Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Onion Rings are made with sweet onions soaked in buttermilk and coated in panko with paprika; air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes until shatteringly crispy and golden.
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Method
- 1
Soak onion rings in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
- 2
Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place panko in a separate bowl.
- 3
Dredge rings in flour, back into buttermilk, then into panko. Press coating firmly.
- 4
Spray all sides with cooking spray.
- 5
Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until deeply golden. Serve with ranch, BBQ sauce, or ketchup.
Pro tip. Sweet onions like Vidalia work best — they're milder and sweeter when cooked. The double dip (flour → buttermilk → panko) creates a thick, crunchy coating. Separate the rings before battering so you get individual, perfectly coated rings.
Why the air fryer wins here
- Ready in 10 minutes. The same dish takes about 16 in a conventional oven, plus preheating.
- Uses a fraction of the oil of deep frying, which is how this comes in at 200 calories a serving.
- Cleanup is a basket, not a sheet pan and a splattered stovetop.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate perishable leftovers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 90°F. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) throughout, measured with a food thermometer. USDA leftover safety guidance.
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To bring them back, air fry at 370°F for 3-4 minutes. Single layer — overlap and the breading goes soggy where it touches. Full reheat guide for onion rings.
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