Description
Air Fryer Onion Rings are the ultimate crispy snack or side dish made with just a few simple ingredients. Perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, yet tender and sweet on the inside, these onion rings make a delicious companion for burgers, hot dogs, or simply as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce. The air fryer gives them that irresistible fried texture without all the excess oil, making them a lighter and healthier option for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup buttermilk
- 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal (optional)
Instructions
- Peel the onion and cut it into ½-inch thick slices. Carefully separate each ring.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, seasoned salt, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In a third bowl, mix Panko bread crumbs, vegetable oil, and cornmeal if using.
- Dip each onion ring first into the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture. Return it to the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
- Once all the onion rings are coated, lightly spray them with cooking spray. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 12–15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Remove the rings from the air fryer and sprinkle with a bit of extra seasoned salt if desired. Serve immediately with ketchup, ranch dressing, or any dipping sauce you like.
Notes
Serve Air Fryer Onion Rings immediately after cooking for the best crunch and flavor. They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or classic ketchup. For an extra treat, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or drizzle a little spicy aioli on top. If you need to make them ahead, you can keep the cooked onion rings warm in the oven at 200°F until ready to serve.
To store leftovers, let the onion rings cool completely, then place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.