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Homemade Air Fryer Onion Rings are an easy-to-make appetizer or snack that is crunchy on the outside and perfectly caramelized onion on the inside. Dipped in buttermilk and rolled in Panko, I love how they turn out crispy and golden.
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My kids adore these air-fried onion rings for a perfect crispy snack! The beauty of cooking with an air fryer is that it allows you to achieve the texture and taste of traditionally deep-fried foods without the added oil and grease.
When it comes to onion rings, I love that we can enjoy a lighter, more guilt-free version of this classic snack. The air fryer cooks the onions to perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with each bite. I love how they are easy to bite off. No more pulling the soggy onion.
We love to experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces. It adds to the fun and flavor. We love dipping them in Homemade Chipotle Mayo or my kid's favorite - Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce.
How to Make Crispy Onion Rings in the Air Fryer
Choose the Onions. Choosing the right onions is key to making perfect onion rings. You want to select onions that are large and sweet, with a firm texture that won’t fall apart when sliced. The best type of onion to use for onion rings is a sweet onion, such as Vidalia, Maui, or Walla Walla. These onions have a mild, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating.
Prep the Onions. Cut off the top and bottom of the onion, peel off the outer layer, and slice the onion into rings, about ¼ inch to ½ inch thick. Thicker slices may take longer to cook and may not get as crisp as you'd like. Once sliced, separate the rings and set them aside.
Create the Coating. The crispy breaded coating is what makes these onion rings so irresistible. In a shallow dish, mix together ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. In another shallow dish, beat 2 eggs and add buttermilk. Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mix, and then finally in the Panko mixture, making sure to coat the onion rings evenly.
Please find the printable recipe with exact ingredients, measurements and nutrition facts at the bottom of this post.
Air-fry. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the rings in a single layer, making sure not to overlap them. Lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray to help them get crispy. Air fry the onion rings for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Once your air fryer onion rings are done, it’s time to dig in! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, ketchup, and honey mustard, or try this Homemade Chipotle dip.
For a classic combo, serve onion rings with homemade Air Fryer Cheeseburger and Crispy Air-fried French Fries.
Tips for Making the Best Onion Rings
Start with fresh, well-sliced onions (¼ to ½ inch thick). Thick slices may take longer to cook and may not get as crispy as thin ones.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the onions and then lightly spray the breaded onions. This helps the onion rings cook evenly and prevent sticking.
Cook the onion rings at a high temperature to achieve maximum crispiness. 380-400 degrees F is usually ideal. (200° C)
For extra flavor, soak the onion slices in buttermilk before breading them. This will help the breading adhere better and give the onion rings a nice flavor.
Why Soak Onions Rings in Buttermilk?
It helps to tenderize the onion and give it a mild tangy flavor. Buttermilk contains lactic acid that helps to break down the tough onion fibers, resulting in a more tender bite.
The acidity of the buttermilk helps to neutralize the harsh sulfuric compounds that can cause tear-inducing odors when onions are cut. So, next time you are making onion rings, try soaking them in buttermilk (before air frying) for a delicious and tender twist on this classic snack.
What Onions are Best for Making Onion Rings?
When it comes to making onion rings, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll want to use a sweet onion like a Vidalia or a Walla Walla. These onions have a high sugar content, which will help the onions to caramelize and get nice and crispy.
My personal favorite is Vidalia onions. They are large in size and you can make "giant" onion rings from them.
Low-carb Variation
For anyone on a keto diet, the thought of onion rings might seem like a distant memory. But fear not! You can enjoy this classic appetizer without blowing your carb count for the day. Here's how to make air fryer onion rings that are keto-friendly:
First, cut your onions into thin rings. If you're using a pre-made air fryer onion ring mix, you can skip this step.
Next, whisk together some eggs and coconut flour. Dip each onion ring into the mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
Next, substitute breadcrumbs for a mixture of almond flour and pork panko
Low carb recipeWholesomeyum.
More Onion Recipes You'll Love
Do you love cooking with onions? Me too! May I recommend some of my favorite onion recipes:
Air Fryer Onion Melt
Air Fryer Onions and Mushrooms
Lipton Onion Potatoes
Sauteed Onions in the Air fryer
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Homemade Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings
DailyYum.com
These Air fryer onion rings are crispy, delicious, and very easy to make. A healthy alternative to deep-fried onion rings. I feel that these air fryer onion rings are crisper and tastier than any fast food restaurant, in my opinion.
4.17 from 36 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 9 pieces
Calories 43 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 large onion Vidalia or Sweet yellow onion
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Egg beaten
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs. I used a mix of ½ Seasoned breadcrumbs and ½ Panko. Both work well. If used unseasoned breadcrumbs, add salt and pepper to taste.
- Spray oil
Instructions
Cut off the top and bottom of the onion, peel off the outer layer, and slice the onion into rings, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Once sliced, separate the rings and set them aside.
In a first medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper and paprika.
In a second medium bowl, beat the egg, add buttermilk and salt to taste.
In a third medium bowl pour breadcrumbs.
Working one onion ring at a time, coat each one in egg mixture, then flour mix, then back to egg mixture and then finally in breadcrumbs.
Arrange the breaded onion rings in the air fryer basket/sheet.tray and give them some space so they do not touch each other. Depending on the size and shape of your air fryer, fry onion rings in batches. My
basket comfortably fits 9 large onion rings at a time. (see picture above)
Air fry mode in the preheated air fryer at 400F/200C and fry for 10 minutes, flipping each onion rings on the other side halfway through cooking.
Enjoy while they are freshly crisp. Dip in your favorite sauce/ketchup. I used two dips: ketchup and homemade chipotle mayo. Delicious!
Notes
Tips
Start with fresh, well-sliced onions (¼ to ½ inch thick). Thick slices may take longer to cook and may not get as crispy as thin ones.
For extra flavor, soak the onion slices in buttermilk before breading them. This will help the breading adhere better and give the onion rings a nice flavor.
Be sure to use a light hand when breading the onions. Too much breading will make the air fryer onion rings heavy and greasy.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the onions and then lightly spray the breaded onions. This helps the onion rings cook evenly and prevent sticking.
Cook the onion rings at a high temperature to achieve maximum crispiness. 400 degrees F is usually ideal. (200° C)
And finally, don't be afraid to experiment! Add your favorite seasonings to the breading, or try dipping the cooked onion rings in BBQ sauce, ketchup, or ranch dressing.
Leftovers
Store leftovers (if any) in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat for two minute until crispy again.
Nutrition
Serving: 1pieceCalories: 43kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 69mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 158IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.
Keyword air fryer onion rings, air fryer onions
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