Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings

Last summer my sister complained about missing fried foods since she started eating healthier. I refused to let her sacrifice all crispy things forever, so I spent a weekend testing onion rings in my air fryer until she actually sighed after taking her first bite.

My teenage son walked in during the test batch and literally hovered over the air fryer basket snatching rings as fast as I could pull them out. He ended up eating half before I could even get the dipping sauce made.

Ingredients

• Large yellow onions: Sweet varieties work beautifully here and hold their shape better during the coating process
• All-purpose flour: Creates the essential first layer that helps everything else stick properly
• Garlic powder and paprika: These two spices together give the coating a savory depth that plain flour lacks
• Buttermilk: The acidity tenderizes the coating slightly and helps the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs create that extra light and crispy texture we all want
• Cooking spray: Essential for helping the browning process and getting that fried food texture
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for the dip and balances the tangy elements
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note that makes the sauce taste restaurant quality

Instructions

Prep your onions:

Slice them into half-inch rings and separate carefully so they are ready for coating

Set up your breading station:

Arrange three shallow bowls with seasoned flour, buttermilk mixture, and panko in that order

Coat each ring methodically:

Dredge in flour first, dip in the egg mixture, then press the panko on firmly

Arrange for air frying:

Place rings in a single layer without overcrowding and give them a quick spray of oil

Crisp them to perfection:

Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning

Mix the dipping sauce:

Combine all sauce ingredients until smooth and refrigerate until serving time

Save

These became a staple at our Friday night movie gatherings. The sound of everyone crunching through that first crispy layer is now part of the tradition.

Getting the Perfect Crunch

I learned that double coating makes a huge difference. After the first round of egg and panko, repeat that step and you will get restaurant style thickness on your coating that stays crispy longer.

Onion Selection Secrets

Not all onions work equally well here. Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla caramelize beautifully while maintaining structure, and larger rings are easier to coat without breaking.

Serving Like a Pro

Serve these immediately after air frying while they are at their crispest. Let everyone customize with different dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo.

• Keep air fried items in a warm oven at 200°F if you need to hold them before serving
• Extra sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week
• Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 3 minutes to restore crunch

Save

There is something so satisfying about making a comfort food classic at home that actually tastes better than takeout.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of onions work best?

Large yellow onions are ideal because they provide the perfect balance of sweetness and mild flavor. Their sturdy layers hold up well during the coating and frying process.

→ How do I get extra crunch?

For maximum crunch, double-coat the rings by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb steps. You can also add an extra light spray of oil halfway through cooking.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The coating process works exactly the same way.

→ What temperature should I air fry at?

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway through for even browning. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the basket.

→ How long does the dip keep?

The creamy dipping sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day.

→ Can I bake these instead?

You can bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. They won't be quite as crispy as the air fryer version but still delicious.