Easily craft this crunchy diner classic to dip in your favorite sauces.
My mom and I used to go on lunch dates all the time, especially when we were working together. While my go-to side dish was French fries, she often opted for onion rings, especially if they were homemade instead of frozen. Today, she has her own air fryer, which means this recipe is perfect for her!
Air-fryer onion rings are surprisingly simple to make. While the prep of breading them can be a little messy, the overall mess is still minimized. Why? Because instead of frying these loops of onion in oil, the air fryer simply fries them with hot air. That means less mess and less stress, without sacrificing any flavor.
This crispy finger food still tastes just as delicious as the OG onion rings you’d order in a restaurant. The secret is in the seasonings, a mouthwatering blend of garlic, onion, and salt. Then there’s the dips, which could be a classic sauce made of ketchup and mayo, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce. It all depends on your preferences, so feel free to play with the possibilities until you find your perfect pairing.
How do I make them extra crispy?
First, soak the onion slices in ice water overnight before breading them. After that, thoroughly pat them dry with a paper towel and then continue by coating them with the breading. While this step is totally optional, it can be a real hit for anyone who prefers a little more crunch with each bite.
How do I store leftovers?
Once they reach room temperature, store your leftover onion rings in an airtight container and refrigerate them for 3-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-10 minutes, until they’re crisp again. For longer storage, flash-freeze them for 1 hour on a baking tray, then put them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for 2-3 months. Then reheat them in the same way, but for slightly longer, about 10-15 minutes.
Similar recipes to try
Luckily, the air fryer isn’t the only way to craft a crispy and satisfying plate of onion rings. You can also make Baked Onion Rings in the oven or opt for the low-carb Keto Onion Rings instead. On the other hand, if you’d like to get a little fancy with your onion, then try your hand at the culinary icon, Blooming Onion—just as crispy on the outside, but with an even richer flavor.
Air-Fryer Onion Rings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt more to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large sweet onion sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
- Cooking oil spray non-aerosol
- Preferred sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- In another shallow dish, lightly beat the eggs.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
- Dry the onion rings with a paper towel. Dip each ring first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs so the coating sticks well.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Place the onion rings in a single layer and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through if needed, until golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully remove the onion rings with a spatula and serve warm, either on their own or with your favorite healthy dipping sauce.
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