Air Fryer Onion Rings

These Air Fryer Onion Rings are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and made with minimal oil! They’re the perfect crunchy snack, side dish, or appetizer that’s super easy to make without all the mess of deep frying. Plus, with the air fryer, you can enjoy a guilt-free version of this classic favorite.

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Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Onion Rings

• Crispy & Crunchy – Golden brown and crispy without deep frying.
• Healthy & Light – Made with a fraction of the oil, so you can enjoy the crunch without the guilt.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in about 20 minutes for a speedy snack or side dish.
• Perfectly Seasoned – Full of flavor with just the right amount of seasoning.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Onion Rings

• 1 large onion – Yellow or white onion works best.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – For the crispy coating.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the onion flavor.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – For a subtle smoky taste.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – For seasoning.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild spice.
• 2 large eggs – For binding the coating.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) – Adds extra crunch.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray – To help crisp them up.

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer – For cooking the onion rings.
• Shallow bowls – For dredging the onion rings.
• Knife – For slicing the onion.
• Tongs or fork – For dipping and placing the onion rings in the air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Onion Rings

Step 1: Prepare the Onion Rings
Peel the onion and cut it into ½-inch thick rings. Separate the rings carefully.

Step 2: Set Up Dredging Station
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
In a third shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs (you can use panko for an extra crispy texture).

Step 3: Coat the Onion Rings
Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, coating it well. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the onion ring with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coat.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Air Fry the Onion Rings
Spray the air fryer basket with a light coating of cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Arrange the coated onion rings in the basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 6: Cook the Onion Rings
Air fry the onion rings at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the onion rings from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, ketchup, or BBQ sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of creamy ranch or spicy ketchup for dipping.
• Pair with a burger, sandwich, or salad for a complete meal.
• Great for game day, parties, or as a crunchy side to your favorite dishes.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Onion Rings

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – For the best crispiness, make sure the onion rings are in a single layer. If you have a lot of rings, cook them in batches.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs will give the onion rings an extra crunchy texture, but regular breadcrumbs work well too.
• Spray with Oil – A light mist of cooking spray or a drizzle of oil will help the coating crisp up in the air fryer.
• Adjust Seasoning – Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or swap in your favorite spices.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the onion rings back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes until crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use sweet onions for onion rings?
A: Yes, sweet onions like Vidalia are great for onion rings! They will have a milder, sweeter flavor.

Q2: Can I make these onion rings gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free. You can find panko-style gluten-free breadcrumbs as well.

Q3: Can I freeze these onion rings?
A: Yes! You can freeze the coated onion rings before air frying. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, air fry from frozen for about 12-14 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Conclusion: Crunchy, Crispy, and Guilt-Free!

These Air Fryer Onion Rings are the perfect crispy snack or side dish with all the flavor and crunch you crave, but without the excess oil of traditional frying. With just a few simple ingredients and your air fryer, you can enjoy this classic favorite in a healthier, faster way.

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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (per serving, 4 onion rings)

Calories: 130
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 2g

Enjoy every crispy bite of these healthier, air-fried onion rings!

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