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The Secret to Crispy Onion Rings Without a Deep Fryer

5 days ago 34

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These homemade Air Fryer Onion Rings are perfectly crispy on the outside while being tender and sweet on the inside. Made in the air fryer with less oil and less mess, they are a great side dish for my easy smash burgers or hot honey chicken sandwich.

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Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Air Fryer Onion Rings

Flavor: Sweet, tender onions in a crispy, golden panko coating seasoned with a kick of spice.
Why It Works: A quick double-coating locks in the panko mixture, ensuring an extra-crunchy, golden finish that actually sticks.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with a classic hamburger, chili cheese dogs, or serve as an appetizer with homemade onion ring sauce, ranch dip, spicy dill dip, or ketchup.

Total Time: 37 minutes Servings: 4 Cooking Method: Air Fryer

Ingredient Notes

flour , eggs , buttermilk , panic , cornmeal , sweet onion , seasoned salt and cayenne pepper with labels to make Air Fryer Onion Rings

Sweet Onion: Sweet onions become tender and lightly caramelized as they cook, giving this dish its signature mild, sweet flavor. Yellow onions can be used, but they’ll have a slightly sharper, more pungent taste.
Seasoned Salt: Seasoned salt adds savory flavor throughout the coating. Use your favorite store-bought blend or my homemade seasoned salt for the best flavor.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko creates a lighter, crunchier coating than regular breadcrumbs. Store-bought works perfectly, or make homemade panko bread crumbs.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tangy flavor and helps the coating adhere while creating a tender, crisp texture. Forgot to grab some? Make my easy buttermilk substitute.

How to Make Air Fryer Onion Rings

Place in a single layer in the air fryer and cook until crisp on the outside.

Press the Panko: Press the breading firmly onto each ring for a thicker, crunchier coating.
Let Them Rest: Let the breaded onion rings rest for 5 to 10 minutes before air frying so the coating sticks better.
Use Oil: Spray the onion rings lightly before cooking to help them brown evenly.
Cook in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches to allow proper airflow for maximum crispness.

top view of Air Fryer Onion Rings with dip and ketchup on the side

Save Every Last Ring

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze breaded, uncooked onion rings on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding several extra minutes.
Cooked rings will lose their crispness when frozen. Reheat in a 350°F Air Fryer for 3 to 5 minutes or bake at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes to recrisp.

Crispy, Breaded Air Fryer Favorites

Did you enjoy this Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 27 minutes

Total Time 37 minutes

▢ 1 large sweet onion
▢ ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
▢ 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
▢ ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
▢ 2 eggs
▢ ⅔ cup buttermilk
▢ 2 cup Panko bread crumbs
▢ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
▢ 2 tablespoons cornmeal optional

Peel onion and cut into ½ " thick slices. Separate slices.
Combine flour, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Whisk egg and buttermilk in a second bowl. Toss breadcrumbs, oil, and cornmeal in a third bowl.
Dip each onion into egg mixture and then into the flour mixture. Dip it back into the egg mixture and finally into the bread crumb mixture pressing to adhere.
Once all rings are coated, spray each with cooking spray. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
Place onion rings in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 12-15 minutes or until crisp on the outside.
Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with seasoning salt.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze breaded and uncooked onion rings for up to 3 months. Cooked rings will also keep for 3 months in the freezer, but they will loose their crispness.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

Air Fryer Onion Rings in the fryer and plated with a title

close up of crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. She is also the author of the best selling cookbook “Everyday Comfort,” which delivers hearty, home-cooked meals designed for real life.
See more posts by Holly