🧅 Homemade Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings

⭐ Servings: 3–4

⭐ Prep Time: 15 minutes

⭐ Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

⭐ Total Time: ~25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Onion Rings

• 2 large yellow or sweet onions

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika (optional but great for color/flavor)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk or regular milk

• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup regular breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)

• Cooking spray (oil spray)

Optional Seasonings (mix with the breadcrumbs):

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp cayenne (for heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions

1. Peel onions and slice into ½-inch thick rings.

2. Separate into individual rings and set aside.

2. Set Up Your Breading Station

Use three bowls:

Bowl 1 – Flour Mixture

• Flour

• Salt

• Pepper

• Paprika

Mix well.

Bowl 2 – Wet Mix

• Eggs

• Buttermilk (or milk)

Whisk until smooth.

Bowl 3 – Breadcrumb Mix

• Panko

• (Optional) Regular breadcrumbs

• Any extra seasonings (garlic, cayenne, etc.)

Stir together.

3. Bread the Onion Rings

1. Coat onion ring in flour, shaking off excess.

2. Dip into egg mixture, letting excess drip.

3. Press into breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.

4. Place on a tray or plate.

Tip: Double coat for extra crispiness — repeat step 2 and 3.

4. Air Fry

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.

3. Arrange onion rings in a single layer (do not stack).

4. Spray tops of rings lightly with oil.

5. Cook

• Air fry 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Cook until golden brown and crispy.

(You may need to air fry in batches.)

6. Serve

Serve immediately with:

• Ketchup

• Ranch

• Spicy mayo

• Garlic aioli

• Any dipping sauce you like

⭐ Tips for Super Crispy Onion Rings

• Use panko for extra crunch.

• Don’t skip the oil spray — it helps browning.

• Sweet onions (like Vidalia) give the best flavor.

• If you want them extra crunchy: chill the breaded rings for 10 minutes before air-frying.