Homemade Onion Rings in the Air Fryer Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Onion Rings in the Air Fryer are a crispy, golden, and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried onion rings. The air fryer gives them the perfect crunch without all the oil, making them a delicious yet lighter snack or side dish. With a savory coating and the natural sweetness of the onions, these homemade onion rings are full of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving them with burgers, enjoying them as a snack, or adding them to your favorite dipping sauce, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for satisfying your craving for crispy onion rings.

Ingredients

• 2 large onions (yellow or sweet onions work best)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added flavor)
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the onions: Peel the onions and slice them into ½-inch thick rings. Carefully separate the rings from each other and set them aside.
2. Prepare the breading station: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In a third shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using).
3. Bread the onion rings: Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, making sure it is coated evenly. Next, dip the ring into the egg wash, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the onion ring with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Air fry the onion rings: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded onion rings in a single layer in the basket. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
6. Cook: Air fry the onion rings at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve: Once done, remove the onion rings from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves about 4 people.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 8-10 minutes per batch
• Total time: 20-25 minutes (depending on batch size)

Variations

1. Spicy Onion Rings: Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Cheesy Onion Rings: Mix some shredded cheddar cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy crust.
3. Gluten-Free Onion Rings: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make these onion rings gluten-free.
4. Sweet Onion Rings: Use sweet onions, such as Vidalia onions, for a sweeter, milder flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the onion rings back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, or until they’re crispy again. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen onion rings in the air fryer?

Yes! You can use frozen onion rings in the air fryer. Simply follow the package instructions for temperature and cook time, but reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes for a crispier result.

Can I use a different coating for the onion rings?

Yes, you can use a batter instead of breadcrumbs for a different texture. A simple batter made from flour, cornstarch, and water can give you a thicker, crunchier coating.

Do I need to soak the onions before cooking them?

Soaking the onion rings in water for 10-15 minutes before breading can help reduce the sharpness of the onions and create a sweeter taste. However, it’s not necessary. If you do soak them, be sure to pat them dry before breading.

How can I make the onion rings even crispier?

For extra crunch, you can double coat the onion rings. After dipping in the egg wash, dip them back into the flour and then the egg wash again before coating them in breadcrumbs.

Can I make these onion rings without using egg?

Yes, you can replace the egg with a milk or non-dairy milk alternative for a vegan version. Use a plant-based egg replacement or just dip the onion rings in the milk and then breadcrumbs.

Can I make these onion rings in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake these onion rings at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

What dipping sauces go well with onion rings?

Onion rings pair well with various dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy aioli or Sriracha mayo for a kick.

Can I freeze leftover onion rings?

Yes, you can freeze leftover onion rings. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. To reheat, cook them in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.

How do I keep the onion rings crispy after air frying?

To keep the onion rings crispy, serve them immediately after air frying. If you need to hold them for a bit, place them on a wire rack in a warm oven to prevent them from getting soggy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and cook the onion rings in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can prevent them from becoming crispy.

Conclusion

Homemade Onion Rings in the Air Fryer are a perfect way to enjoy a crispy, crunchy snack without the need for deep frying. The air fryer provides a healthier, faster way to get that golden crispiness, while still maintaining the rich flavor of the onions. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, these onion rings are ideal for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a fun side dish. Plus, you can customize them to your liking with spices or extra ingredients like cheese. Whether you’re serving them with a burger or enjoying them on their own, these air fryer onion rings are sure to be a hit!

Homemade Onion Rings in the Air Fryer Recipe

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Crispy, golden homemade onion rings made in the air fryer for a healthier and lighter alternative to deep frying. Perfect as a snack or side dish, these onion rings are easy to make and full of flavor.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 2 large onions (yellow or sweet onions work best)
2. 1 cup all-purpose flour
3. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
4. 1 teaspoon paprika
5. ½ teaspoon salt
6. ½ teaspoon pepper
7. 1 large egg
8. 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
9. 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added flavor)
10. Cooking spray or olive oil spray

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Instructions

Peel and slice the onions into ½-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and set aside.

1. Prepare the breading station: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the egg. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using).
2. Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the basket (working in batches if necessary).
5. Air fry the onion rings for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

1. For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs or double coat the onion rings.
2. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture.
3. Make the onion rings gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
4. For a sweeter flavor, use sweet onions like Vidalia onions.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg