. We use it with EVERYTHING!
- Boom Boom Sauce– my kids request this one often!
- Ranch Dressing
- Honey Mustard
- Alabama White BBQ Sauce
More Appetizer and Snack Recipes to try
Cajun Snack Mix– the ultimate bold and spicy snack to serve anytime! From game day, parties, Holidays, and more, this party mix is a favorite with everyone!
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks– packed with flavor and are ready in no time using the air fryer!
Easy Fried Pickle Dip– made with cream cheese, dill pickles, and spices, this Fried Pickle Dip is the perfect appetizer for any party, gathering, or game day spread! Creamy, tangy, and crunchy, it’s a crowd favorite!
Burrito Roll Up’s– these pinwheel sandwiches feature a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy refried bean fillings wrapped in tortillas and cut into bite-sized treats.
Taco Crescent Rolls– using only 4 ingredients, these Taco Crescent Rolls come together in no time and are a fun twist on a traditional taco!
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Crispy Air Fried Onion Rings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 onions cut into ½" rings, medium onions
- ½ cup flour
- 3 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Cut the onion into ½-1/3" thick rings and separate them into individual rings.
- In a shallow dish, combine the salt, pepper, garlic, and half the flour. Feel free to use additional spices to fit your tastes.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, baking powder, and remaining flour. *Batter will be thick.
- Roll onion rings into the dry mixture, coating thoroughly on all sides.
- Transfer the onion rings to the batter and once again, coat thoroughly.
- Pour Panko breadcrumbs onto a plate and roll the coated onion rings through.
- Place coated onion rings into air fryer basket, in single layer and cook at 375 degrees for about 10-12 minutes, turning over one time 5 minutes through.
- Once golden brown, remove from basket and serve with favorite sauce.
sandra says
OOPs i forgot to give 5 stars!
sandra says
I would not change a thing about this recipe, I followed your recipe to a T and these onion rings turned out to be amazing! I will most definitely be making these again soon in the near future. They looked and taste amazing. I didn’t have any problem with the coating staying on. Thanks for the recipe!
Kristin says
Yay!! So glad you enjoyed these!!
Charlotte says
These did not work out for me. The breadcrumbs wouldn’t stick to the onion rings at all. Tried doubling through the egg and crumbs again which made it just clump and fall off. Started from scratch and wet the onions before putting the flour mix on which helped that part. But still, the crumbs wouldn’t stick on the egg. They turned out like plain fried onions. Not bad but not good.
Kristin says
Awww I hate hearing that! What type of onion did you use? Bummer it wasn’t a success!
George washington says
Worst recipe ever. Batter wouldn’t stick and onion rings turned out with a poor texture. I will not be making these again🥺
Kristin says
Oh no! That is such a bummer! I will be making this recipe again in the next few days to make sure all my directions are correct. So sorry to hear that!!
Diane Franklin says
The air fryer sounds like a time saving value. Please tell us how cooking these in the fryer worked.
Please tell us the steps you used.
Thank you,
diane
Kristin says
Hi! Its definitely a time saver for sure! Just preheat and follow the method as listed above and you’re set! Enjoy!
JJ says
I can’t wait to make the onion rings. My daughter and grandson love them
Kristin says
Yea!! They’ll love them! Keep me posted how they turn out! We love them!