One of my favorite side dishes to order with burgers, fried chicken, etc. is onion rings. Although I typically use this deep-fried onion rings recipe, lately to be a little healthier I have been making this yummy crispy air fryer onion rings recipe.
Learn how to make them by following the simple steps below. Let’s get started!
Ingredients and Equipment
To make these homemade air fryer onion rings you need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- Eggs – The eggs will act as the binder for the breadcrumbs and onions.
- Milk or Water
- Flour – Just use normal all purpose flour which is also known as plain flour.
- Cornstarch – This will help get them extra crispy.
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Breadcrumbs – I prefer panko breadcrumbs but Italian breadcrumbs will work too.
- Onion – I usually use a sweet onion variety like Vidalia onions.
Tools/Equipment:
- Air Fryer (Affiliate link. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn on qualifying purchases.)
- Bowls
- Fork
- Sheet pan or cookie sheet
- Tongs
How to make onion rings in the air fryer
Begin by making the egg wash. Whisk 3 eggs in a small bowl along with the milk or you can use water. The milk or water will help thin out the eggwash just a little bit and make it easier to work with.
Now, add all the dry ingredients to a medium bowl and mix until well combined. Other things you may want to add are paprika and chili powder or crushed red pepper.
Peel and slice the onion into rings. Separate the onion slices from the other. You should be able to get 10 to 13 onion rings without doubling the amount of ingredients.
Dredging the homemade onion rings
Add an onion ring to the dry mixture then into the egg wash. Let the excess egg wash drip off, then go back into the flour mixture then back into the egg mixture. Again let the excess drain off then finally, add the coated onion ring to the bowl of panko bread crumbs and cover it well.
Place the prepared onion rings on a sheet pan, baking sheet, or cookie sheet.
They are ready to go. At this point, you can air fryer them or deep fry them.
I like to spray the onion rings with a bit of olive oil for flavor and extra crispiness, but it isn’t necessary. Put olive oil in a spray bottle and use that or use cooking spray.
Cooking onion rings in the air fryer
If your air fryer has a preheat function, preheat the air fryer at 350F/176C. Then add the onion rings in a single layer to the air fryer basket.
Use the air fryer mode and set the time for 13 minutes. Cook for 7 minutes then pull out the basket and gently flip the rings over with tongs.
Give them a spray with olive oil on this side and then cook for the remaining 6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
If you like sprinkle some salt on them while they are still warm.
No serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. I love dipping mine in ketchup, so good! Enjoy!
How long do air fryer onion rings last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Then just reheat them at the same temperature 350F/176C for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. They of course do taste the best when eaten fresh right after they are made.
What are the best onions to use for onion rings?
I always use sweet onions like Vidalia onions, Walla Wallas, or Maui onions, but you can use whatever onions you want. Sweet onions, yellow onions, and white onions tend to be the best choices.
Can I do these in a deep fryer instead?
Yes, you can deep fry them if desired. Heat your oil to 350F/176C and deep fry until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd them in the pot of oil. They take 1 to 2 minutes to cook.
Here are some other air fryer recipes you may like:
Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Bowls
- Fork
- Sheet pan or cookie sheet
- Tongs
- Spray Bottle with Oil I use olive oil (optional)
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp of milk 13g
- 1/2 cup of flour 60g
- 1/2 cup of cornstarch 60g
- 1/2 tsp of salt 3g
- 1 tsp of garlic powder 5g
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper 3g
- 1 to 2 cups of panko or Italian breadcrumbs 60 to 120g
- 1 medium to large sweet onion
Instructions
- Whisk 3 eggs in a small bowl along with 1 tbsp of milk or water.
- Add all the dry ingredients to a bowl and mix until well combined.
- Peel and slice the onion into rings. Separate each ring from the other.
- Add a ring to the dry mixture then into the egg wash. Let the excess egg wash drip off, then go back into the dry mixture then back into the egg wash. Finally, add it to the bowl of breadcrumbs and coat it well.
- Place the prepared onion rings on a sheet pan or cookie sheet.
- I like to spray the onion rings with a bit of olive oil for flavor and extra crispiness, but it isn't necessary.
- Preheat the air fryer at 350F/176C. If you don't have a preheat function don't worry about it.
- Add the onion rings in a single layer to the air fryer basket.
- Use the air fryer mode and set the time for 13 minutes. Cook for 7 minutes then pull out the basket and gently flip the rings over with tongs. Give them a spray with olive oil on this side and then cook for the remaining 6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- If you like sprinkle some salt on them while they are still warm.
- Eat them however you want. I love dipping mine in ketchup.Enjoy!
Notes
Do you like this easy recipe? Please give it a rating and comment down below, I really appreciate it. Save the Pin to Pinterest! If you make it tag me on Instagram @inthekitchenwithmatt. Also, sign up for the newsletter so you won’t miss out on any of my new posts and recipes.
I made this tonight for a snack an OMG was so good next I’m going to try onion rings ty I hope I can find more of ur recipes
Glad you made it and liked it! Find all of my recipes here on my website. https://www.inthekitchenwithmatt.com/
These were so yummy and crispiness was out of this world. Can’t wait to make these again!
Glad you liked this onion ring recipe!
I use my air fryer for absolutely everything, and this is no different! I love that thing and rings, come out and they’re so crispy and not greasy!
Awesome! I love my air fryer too! Especially for onion rings.