Air Fryer Onion Rings (Print-Friendly Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Spray olive oil (skip the kind in cans with propellants)
02 -
2 cups panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
03 -
Half-cup buttermilk, or swap in milk with a dash of vinegar
04 -
2 big eggs
05 -
Salt and cracked pepper, use as much as you like
06 -
2 teaspoons paprika
07 -
2 teaspoons garlic powder
08 -
1 cup plain flour
09 -
2 large sweet onions (think Vidalia or yellow)
→ Optional Seasoning for Breadcrumbs
10 -
1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
11 -
2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
12 -
1 teaspoon cayenne for heat
→ Dipping Sauce Suggestions
13 -
Honey mustard
14 -
Garlic aioli
15 -
Sriracha mayo
16 -
Ranch
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Pop the basket in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes at 375°F. Flip the onion rings over about halfway. Take ‘em out once they’re deep golden and crunchy. If your rings are thick, tack on another minute or two. Spread them apart for the best crunch.
02 -
Give the air fryer basket a quick spray with oil. Set your onion rings down one by one so there’s some breathing room. Spritz the tops too. You might need to fry in a couple rounds.
03 -
Kick on your air fryer at 375°F and let it run for a few minutes. This helps everything come out crisp and evenly browned.
04 -
Start by dusting each onion circle in the flour mix and shake off what won’t stick. Dip into the egg-buttermilk bath until it’s nicely coated. Then cover with the breadcrumb blend, pushing them in to stick on thick. If you want crazy crunch, dip in egg and breadcrumbs again for a double coat.
05 -
Put out three shallow bowls. One’s for flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper all mixed up. Next comes the bowl with eggs and buttermilk whisked together. Last, your panko and whatever extra flavor you feel like mixing in.
06 -
Peel the onions, chop them into thick half-inch rings, and gently pull the layers apart. Use the tiny inside pieces for something else.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
A double dip gets you the crispiest onion ring shell anywhere.
02 -
Jamming too many onions in at once will make them soggy and give you uneven color.