Ingredients
Scale
For the Onion Rings:
- 2-3 large yellow or sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 to 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
- Cooking spray or oil for misting
For Serving:
- Ranch dressing, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Onions: Peel onions and slice into ½-inch thick rounds. Separate the rounds into individual rings. Select the larger rings for this recipe (save small centers for cooking another time). Pat rings dry with paper towels—removing excess moisture helps breading stick.
- Set Up Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls or pie plates in a row. First bowl: flour. Second bowl: beaten eggs. Third bowl: panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Bread Onion Rings: Working with one ring at a time, coat in flour (shake off excess), then dip in beaten egg (let excess drip off), then press into seasoned breadcrumbs, coating both sides thoroughly. Press breadcrumbs firmly so they adhere well. Place breaded rings on a wire rack or plate. Repeat with all rings.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.
- Spray Rings: Lightly spray or brush breaded onion rings with cooking spray or oil. This helps them brown and crisp beautifully.
- Air Fry in Batches: Place rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t stack or overcrowd. You’ll likely need to cook in 2-3 batches. Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, then flip carefully with tongs and spray the second side lightly with oil. Continue cooking for 4-6 more minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Keep Warm: Transfer finished onion rings to a wire rack or serving plate. Keep warm in a 200°F oven while cooking remaining batches if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces—ranch dressing, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or chipotle mayo all work beautifully.
Notes
- Pat onions very dry—moisture prevents breading from sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—rings need space for air circulation.
- Cooking time varies by air fryer model—watch carefully and adjust as needed.
- Flip halfway through for even browning on both sides.
- Serve immediately for crispiest texture—they soften as they sit.
- For extra crispy rings, freeze breaded rings for 15 minutes before air frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4-5 onion rings
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 285mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg