Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings

Why Make This Recipe

Air Fryer Onion Rings are a delicious snack or side dish that everyone loves. They offer a nice crunch and savory flavor without the extra oil you get from traditional frying. Making onion rings in the air fryer makes this dish healthier and quicker too. These onion rings are great for parties, game nights, or just for a fun treat at home.

How to Make Air Fryer Onion Rings

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large sweet onion, cut into 1/2-in.-thick rounds and separated into rings
  • Cooking spray

Directions:

  1. In a shallow dish, stir together the flour, smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt.
  2. In another shallow dish, lightly beat the egg and water together.
  3. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  4. Dredge the onion rings in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
  5. Next, dip each onion ring in the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off.
  6. Finally, coat the onion rings in the panko mixture, pressing the sides so the breadcrumbs stick well.
  7. Coat both sides of the onion rings with cooking spray for a crispy texture.
  8. Place the onion rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  9. Cook at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping the onion rings at the 6-minute mark. They should be golden brown and crispy on both sides.
  10. Once done, cover them to keep warm while cooking the remaining onion rings.

How to Serve Air Fryer Onion Rings

Serve Air Fryer Onion Rings while they are hot and crispy. They pair well with a variety of dips like ketchup, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo. You can also serve them as a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats for a tasty meal.

How to Store Air Fryer Onion Rings

If you have leftovers, let the onion rings cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to regain their crispiness.

Tips to Make Air Fryer Onion Rings

  • Make sure to cut the onions into even 1/2-inch thick slices to ensure they cook evenly.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  • For an extra kick, add some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with different spices in the flour mixture, such as garlic powder or onion powder. You can also try using different types of onions or even substitute with vegetables like zucchini.

FAQs

Can I make these onion rings gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour substitute and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make a gluten-free version.

How long do I need to cook the onion rings if I want them extra crispy?
For extra crispy onion rings, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes, just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

Can I freeze the air-fried onion rings?
It’s best to eat them fresh, but if you want to freeze them, make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer.

Crispy air fryer onion rings served with dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Onion Rings

Air Fryer Onion Rings are a delicious snack or side dish that offers a satisfying crunch with less oil than traditional frying. Perfect for parties or a fun treat at home.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Breading Mixtures
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Main Ingredients
  • 1 large sweet onion cut into 1/2-in.-thick rounds and separated into rings
  • cooking spray

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a shallow dish, stir together the flour, smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt.
  2. In another shallow dish, lightly beat the egg and water together.
  3. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  4. Dredge the onion rings in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
  5. Dip each onion ring in the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off.
  6. Coat the onion rings in the panko mixture, pressing the sides so the breadcrumbs stick well.
  7. Coat both sides of the onion rings with cooking spray for a crispy texture.
Cooking
  1. Place the onion rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  2. Cook at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping the onion rings at the 6-minute mark.
  3. Once done, cover them to keep warm while cooking the remaining onion rings.

Notes

Cut the onions into even 1/2-inch slices to ensure they cook evenly. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. For extra flavor, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and experiment with various spices.

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