Air Fryer Onion Rings (2024)

When was the last time you had onion rings? If it was more than 5 minutes ago, a batch of crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings is in order! Thanks to a double dredge technique (and the magic of the air fryer), these onion rings are crunchy outside, nicely coated, and never soggy.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

• The Onion Rings are Actually Crispy. When it comes to onion rings (and Air Fryer French Fries), I don’t accept anything but crispy, crunchy perfection! While this recipe takes a little longer to prep than Air Fryer Potato Chips, these golden air-fried onion rings are worth it.
• It’s Better for You. These healthy onion rings are my lightened-up version of the beloved deep-fried treat. With their powerful convection cooking power, air fryers (this is the one I own) create knockout copycats of foods that are usually fried, like Air Fryer Pickles, Air Fryer Chicken Wings, and Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks.
• It Makes Any Meal More Fun! Whether you’re serving Grilled Chicken Tenders or Turkey Burgers, adding a side of these homemade air fryer onion rings instantly makes the meal feel exceptional. They’re crispy, tasty, and feel wonderfully homey and nostalgic. They’ll be a hit with kids and adults alike!

How to Make Air Fryer Onion Rings

The Ingredients

For the Onion Rings

• Onions. Their natural sweetness comes out once air fried.
• All-Purpose Flour. Starting with flour helps give the eggs something to stick to so they adhere.
• Panko. Ultra crispy and less likely to end up soggy with oil, panko is my go-to for a perfect, crispy breading.
• Eggs. Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the onions.
• Spices. Garlic powder and salt are two can’t-miss additions to these onion rings. While optional, we also love adding a pinch of chili powder and cayenne pepper to ours. It gives the onion rings a hint of smokiness and spice.

For Dipping

• Your favorite BBQ sauce, or try my homemade Barbecue Sauce
• Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
• Vegan Queso
• Buffalo sauce
• Honey Mustard Sauce from my Chicken Tenders recipe

The Directions

1. Prepare Your Dredging Station. Flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in a line.

2. Dredge. Coat the onion rings in the flour, then eggs, then panko breadcrumbs.

3. Get Ready to Air Fry. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Add Onion Rings to an Air Fryer. Mist the tops with nonstick spray.

5. Air Fry. Air fry onion rings at 360 degrees F for 7 to 9 minutes. Remove them to a plate, adding a pinch of salt. Repeat with the remaining onion rings. ENJOY!

Storage Tips

• To Store. Refrigerate onion rings in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat. Recrisp leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F.
• To Freeze. Lay leftovers in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen air fryer onion rings to an airtight, freezer-safe storage container or ziptop bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Onion Rings

• Burger. These onion rings would be delicious with a Blue Cheese Burger, Vegan Burger, or Air Fryer Hamburgers.
• Chicken. Please everyone at your table by serving onion rings with Baked BBQ Chicken, Honey Garlic Chicken Wings, or my homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe.
• Sandwich. A Chickpea Salad Sandwich, Steak Sandwich, or Spicy Chicken Sandwich would be excellent.
• Salad. Serve these onion rings as a fun side dish with Greek Salad, BBQ Chicken Salad, or Steak Salad.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

• Air Fryer. The one I own and love.
• Mixing Bowls. This set would be perfect for helping you batter the onion rings.
• Tongs. Great for transferring the onion rings to and from the air fryer.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• One Layer at a Time. When air frying the onion rings, stick to single layers. Stacking and crowding them won’t produce the same crispy results.
• Don’t Forget the Dip. These onion rings are certainly scrumptious on their own, but pairing them with a dip makes them extra fun! Choose your favorite or see some of my suggestions in the blog post above.
• Double Dredge. My secret to ensuring these are the crispiest onion rings is the double dredge. The base layer of flour helps the eggs stick to the onion, which creates an extra layer of crispiness under the panko.