Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air fryer onion rings have a crisp panko crust and a soft, sweet centre, without a deep fryer or a pan of hot oil. Thick rings go through seasoned flour, egg and breadcrumbs, then cook in two batches at 200°C for 10 minutes each. Two large onions make about four portions as a side for burgers or as a snack to share.
- Total
- 43 min
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 23 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 240kcal
Ingredients and swaps for air fryer onion rings
Large white or Spanish onions give the widest rings, which hold the coating best. Red onions work too but give a sharper flavour. Plain flour and panko are what make the crust crisp, and smoked paprika adds warmth without heat.
If you are short of panko, crushed cornflakes also give a good crunch. For a spicier version, replace the paprika with ½ tsp of cayenne or garlic powder.
How to make air fryer onion rings
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Slice the onions Peel the onions and cut them across into rounds about 1cm thick. Push the rings apart, and keep the larger ones. Chop the small inner rings and use them in another dish.
- Set up three bowls Mix the flour, paprika, salt and pepper in the first bowl. Whisk the eggs with the milk in the second. Put the panko in the third.
- Coat the rings Dip each ring in the flour and shake off the excess, then into the egg, letting it drip. Press it into the panko on both sides until fully covered. Put the coated rings on a tray while you finish.
- Preheat and cook the first batch Heat the air fryer to 200°C for . Lay half the rings in the basket in a single layer, without overlapping, and spray them with oil until the crumbs look damp. Cook for , turning after and spraying any pale patches, until deep golden and crisp.
- Cook the second batch Tip out the first batch and keep it warm on a baking tray, then repeat with the remaining rings. Serve straight away, while the coating is crunchy.
What to serve with them
Onion rings are made for burgers and grilled chicken, and they also work as a snack with ketchup or garlic mayonnaise. A pile of pickled red onion on the side cuts through the richness.
Cook in batches. If the basket is crowded, the rings steam instead of crisping, and they soften as soon as they overlap.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Onion Rings
- The coating falls off the rings.
- Pat the onion dry before it goes into the flour, shake off the excess flour, and press the panko on firmly. Letting the coated rings stand on the tray while the air fryer heats gives the crumbs time to stick.
- The crumbs are pale and dry in places.
- Panko only browns where it has been sprayed with oil. Spray both sides, and spray again after turning.
- The onion slips out of the crust when you bite.
- Rings thinner than 1cm cook too fast and shrink away from the coating. Cut them a full 1cm thick and keep the cut edges well covered in flour.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Onion Rings
How long do onion rings take in the air fryer?
Fresh coated rings take 10 minutes at 200°C, turned halfway. Frozen shop-bought rings take about 8–10 minutes at 200°C.
Can I make them without egg?
Yes. Whisk 4 tbsp of plain flour with 120ml milk until it is as thick as double cream, and use it in place of the egg mixture. The coating is a little less crisp.
Can I use ordinary breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but fine dried breadcrumbs brown faster and make a denser coating. Check the first batch at 8 minutes.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Put them back in the basket at 180°C for 3–4 minutes, until crisp and steaming hot. They are at their best on the day they are made.
How did you like the recipe?
4.8 / 5 · 34 ratings
