Name: Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium yellow onions, sliced ½ inch thick and separated into rings; ¾ cup all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; ⅔ cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 2 cups panko bread crumbs; Vegetable oil, for brushing and spritzing

Jump to Recipe·4 from 89 reviews

If you’ve ever craved that perfect snack or side with just the right amount of crunch, flavor, and golden goodness, this Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe is your new best friend. These onion rings deliver an irresistible crispy coating, seasoned to perfection and cooked effortlessly in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re serving them up for game day, a quick snack, or alongside your favorite burger, this recipe guarantees a satisfying crunch every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black air fryer basket filled with seven onion rings. Each onion ring is coated in a crispy, light golden breading with a textured surface that looks crunchy. The rings are arranged to fit closely but not stacked, with some overlapping edges visible. The inside of the basket has a black mesh base and sides that curve upward, containing the rings. A woman's hand is holding the basket by a black handle with a touch of brown on the side. The background and surface are a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple kitchen staples that come together beautifully to achieve the perfect texture and taste in your onion rings. Each component plays a vital role, from flavoring to crunch, making this Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe truly special.

2 medium yellow onions, sliced ½ inch thick and separated into rings: The foundation of your dish, choose firm onions for thick, hearty rings.
¾ cup all-purpose flour: Provides a light, crispy coating base and helps the seasoning stick.
2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning: Adds nostalgic, savory depth with a touch of spice and complexity.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the onions and coating.
½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper: Gives a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the onions.
⅔ cup buttermilk: Keeps the batter moist and tender, while adding richness.
1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent so the breading sticks perfectly to each ring.
2 cups panko bread crumbs: The secret to extra crunch, these flaky crumbs crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Vegetable oil: For brushing, helping to achieve that irresistible golden finish without deep-frying.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Breading Stations

Set up three bowls to streamline the breading process. In the first, mix the flour, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. In the second, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth. In the third bowl, pour the panko bread crumbs ready to coat your rings. This careful setup ensures every onion ring has that perfectly layered, crispy crust.

Step 2: Coat the Onion Rings

Begin by dipping each onion ring in the buttermilk and egg mixture, then dredge it in the seasoned flour blend. Dip it back into the wet mixture for a double coating, then give it a generous roll in the panko crumbs. This double-dip technique guarantees your onion rings have that unbeatable crunch and flavor when cooked.

Step 3: Prepare Your Air Fryer Basket

Instead of aerosol sprays, which can harm your air fryer, use a brush or spritzer to coat the basket with vegetable oil. This step prevents sticking and helps your onion rings get the perfect golden crust. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees so it’s ready to crisp those coatings into crispy perfection.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Lay the coated onion rings in a single layer inside the basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded for even cooking. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes, checking frequently as air fryer models vary. You’ll know they’re ready when they look golden, crunchy, and impossible to resist.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

A white plate is full of crispy, golden brown onion rings stacked on top of each other showing their rough, crunchy texture. On the right side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with a smooth, light orange dipping sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of your crispy rings. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also add a little extra smoky depth right before serving.

Side Dishes

Crispy onion rings go hand-in-hand with classic American favorites like burgers, grilled sandwiches, or BBQ chicken. They also shine alongside dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or cool ranch dressing, amplifying every bite with layers of flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive twist, stack the rings in a decorative tower or serve them nestled inside a hollowed burger bun as a crunchy surprise. You can also add a drizzle of cheese sauce or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an indulgent treat that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover onion rings in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep their crunch, avoid stacking them too tightly—layering with paper towels helps absorb any moisture.

Freezing

Freeze your prepared onion rings before cooking by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easy to enjoy your Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe anytime with minimal prep.

Reheating

Reheat leftover onion rings in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes. This method restores their crispy texture far better than the microwave, bringing them back to their freshly made glory.

FAQs

Can I use sweet onions instead of yellow onions?

Absolutely! Sweet onions will add a more mellow, sugary flavor, making your Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe slightly sweeter but just as delicious.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds acidity and tenderness, helping the coating stick better, but if you don’t have any, you can use regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice for a similar effect.

Can I make these onion rings gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives specifically made for breading. This way, you can enjoy the same crunch without gluten concerns.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can still make this recipe in a conventional oven at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Though the texture won’t be exactly the same, you’ll still get a tasty, crispy result.

How do I prevent the onion rings from getting soggy?

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket so air can circulate freely. Also, brush the rings lightly with vegetable oil for crispiness and avoid heavy sauces until serving time.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone who loves that satisfying crunch without the extra oil and mess of traditional frying. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, you have a snack that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to whip up. Give it a try — once you take that first crispy bite, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!