Air Fryer Breaded Onion Rings
Air fryer breaded onion rings give you a golden, crunchy coating with only a light spray of oil and none of the mess of a pan of hot fat. The onion inside turns soft and sweet while the crumbs crisp up around it. Two large onions make about 16 rings, which is enough for four as a side or snack, and they take two batches in a standard basket.
- Total
- 43 min
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 23 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 170kcal
Basket size and batches
A standard 4–5 litre basket holds about eight to ten rings in one layer. Overlapping rings steam each other and the coating goes soft, so the recipe is cooked in two batches. Keep the second batch of coated rings on a plate rather than in the fridge, as the coating is best when cooked soon after breading.
Oven alternative
You can cook them in the oven if you prefer. Spread the sprayed rings on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake at 220°C (200°C fan), gas 7, for 18–20 minutes, turning once halfway. The crumbs will be a little less crisp than in the air fryer.
Preparing air fryer breaded onion rings
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Slice the onions Peel the onions and cut them into 1cm slices. Push the slices apart into rings, keeping the larger ones for this recipe and saving the small inner pieces for another dish. Pat the rings dry with kitchen paper.
- Set up three bowls Mix the flour, paprika, salt and pepper in the first bowl. Beat the egg with the milk in the second. Put the breadcrumbs in the third.
- Coat the rings Dip a ring in the flour and shake off the excess, then dip it in the egg and let the extra drip off. Press it firmly into the breadcrumbs, turning to cover both sides and the edges. Place the coated rings on a plate.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 200°C for .
- Cook the first batch Spray the basket lightly with oil and lay half the rings in a single layer, without overlapping. Spray the tops and cook for . Turn them with tongs, spray again and cook for more until deep golden and crisp.
- Cook the second batch Repeat with the remaining rings, no need to preheat again. Serve straight away with a dipping sauce.
What to serve with them
Ketchup and garlic mayonnaise are the usual dips. Air fryer breaded onion rings also make a good side for air fryer breaded chicken or air fryer breaded fish, which use the same flour, egg and crumb routine.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Breaded Onion Rings
- The coating slides off the onion.
- Dry the rings thoroughly first, as wet onion repels flour. Do not skip the flour layer, and press the crumbs on firmly so they stick to the egg.
- The rings come out pale or patchy.
- Spray both sides until the crumbs look lightly damp and keep the rings apart in the basket. Dry crumbs stay white.
- The crumbs blow around and burn.
- Press the crumbs on firmly so none are loose. Never stack the rings, because the fan can lift loose crumbs towards the heating element.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Breaded Onion Rings
How long do you cook breaded onion rings in the air fryer?
About 10 minutes at 200°C, turning halfway. The rings are done when the coating is deep golden and crisp to the touch.
Can you cook frozen breaded onion rings in the air fryer?
Yes. Follow the pack, which is usually 8–10 minutes at 200°C, shaking the basket halfway. Shop-bought rings are already coated in oil, so they need no spray.
Can you freeze the rings before cooking?
Yes. Freeze the coated rings in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 1 month. Cook them from frozen at 200°C, adding 3–4 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers give a similar crunch. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free plain flour.
How did you like the recipe?
4.8 / 5 · 74 ratings
