Crispy, crunchy, flavor-packed Onion Rings… just like what you’d get at your favorite restaurant! This recipe is quick and easy, and so delicious you’ll never believe they’re made in an air fryer!

Close up of Air Fryer Onion Rings with dipping sauce

Onion Rings have always been one of my favorites, and to say I’m excited about these Air Fryer Onion Rings would be an understatement. They’re everything you’d expect from a restaurant – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with amazing flavor – right in the comfort of your own kitchen. And best of all… they’re made without ANY oil!

They’re the perfect side dish for so many classics, from Tuna Melts to Grilled Cheese to our delicious Queso Burger. And they make a delicious snack… any time of day!

what you’ll love about this recipe

Easy ingredients: They’re made with easy ingredients, many of which you probably already have on hand! Not to mention… you can switch up the seasonings any way you’d like.

Ultra crispy: They’re perfectly crispy… just like they should be! (No soggy onion rings allowed!)

Healthier: They aren’t deep fried and are actually made without any oil, meaning they’re a much healthier option than traditional onion rings!

what you’ll need for this recipe

Onions – This recipe calls for 2 medium onions (approx. 1 pound total.) I used Vidalia onions, but if you can’t find Vidalia or prefer to use another sweet variety, feel free. I do find that sweet is better when it comes to onion rings as it has a milder, less pungent flavor.

Breadcrumbs – I used 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs for maximum flavor and crunch. Panko crumbs can usually be found in the Asian food section at your local grocery store.

Parmesan – 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (from a shaker) adds a delicious nutty flavor to this recipe.

Flour – I used 1/2 cup of all purpose flour, but any type of flour would work in this recipe.

Eggs – 2 large eggs act as a binding agent, allowing the breadcrumbs to stick to the onion rings.

Seasonings – I used a simple combination of 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Feel free to switch up the seasonings however you’d like!

Cooking spray or oil – I sprayed the coated onion rings with cooking spray before air frying them. This helps to give them a beautiful golden brown color. You can also use an oil mister or omit this step altogether.

how to make air fryer onion rings

Slice the onions. Cut off both ends, then slice onions into 1/4 inch slices and separate the rings.

Coat the onion rings. Place the flour and beaten eggs in separate bowls. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan and seasonings and mix well. Dip the rings in the flour (shaking off excess), then in the eggs until completely coated. Let any excess drip off, then dip in the breadcrumb mixture to coat. Place coated onion rings on a wire rack or a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Spray the tops with cooking spray.

Fry them up. Spray air fryer basket with olive oil using an oil mister (**do NOT use aerosol cooking spray, as it can damage the inside of the basket**). Working in batches, transfer onion rings to the air fryer. Cook at 375° F for 6-8 minutes. Remove from the basket and continue with the next batch.

Recipe Variations

Looking to mix things up? Here are some fun ways to make this recipe your own:

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs or a squeeze of your favorite hot sauce to the eggs
Cut the rings to desired thickness (thinner rings will require less cooking time)
Use regular or seasoned breadcrumbs in place of panko crumbs
For a thicker coating, dip the onion rings in the flour and egg, then repeat before dipping them in the breadcrumbs
Make them dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan cheese
Add any of your favorite seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture

How to make the Best Air Fryer Onion Rings

Use 2 smaller onions instead of one larger onion for more reasonably sized rings.

For the best flavor, choose a Vidalia or other sweet variety of onion.

Take your time with each step of coating, especially the egg step. Make sure no flour is showing, or the breadcrumbs won’t stick.

Use a separate fork to dip onion rings into each bowl (flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs). Using a fork instead of your fingers will keep things cleaner and make the coating process easier.

For the crispiest onion rings, use panko breadcrumbs every time!

Think twice before omitting the Parmesan cheese. It adds a delicious nutty flavor to the onion rings.

storing & reheating

Leftover onion rings can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, return them to the air fryer at 350° F for 3-4 minutes and they’ll crisp right up!

what to dip onion rings in

We love a good sauce… especially with our onion rings! Here are some of our favorite EASY recipes for you to try!

I’m all about air fryer snacks… and, of course, sauces! These are some of our favorites!