Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings (Printable)

Golden, crunchy onion rings made effortlessly in the air fryer. Lighter classic snack ready in 27 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rings

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/4 cup whole milk

→ Coating

09 - 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
10 - Cooking spray or olive oil spray

# Steps:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Separate the onion slices into individual rings.
03 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
04 - In a second bowl, beat eggs with milk until well combined.
05 - Place panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
06 - Working in batches, dredge each onion ring in seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
07 - Dip floured rings into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
08 - Press rings firmly into panko breadcrumbs, ensuring complete coverage.
09 - Place coated onion rings in single layer in air fryer basket without overcrowding.
10 - Lightly spray onion rings with cooking spray.
11 - Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again if needed, until golden brown and crisp.
12 - Serve hot with preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • You get that irresistible crispiness without all the oil, making them feel like a little indulgence without the heavy aftermath.
  • They're surprisingly simple to whip up, turning a humble onion into a crowd-pleasing snack or a delightful side in under half an hour.
02 -
  • Overcrowding the air fryer basket is the absolute biggest mistake; they'll steam instead of crisp, which defeats the whole purpose.
  • Don't skip the cooking spray on the rings themselves; it's crucial for getting that rich golden-brown color and really crunchy texture.
03 -
  • For an even crispier bite and an extra layer of flavor, try mixing 2 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese into your panko breadcrumbs.
  • Always serve these immediately; that incredible crunch is at its peak right out of the air fryer and tends to soften if they sit for too long.

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