Description
These Air Fryer Onion Rings are a crispy, golden appetizer perfect for game day or a fun snack. Coated in a flavorful panko mixture and air-fried to perfection, they are tender on the inside with a crunchy exterior. Serve with tartar sauce for a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fried onion rings.
Ingredients
Coating Mixture
- 1¼ cups panko bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt
Wet and Dry Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Main Ingredient
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into ½-inch rings
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Tartar Sauce, optional, for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the coating mixture. On a rimmed tray, mix the panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt thoroughly to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Beat the eggs and prepare flour. In a small shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Place the all-purpose flour in another small bowl for the dredging process.
- Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) to prepare for cooking the onion rings.
- Coat the onion rings. Dip each onion ring first into the flour, tapping off any excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko mixture to ensure an even crust. Place the coated rings on a large plate.
- Drizzle with olive oil and arrange in air fryer. Lightly drizzle the onion rings with extra-virgin olive oil to enhance crispness. Arrange the rings in a single layer with space between them in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry the onion rings. Cook the onion rings at 370°F for 8 to 11 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Repeat this process with any remaining onion rings.
- Optional reheating. After all batches are cooked, you can place all the onion rings back in the air fryer (no need for a single layer this time) and warm them for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure they are hot and crispy before serving.
- Serve. Serve the onion rings immediately with tartar sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Tip: To keep all onion rings warm and crispy after cooking in batches, toss them back into the air fryer for 1-2 minutes without arranging them in a single layer.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can prevent even cooking and crispiness.
- You can substitute the yellow onion with white or sweet onion if preferred.
- For extra flavor, try adding paprika or cayenne pepper to the panko mixture.
- These onion rings are best enjoyed immediately but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
