Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Onion Rings are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried onion rings. Made with sweet yellow onions, a perfectly seasoned coating, and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, these rings are delightfully crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 large yellow sweet onion, sliced 1/2-inch thick and separated into rings
For the Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (see tips for homemade substitution)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
For Cooking
- Oil spray (optional, for spraying the air fryer basket and onion rings)
Instructions
- Prepare Coating Bowls – Arrange 4 shallow bowls or deep plates. In the first, whisk together flour, paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt. In the second, mix buttermilk and egg, then add 1/4 cup of the flour mixture from the first bowl. In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, the remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and olive oil, using a fork to mix until oil is evenly distributed. Divide the panko mixture into the third and a fourth bowl, so you can switch bowls if the breadcrumbs get too sticky.
- Prep Onions – Pat the onion rings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better and ensures extra crispiness.
- Bread the Onion Rings – Using a fork, coat each onion ring first in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and finally dredge in the panko mixture until fully coated. TIP: For best results, place the breaded onion rings on a baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes to help the coating adhere.
- Arrange in Air Fryer – Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil spray. Place the breaded onion rings in a single layer in the basket. Smaller rings can fit inside larger ones as long as there’s space between them for air circulation.
- Air Fry the Onion Rings – Cook at 400°F for 11–15 minutes until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy. Spray lightly with cooking spray after 6 minutes to promote crispiness. There is no need to turn the onion rings.
- Serve – Carefully remove the onion rings from the basket using a cookie spatula or fork and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Freeze breaded onion rings for 15 minutes before air frying to help the coating stick better.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with 1/2 cup milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- For the crispiest result, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use sweet yellow onions for best flavor and texture.
- Serve hot for maximum crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe (about 1/2 onion + coating)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
