Air Fryer Onion Rings: Easy Homemade Recipe

Air fryer onion rings, a crispy breadcrumb coating with a sweet and melting onion filling – the perfect party starter.

This air fryer recipe will give you perfectly golden and crunchy onion rings without the need for deep frying. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Ingredients
• Step instructions + Tips
• Faq’s
• Full Recipe Card (printable)

Why You Will Definitely Love These Homemade Onion Rings

Easy recipe: It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare them and another 10 minutes to cook them in the air fryer. Easy and fast!

They are super crispy: Air fryer onion rings are crisp and crunchy on the outside, just like traditional onion rings but with less guilt!

Healthier than traditional onion rings: Air fryer onion rings are much healthier than traditional deep-fried onion rings because they are cooked with very little oil, plus they are vegan! 

Fun to make: Making homemade onion rings in the air fryer can be a fun activity to do with family or friends.

Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe Ingredients

These are the main ingredients you need for this onion rings recipe.

For the step-by-step directions and measurements, scroll down to our printable recipe card.

Onions: Sweet white onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla work great.

I recommend choosing a large onion.

White flour: I use all-purpose flour. If you want to make a gluten-free batter, you can use rice flour or almond flour. 

Sparkling water: The sparkling water will ensure your batter has flawless crispness.

I use cold sparkling water, but to make it tastier we can replace water with light beer or an ale.

Paprika: You can choose the spices you prefer.

Other spices you can use are garlic powder and onion powder or cayenne pepper to make it spicy.

Salt & Black Pepper: To taste. 

Parsley: I used fresh ones, to give a touch of freshness.

Olive oil or avocado oil: You can use an oil spray, but a kitchen brush is also fine.

The oil helps give your onion rings a perfect golden browning.

Regular breadcrumbs or panko bread crumbs: This will make the onion rings super crispy.

Trick to Not Cry When You Cut the Onion

One method my grandmother taught me to prevent crying when cutting onions is to chill the onion.

You can put it in the refrigerator a minimum of one hour beforehand, or 15 minutes in the freezer before cutting it.

How to Make Onion Rings In The Air Fryer

Step 1

Carefully peel the onions and cut widthwise slices about half an inch thick.

Then divide the rings of each slice, taking care not to break them.

Step 2

Prepare the batter with the flour, sparkling water, and spices in a shallow bowl.

In the second bowl put the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and parsley and mix well.

Step 3

Dip the onion rings first in the batter, using a fork or kitchen tongs, and then in the breadcrumb mixture. Be sure to cover the onion well with the breadcrumbs.

Step 4

Arrange the rings in a single layer on the air fryer basket.

Spray lightly with oil.

Cook in the air fryer for 10 minutes until golden brown, shaking halfway through cooking.

Tips for Making The Best Air Fryer Onion Rings

• The batter for the onion rings should not be too runny, but rather creamy and smooth.
• Preheat your air fryer before cooking.
• Put the smaller rings inside the big ones when you cook them.  That way you can cook more at a time.
• If you have to prepare a lot of them do them in small batches, don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Always check the cooking. I remind you that very often different brands of air fryers can cook differently.

How To Serve Homemade Air Fryer Onion Rings

Serve these delicious onion rings with your favorite dipping sauce – mayonnaise, pink sauce, or ranch dressing are great with these onion rings.

They also make a perfect side dish.

I love to serve them with these chicken cutlets or these smoked chicken thighs.

For the perfect game-day snack, serve them up along with these Buffalo Chicken Wings, garlic parmesan wings or meatball appetizers.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover onion rings to store, let the onion rings cool completely and store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

You can also freeze cooked onion rings for 2-3 months. Place rings in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze.

Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag.

To reheat refrigerated onion rings, use an air fryer or regular oven.

Air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway. Oven bake at 425°F for 6-8 minutes.

To reheat frozen onion rings, do not thaw first.

Air fry frozen rings at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway. Oven bake at 450°F for 10-12 minutes.

FAQ’s

Which Onions are Best for making Onion Rings?

I like to use sweet onions like the Vidalia onion, but if Walla Walla are available, those are the best!

You can also use yellow onions, white onions, or even red onions.

How thick to slice Onion Rings?

The onion should be about half an inch thick in slices to ensure even cooking.

Can You Freeze Onion Rings?

Yes.

I recommend freezing them cooked because onions tend to release water when raw.

After they have cooled thoroughly, please place them in a baking dish, being careful not to let them touch, leave them a few hours in the dish and then transfer them to a freezer bag.

You can store the onion rings for up to eight weeks. To reheat them, heat them from frozen in the air fryer for 8 minutes at 350° F.

Crunchy Onion Rings In Air fryer

CONNECT WITH THE BELLA VITA!

Be sure to follow me on social media, so you never miss a post!

Facebook  Group | Pinterest 

---

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes:

Air fryer Brussel Sprouts, the perfect side dish because they’re quick, easy, and delicious.

Air Fryer Corn On The Cob, the best and easiest way to prepare corn. It comes out perfectly cooked every time.

Breaded Mushrooms in the air fryer,  incredibly crunchy and satisfying.

Air fryer Potato Wedges Recipe, incredibly versatile and can be seasoned with whatever spices you like.