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air fryer onion rings recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

When I first tried making an air fryer onion rings recipe, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I grew up eating the greasy, deep-fried kind from diners and fast-food spots, and I always assumed there was no way to recreate that crispy goodness at home—especially in an air fryer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1¼ cups panko breadcrumbs – these give you that light crunchy coating that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder – boosts savory flavor without overpowering
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder – enhances onion taste in the crust
  • Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt – helps all the flavors pop; adjust based on your preference
  • ½ cup all‑purpose flour – helps the egg stick to the onions
  • 2 large eggs – act as a binding agent so the panko adheres properly
  • 1 large yellow onion sliced into ½‑inch rings – yellow onions hold their shape and give a balanced, sweet-savory flavor
  • Extra‑virgin olive oil for drizzling – a light spray crisps the coating and promotes browning
  • Tartar sauce optional, for dipping – a classic tangy accompaniment, but feel free to switch it up

Method
 

  1. Start by slicing your yellow onion into ½‑inch rings, then separate them gently to avoid breakage. I whisk together the panko, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a bowl—this seasoned crust is key for flavor. In separate bowls, I set up the flour and beaten eggs. Then it’s a dip-flour, dip‑egg, coat‑with‑panko routine, pressing the breadcrumbs gently so they stick well. Letting them rest while you prep the batch helps the coating adhere better.
  2. Once all rings are coated and resting on a tray, I let them chill briefly—about 10–15 minutes—in the freezer or fridge. This short chill firm-ups the coating, so it doesn't flake off when you place them in the air fryer basket. I learned this trick after a few rings fell apart mid-cook—it makes a huge difference in keeping them intact and evenly crisp.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Arrange the onion rings in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap—this allows the hot air to circulate evenly. Then, lightly drizzle or spray them with olive oil; this small bit of oil is what gives them that golden, restaurant‑style finish without making them greasy. I air fry for about 8–11 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides crisp up equally .
  4. Once they’re golden and crisp, transfer them straight to your serving plate and enjoy them while they’re hot. If you're cooking multiple batches and want everything warm, toss them all back in the air fryer for a quick 1–2 minutes just to reheat . Serve with tartar sauce, or get creative with spicy mayo, ranch, or BBQ dip.