Best Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Air Fryer onion rings are better for you, since they aren’t fried in oil, they are also delicious, and SO easy to make at home! 

You don’t have to leave the house to pick them up, or wait for delivery, which is a huge plus!

I also love that you can enjoy this crispy treat without feeling guilty. Cooking them in an Air Fryer means they won’t be greasy, and way less calories, too.

How To Make Onion Rings In The Air Fryer 

Did I mention how easy it is to make onion rings in your Air Fryer?

Not to mention how long (or short!) it is to cook onion rings in an Air Fryer…we are talking 25 min MAX–and that’s including both prep and cook time.

It takes longer to wait for food delivery!

Air Fryer onion rings make a great appetizer, for anything from a party, to a night in with the family. 

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This Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe:

• Serves: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time 8-10 minutes

Ingredients – Air Fryer Onion Rings 

• 1 large sweet onion, peeled and sliced into ½ inch rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk (optional – buttermilk)
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Dipping sauces

Instructions – Air Fryer Onion Rings 

STEP 1

First, peel and slice onions into ½ inch rings and separate.

STEP 2

Next, in a medium bowl add flour and seasonings, and whisk together.

STEP 3

In a second medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.

STEP 4

Then, in a third bowl add in Panko breadcrumbs.

STEP 5

Dip the onion rings into the flour mixture, making sure to completely coat them.

STEP 6

Shake off excess flour, and then dip them into the egg mixture in a shallow bowl, and completely coat them.

STEP 7

Then, transfer the rings to the panko mixture or the regular breadcrumbs, press them into the breadcrumbs mixture to get them to stick to the onion rings.

STEP 8

Preheat the air fryer at 350 F.

STEP 9

Place a single layer of onion rings into the air fryer basket and spray the onion rings with cooking spray.

STEP 10

Cook at 350 F for 8 minutes, flipping the rings half way through the cooking time. They should look golden brown.

STEP 11

Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in an oven, if needed.

Notes

If the breading falls off of the cooked onion rings, freeze them for 20 minutes prior to cooking.

Don’t want a sharp onion taste of white onions? You can use sweet onions like Vidalia onion. I’d probably not use red onions to make crispy onion rings. Those are better raw or in recipes.

Need a kick? Add some cayenne pepper to your cup of flour. Or use a smoked paprika.

Enjoy with your favorite sauce like ranch dressing! These are so much better than deep-fried onion rings.

How To Make Gluten Free Air Fryer Onion Rings

One of the hardest things about shifting to a gluten free diet for health reasons, has been losing out on some of my FAVORITE foods when going out to eat. 

Some restaurants are good about gluten free offerings, but most aren’t, although it is getting better! 

One fear that all people with gluten allergies/ sensitivities/ Celiac disease share is the fear of “being glutened” by a well-meaning person or restaurant that doesn’t fully understand food allergies.

Cross-contamination (especially in deep fryers) is a serious risk when going out to eat.

If regular breaded items are put down in the fryer before a gluten free item goes down, people with gluten issues can get sick.

This onion ring recipe can be tailored to fit a gluten free diet by swapping out the all-purpose flour for gluten free all-purpose flour, and swapping out the Panko breadcrumbs for gluten free Panko crumbs. 

Check all labels of packaged seasonings, other ingredients, and don’t forget to check the label on any dipping sauces you might use to make sure they are gluten free, too! 

Easy Air Fryer Recipes From Kids Activities Blog

What is your favorite dipping sauce to serve with your Air Fryer onion rings? I love chipotle mayo! Yum!