Air fryer onion rings are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. These crispy, golden rings are the perfect snack or side dish, delivering all the crunch and flavor of deep-fried onion rings without the guilt. Utilizing an air fryer not only makes this recipe healthier but also simpler and quicker, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving a crispy treat, air fryer onion rings are a must-try.

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Ingredients Needed

For this recipe, you will need one yellow onion, sliced into ½-inch rings. You will also need ½ cup of all-purpose flour, two large eggs, and 1¼ cups of panko bread crumbs. To season the bread crumbs, add ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, along with a heaping ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Extra-virgin olive oil is necessary for drizzling, and tartar sauce can be served on the side for dipping if desired.

To add a bit of extra flavor, consider including a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika in the bread crumb mixture. These optional ingredients can give your onion rings an extra kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by setting up your workstation. On a rimmed tray, combine the panko bread crumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt. In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Place the flour in a separate small bowl. This setup will streamline the process of breading the onion rings.

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Preheating ensures that the onion rings start cooking immediately upon being placed in the basket, which helps achieve that perfect crispiness.

Take each onion ring and coat it with flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip back into the bowl. Finally, coat the ring thoroughly with the panko mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Place each coated ring on a large plate.

Lightly drizzle the prepared onion rings with extra-virgin olive oil. This step is crucial as it helps the rings achieve a golden brown color and crispy texture. Arrange the rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space around each ring for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the basket; if necessary, cook in batches.

Air fry the onion rings for 8 to 11 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning. Serve immediately with tartar sauce, if desired.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Best practices for slicing the onions: Use a sharp knife to slice the onion evenly into ½-inch rings. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking.
How to ensure the breading sticks to the onion rings: Pat the onion rings dry with a paper towel before breading. This helps the flour adhere better, creating a solid base for the eggs and panko.
Adjusting cooking times based on air fryer models: Different air fryer models may have slight variations in cooking times. Start checking the onion rings at the 8-minute mark and adjust accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of onion? Yes, sweet onions or red onions can be used for a slightly different flavor.
How do I store leftover onion rings? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer to retain crispiness.
Can these be made in advance and reheated? Yes, bread the onion rings in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Air fry just before serving for the best texture.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Air fryer onion rings pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and sauces. Classic choices include tartar sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli. For a unique twist, try serving them with a honey mustard dip or a smoky chipotle sauce.

As for side dishes, these onion rings complement burgers, sandwiches, and salads perfectly. They can also be served as a stand-alone appetizer at parties. For beverages, consider pairing with a cold beer, a refreshing iced tea, or a crisp white wine.

Variations and Additions

For those looking to experiment, there are numerous ways to tweak this recipe. Add different seasonings to the panko mixture, such as smoked paprika, cumin, or cayenne pepper, to vary the flavor profile. To make the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs.

For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a mixture of plant-based milk and flour, and use a vegan mayonnaise-based dip. Adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to the bread crumbs can also enhance the flavor and add a cheesy twist.

Air fryer onion rings are an easy and delicious way to enjoy a beloved snack with less guilt. This recipe’s simplicity and versatility make it perfect for any occasion. Try it out, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. Happy cooking!

Ingredients

1 yellow onion, sliced into ½-inch rings
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1¼ cups panko bread crumbs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Tartar Sauce, optional, for dipping

Instructions

On a rimmed tray, combine the panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt. In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs, and place the flour in a separate small bowl.
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F.
Take each onion ring and coat it with flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs and then into the panko mixture, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. Place each ring on a large plate.
Lightly drizzle the prepared onion rings with extra-virgin olive oil. Arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space around each ring to allow for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the basket; if necessary, cook in batches.
Air fry the onion rings for 8 to 11 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Repeat with any remaining onion rings. Serve immediately with tartar sauce, if desired.