Air fryer onion rings are an absolute delight, loved not only by kids but also by anyone who craves a crispy and flavorful snack. With a simple blend of breadcrumbs, flours, paprika, buttermilk, and onions, this recipe transforms into an amazing and irresistible treat that is sure to please.

What makes air fryer onion rings even more fantastic is the ease of preparation. They are a quick and hassle-free American appetizer that can be whipped up effortlessly. After cooking, they boast an extra crispy texture that elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness, making them perfect for lunchtime snacks, party appetizers, or satisfying game day treats.

One of the main reasons why I adore this recipe is the use of an air fryer. It provides a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying methods, as it significantly reduces the amount of oil required. By using just a few tablespoons of oil, you can achieve the same level of crispiness without the unnecessary calories and mess associated with deep-frying.

Thanks to the air fryer, you can indulge in these scrumptious onion rings guilt-free, knowing that they offer a healthier option without compromising on taste. So, the next time you’re craving a savory and crispy snack, reach for your air fryer and treat yourself to the delightful goodness of these air fryer onion rings. You won’t be disappointed!

prep time: 10 minutes

cook time: 12 minutes

total time: 22 minutes

Nutritional facts

Calories: 193kcal | carbohydrates: 26g | protein: 4g | fat: 8g | cholesterol: 3mg | sodium: 1208mg | potassium: 260mg | fiber: 2g | sugar: 9g | vitamin A: 540iu | vitamin C: 7.9mg | calcium: 68mg | iron: 1.4mg

Ingredients 

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp salt, divided

½ cup buttermilk

1 egg

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 large yellow sweet onion, sliced ½ -inch thick and separated into rings

Oil Spray, optional

How to Prepare

Step 1: 

Prepare 4 different shallow deep plates. In the first plate, combine the flour, paprika, and ½ tsp salt together and set aside. In the second plate, combine buttermilk or milk and vinegar/lemon juice, and egg, with a ¼ cup of the flour mixture from the first bowl, then set aside.

Step 2:

In the third bowl, add together panko breadcrumbs, ½ tsp salt and olive oil and mix with a fork, until the oil is well distributed. Then put half of the panko in a fourth bowl in a way that you can switch to the second bowl after the first gets sticky.

Step 3:

With a paper towel, dry the onion rings to remove excess moisture from the onion rings. Dredge the onion rings in the flour mixture with a fork, and drop them in the buttermilk mixture and then dredge them in the panko mixture.

Step 4:

With an oil spray, spray the fryer basket and place onion rings in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket. If you have more smaller rings, you can place smaller rings inside bigger rings but with space between them.

Step 5:

Allow the onion ring to cook at 400°F for about 11-15 minutes or until it is golden brown and crispy. Then spray with some cooking spray after about 6 minutes, you do not need to flip the onion rings.

Step 6:

Lift the onion rings with a cookie spatula or fork carefully and serve.

Tips and variations

You can use sweet onions for this recipe to give it that sweet taste. For breading, you might not be able to use white and yellow onions because they don’t work well.

To allow the panko mixture to stick better, you can freeze the breaded onion rings for 15 minutes on a baking sheet.

You can use normal bread crumbs if you do not have panko bread crumbs available, but it might be as crispy if you use panko breadcrumbs.

When coating, you should use a fork, instead of hands to coat the onion rings.

Conclusion:

Air Fryer Onion Rings are a winning recipe that combines simplicity, crispiness, and irresistible flavor in one delightful package. Loved by both kids and adults, these onion rings are a fantastic American appetizer that is incredibly easy to prepare.

The magic of the air fryer brings out the best in this recipe, delivering onion rings with an extra crispy texture that satisfies the taste buds without the need for excessive oil. This makes them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried onion rings, ensuring that you can enjoy this tasty treat guilt-free.

Whether served as a quick lunchtime snack, a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, or a satisfying game day indulgence, Air Fryer Onion Rings never fail to impress. They offer a delightful blend of breadcrumbs, flours, paprika, buttermilk, and onions, creating a mouthwatering combination that keeps you coming back for more.

With the air fryer’s convenience and health benefits, this recipe becomes a go-to favorite for anyone seeking a crispy and delicious snack without the mess and excess calories. So, embrace the joy of preparing these delectable onion rings in your air fryer, and savor the goodness and crunchiness they bring to every bite. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion, Air Fryer Onion Rings are sure to be a hit and leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and your guests.