Can I make these onion rings without an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won't be quite as crispy as the air fryer version, but still delicious. For extra crispiness, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

Why did my breading fall off during cooking?

This usually happens if the onions weren't dried well enough or if you skipped the freezing step. Make sure to pat the onions thoroughly dry before dredging and consider freezing them briefly before air frying to help the coating adhere better.

What's the best onion to use for onion rings?

Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are ideal because of their milder, sweeter flavor. Yellow onions work well too. White onions can be used but tend to have a stronger, more pungent flavor. Red onions are beautiful but can sometimes be too strong for onion rings.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

For the best texture, I recommend breading the onion rings ahead of time and freezing them uncooked. Then air fry them just before serving. If you must cook them ahead, reheat them in the air fryer at 370°F for 2-3 minutes to crisp them back up before serving.

Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Crispy, golden-brown onion rings without the guilt of deep frying? Yes, please! These Air Fryer Onion Rings deliver that perfect crunch and sweet onion flavor you crave, but with significantly less oil. Ready in just over 20 minutes, they’re the ideal side dish or snack when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with the mess of traditional frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier Option: Get that irresistible crunch without submerging your onion rings in a vat of oil. The air fryer gives you that perfect golden exterior while using just a fraction of the oil.
Restaurant-Quality Results: These aren’t your average homemade onion rings. The triple-dredge technique creates that satisfying crunch that rivals your favorite restaurant version.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish in about 22 minutes, these onion rings are perfect for weeknight dinners or when unexpected cravings strike.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters tend to love these crispy delights. They’re the perfect gateway veggie for those who “don’t like vegetables.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

Yellow Sweet Onion: The star of the show! Sweet onions have a milder, less pungent flavor that caramelizes beautifully when cooked. Slicing them 1/2-inch thick gives you that perfect ring that holds up well to the breading process.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates the initial dry coating that helps everything else stick. It’s the essential first layer in our triple-dredge system.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the coating.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Don’t skip it, as properly seasoned breading makes all the difference.
Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps the breading adhere to the onion rings. The acidity in buttermilk also tenderizes the onions slightly.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring your coating stays put during the cooking process.
Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to extra crispiness! These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are airier than traditional breadcrumbs, creating that light, crunchy exterior.
Olive Oil: Mixed with the panko to help it crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. This is the trick to getting that “fried” taste without deep frying.
Oil Spray: Optional but recommended for that extra golden finish. A light spritz halfway through cooking helps achieve that perfect color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Flavor Boosters

Add garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for an extra flavor kick. Italian seasoning or ranch seasoning mix can also create delicious variations.

Gluten-Free Version

Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

Spicy Onion Rings

Add hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture or cayenne pepper to the flour for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with cool dipping sauces.

Herb-Infused

Mix fresh chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the panko mixture for an aromatic twist.

How to Make Air Fryer Onion Rings

Step 1: Prepare Your Dredging Stations

Set up 4 shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour, paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt. In the second, mix buttermilk, egg, and ¼ cup of the flour mixture from the first bowl. In the third, mix panko breadcrumbs, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and olive oil until the oil is evenly distributed. Pour half the panko into a fourth bowl (this keeps your panko from getting too clumpy).

Step 2: Prep and Bread the Onion Rings

Pat the onion rings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (crucial for crispiness!). Using a fork, dredge each ring in the flour mixture, then dip in the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in panko. Place them on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Freeze (Optional but Recommended)

Freeze the breaded onion rings for 15 minutes. This helps the coating stick better during cooking and creates an even crispier exterior.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Spray your air fryer basket with oil. Arrange onion rings in a single layer, allowing space between them (you can place smaller rings inside larger ones to maximize space). Cook at 400°F for 11-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Spray lightly with cooking oil around the 6-minute mark for extra crispiness.

Step 5: Serve

Carefully remove the onion rings using a spatula or fork to avoid disturbing the coating. Serve immediately while hot and crispy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Sweet Onions: Vidalia, Walla Walla, or other sweet onion varieties will give you the best flavor. They’re less pungent and caramelize beautifully.
Dry Thoroughly: Don’t skip patting the onion rings dry. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Don’t Crowd the Basket: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
Make Your Own Buttermilk: No buttermilk? No problem! Add 1½ teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
The Panko Trick: Dividing the panko between two bowls prevents all of it from getting clumpy from the wet batter, ensuring each ring gets a nice, dry coating.
Freeze Before Cooking: Those 15 minutes in the freezer make a noticeable difference in how well the coating adheres during cooking.

How to Serve

Dipping Sauces

These onion rings shine with classic dipping sauces like:

Spicy mayo (just mix mayo with hot sauce)
Ranch dressing
BBQ sauce
Honey mustard
Ketchup with a dash of hot sauce

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside:

Burgers or sandwiches as the perfect sidekick
Grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal
As part of a game day spread with other finger foods
Atop a salad for added crunch and flavor

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled onion rings in an airtight container with paper towels between layers to absorb moisture. Refrigerate for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the breaded, uncooked onion rings for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, place leftover onion rings in the air fryer at 370°F for 2-3 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up! Avoid the microwave, which will make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these onion rings without an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as the air fryer version, but still delicious. For extra crispiness, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
Why did my breading fall off during cooking?

This usually happens if the onions weren’t dried well enough or if you skipped the freezing step. Make sure to pat the onions thoroughly dry before dredging and consider freezing them briefly before air frying to help the coating adhere better.
What’s the best onion to use for onion rings?

Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are ideal because of their milder, sweeter flavor. Yellow onions work well too. White onions can be used but tend to have a stronger, more pungent flavor. Red onions are beautiful but can sometimes be too strong for onion rings.
Can I make these ahead for a party?

For the best texture, I recommend breading the onion rings ahead of time and freezing them uncooked. Then air fry them just before serving. If you must cook them ahead, reheat them in the air fryer at 370°F for 2-3 minutes to crisp them back up before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Onion Rings bring the joy of a classic comfort food to your table without the guilt or mess of deep frying. The perfect combination of sweet onion wrapped in a golden, crunchy coating will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether served alongside your favorite burger or enjoyed as a snack on their own, these crispy rings are guaranteed to impress. Give this recipe a try—I promise it’ll become a regular in your cooking rotation!