I’ve crafted crispy, golden air fryer onion rings that capture all the crunchy delight of deep-fried treats—without the mess or excess oil. They’re an effortless snack or side dish perfect alongside burgers or simply enjoyed on their own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the air fryer simplifies this classic dish—no splattering grease and minimal cleanup. A quick spray of oil yields a perfect crunch every time, and the panko breadcrumbs, paired with cornstarch, ensure a light yet satisfying crispiness. Sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions provide just the right amount of sweetness and mild flavor, making these onion rings irresistible.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 medium sweet yellow onions
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 large eggs
¾ cup milk
4 cups panko breadcrumbs
Nonstick cooking spray
Optional: minced parsley for garnish

For the dip:

⅓ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoon ketchup

Directions

Slice and separate rings. I peel the onions, slice them into ¼-inch (or ½-inch if preferred) rings, and carefully separate them.
Prepare breading station. In one bowl, I mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, I whisk together eggs and milk. In the third bowl, I place the panko breadcrumbs.
Bread the onion rings. I dredge each onion ring first in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with panko, pressing lightly so the crumbs adhere.
Air fry. I preheat the air fryer to 350°F, spray the basket and the rings with oil, and place the rings in a single layer. I air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes, flip them, spray again, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining onion rings.
Prepare dip. I simply mix mayonnaise and ketchup in a small bowl.
Serve. I garnish the hot, crispy onion rings with minced parsley and serve immediately with the prepared dip. If needed, I keep batches warm in a 200°F oven.

Servings and timing

Yields: about 24 rings, serving 4 people
Prep time: Approximately 10 minutes
Cook time: Approximately 10 minutes (5 minutes each side per batch)
Total time: Around 30–40 minutes, depending on batch count

Variations

I sometimes add spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to the flour mix for extra flavor.
Gluten-free panko is a great alternative if needed.
Marinating onion rings in buttermilk beforehand adds tenderness and subtle tanginess.
For a quick option, I air fry pre-breaded frozen onion rings directly, adjusting the cooking time to about 8–10 minutes at 400°F.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
To reheat, I use the air fryer or oven at 350–400°F for 8–10 minutes until crispy.
For freezing, I lay them flat until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be reheated from frozen directly in the air fryer.

FAQs

What onions are best for onion rings?

I prefer sweet yellow or Vidalia onions for their mild sweetness, though white onions are also suitable. Red onions can be too sharp.

Can I make the rings ahead and freeze them?

Yes, I often slice, bread, and freeze them on a tray first, then store in freezer bags. They cook great straight from frozen.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

A good three-step dredging process—flour mix, egg wash, and then panko breadcrumbs pressed firmly—helps the breading adhere. Avoid overcrowding in the fryer and flip halfway through cooking.

Why marinate onion rings in buttermilk?

Buttermilk marinade softens the onion flavor and enhances batter adherence, adding tenderness and depth to the taste.

What's a good dipping sauce alternative?

Besides mayo-ketchup, I enjoy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dip—all complement the rings perfectly.

Conclusion

These air fryer onion rings offer delightful crunch and classic flavor without the fuss or guilt of traditional frying. They’re versatile, quick to prepare, and always impress whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side. Enjoy crispy perfection anytime with this simple, delicious recipe.

Air Fryer Onion Rings

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: 30–40 minutes
Yield: 24 onion rings (4 servings)
Category: Snack
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy, golden air fryer onion rings with crunchy panko breading, perfect for a quick snack or side.

Instructions

Peel onions, slice into ¼-inch rings, and separate gently.
Set up breading station: flour mix (flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper), egg wash (eggs, milk), panko.
Bread onion rings: flour, egg wash, then panko, pressing firmly.
Preheat air fryer to 350°F, spray basket and rings with oil, cook 5 mins, flip, spray again, cook another 5 mins. Repeat for remaining batches.
Mix mayonnaise and ketchup for dip.
Garnish rings with parsley, serve warm with dip, keeping warm in oven at 200°F if needed.