You’ll never need another air fryer onion rings recipe after you try this crunchy take on them. They cook up hot, crispy, and golden every time!
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An Easy Onion Rings Recipe
These air fryer onion rings use an easy technique so the breadcrumbs actually stick to the onion.
The trick? Use a mixture of buttermilk and eggs before dipping the onions in the breadcrumbs so you get that nice thick breaded coating.
It results in the best tasting crunchy onion ring recipe you’ve ever tasted.
And, if you don’t have any buttermilk at home, I have a really easy way to make your own using regular milk and white vinegar. I use it in my air fryer ravioli recipe too and it works wonders!
If you’re a fan of cooking up some easy appetizers, try my air fryer blooming onion, air fryer nachos, air fryer wings, and mac and cheese bites to snack on.
Ingredients for This Homemade Onion Rings Recipe
- Vidalia onion — can use yellow onions instead
- Eggs
- Buttermilk — or milk and vinegar to create your own buttermilk
- All-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Panko breadcrumbs — can use italian breadcrumbs instead
How to Make Onion Rings in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Peel the onion and cut it into ½-inch thick slices. Separate the slices and place them on a plate, then set aside.
STEP TWO: In a wide, shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs with the buttermilk until well combined. In a second bowl, combine the flour, salt, and garlic powder. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
STEP THREE: Dip each onion ring first into the flour, then the buttermilk and egg mixture. Finally, dredge it through the bread crumbs, pressing to adhere. Set on a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining rings.
STEP FOUR: Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. Spray the rings with a cooking spray.
STEP FIVE: Transfer the rings into the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can nest the smaller ones inside the larger ones as long as there is still space between each ring. Work in batches if necessary.
STEP SIX: Air fry for 9-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
STEP SEVEN: Sprinkle with salt if desired, and serve.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Lay the rings in a single layer without crowding the basket. You can nest the smaller ones inside the larger ones, but only if there’s at least a little space between each ring. It’s better to work in batches if necessary.
- Press the panko breadcrumbs into the onion rings to get as much to stick as possible. This will give you the best, most satisfying coating.
- Slice all the onion rings to the same thickness so they’ll cook evenly. You want your slices to be about ½-inch thick.
- Use Vidalia onions for a mild and sweet flavor. You can also use yellow onions if preferred.
How Long to Cook Onion Rings in the Air Fryer
Air frying onion rings only take 9-12 minutes in a preheated air fryer. Start checking on the them around the 9-minute mark, then remove them once they are golden and crispy.
How to Store Leftover Air Fry Onion Rings
Store any leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas for Air Fried Onion Rings
- Pair them with other appetizers like air fryer bacon jalapenos, chicken tenders, air fryer french fries, or mozzarella sticks
- Add them as a side to your dinner to recipes like air fryer hot dogs, hamburgers, or chicken breasts
- Enjoy them on their own as a nice snack with ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or honey sriracha sauce
Onion Rings Air Fryer Recipe FAQs
Can I Freeze Leftover Onion Rings?
Yes! I recommend freezing on a baking sheet, then transferring the rings to a gallon bag or freezer-safe container for longer storage.
When you’re ready to enjoy, just follow the instructions for my Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings and they’ll be ready in minutes!
Can I Use a Wet Batter to Make These Onion Rings with No Breadcrumbs?
I do not recommend using a wet onion ring batter inside the air fryer.
I have tried several recipes and while some do have a nice taste to them, they are super messy to make and a lot of the batter falls off.
More Air Fryer Recipes To Try
- Air Fryer Blooming Onion
- Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer
- Tater Tots in the Air Fryer
- The Best Air Fryer Appetizers
- Air Fryer Onions
- Air Fryer Waffle Fries
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Easy Air Fryer Onion Rings
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet Vidalia onion, sliced into ½-inch rings
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup buttermilk
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Peel onion and cut it into ½-inch thick slices. Separate the slices and place them on a plate. Set aside.
- In a wide, shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs with the buttermilk until well combined. In a second bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the panko bread crumbs in a third bowl.
- Dip each onion ring into the flour, then the buttermilk mixture, and then dredge it through the bread crumbs, pressing to adhere. Set aside on a baking sheet and repeat with remaining rings. Spray the rings with an EVO Oil sprayer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 °F.
- Transfer the rings into the air fryer basket in a single layer, nesting the smaller ones inside the larger ones but leaving a little space between each ring. Don’t overcrowd the basket, and work in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 9-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle with salt if desired, and serve.
