Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings

My sister called me in a panic one Sunday afternoon—she'd volunteered to bring appetizers to a potluck but completely underestimated the guest list. I remembered she'd just gotten an air fryer and suggested onion rings, figuring they'd be crispy without all the oil splattering. What I didn't expect was how addictive they'd become in our house. Now I make them constantly, and honestly, they've ruined me for the deep-fried versions at restaurants.

I made these for my partner's coworkers during a game day gathering, and watching them disappear faster than the hot wings was oddly satisfying. Someone even asked if I was starting a catering business, which felt ridiculous but also kind of made my whole week.

Ingredients

• Large yellow onions (2), sliced into 1/2-inch rings: The size matters—thinner rings get too crispy, thicker ones stay raw in the middle, and these rings hit the sweet spot every time.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): This is your first defensive line against soggy breading, so don't skip it or skimp.
• Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Season aggressively here because it's your only flavor layer before the breadcrumbs.
• Large eggs (2) and buttermilk (1/2 cup): The buttermilk creates a thinner batter than regular milk, which means crispier coating instead of thick crust.
• Panko breadcrumbs (1 1/2 cups) and smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Panko gives you that texture crunch, and the smoked paprika adds a subtle depth that makes people curious about your secret.
• Olive oil spray: This is non-negotiable for air frying—it's what creates the golden crust without deep frying.
• Mayonnaise (1/3 cup), ketchup (2 tablespoons), yellow mustard (1 tablespoon): These three create your sauce base, but they're just the opening act.
• Finely chopped pickles (1 tablespoon) and pickle juice (1 teaspoon): The secret weapon—this tangy element transforms standard burger sauce into something people actually crave.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon), smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): These tie the sauce to the onion rings so everything tastes intentional and complete.

Instructions

Get your air fryer ready:

Preheat to 400°F while you're handling the onions—the temperature matters because it's hot enough to crisp the exterior in minutes without burning anything.

Slice and separate your onions:

Cut those yellow onions into rings about 1/2-inch thick, then gently separate them and set aside the tiny inner pieces for something else. The larger rings are what you want for this moment.

Set up your breading station:

Line up three bowls like you're working at a professional kitchen—flour mixed with salt and pepper in bowl one, eggs whisked together with buttermilk in bowl two, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika in bowl three. Trust me, this setup saves you from chaos and onion ring hands.

Bread each ring with intention:

Grab one onion ring, coat it completely in the flour mixture and shake off what doesn't stick, then dip it into that egg mixture until it's wet all over, and finally press it firmly into the panko until it's fully covered. This three-step process is what separates crispy from sad.

Air fry until they're golden and calling your name:

Arrange your breaded rings in a single layer in the basket, spray them lightly with olive oil, and air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through, flip them over and spray again with oil—this is the moment that creates the crunchy magic.

Mix your burger sauce while everything cooks:

Combine the mayo, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, and pickle juice in a bowl, then stir in the garlic powder and smoked paprika. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper until it tastes bright and balanced, not one-dimensional.

Serve them hot:

Plate the onion rings while they're still warm and their texture is at peak crispy, then set the burger sauce on the side for dipping.

Save

There was this one afternoon when my nephew came home from school and found a batch of these cooling on the counter. He ate four rings, turned to me completely serious, and declared they were better than the ones at the diner. That's when I realized these weren't just a snack anymore—they'd become something worth bragging about.

Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything

Deep frying onion rings at home is chaos—hot oil splatters, your kitchen smells like a fast-food place for three days, and you're always worried about temperature control. The air fryer eliminates all that drama while somehow delivering rings that are legitimately crispier and less greasy than restaurant versions. It's one of those moments where technology actually makes cooking easier instead of more complicated.

The Burger Sauce as Your Secret Weapon

What separates good onion rings from memorable ones is the sauce you dip them in. The pickle juice and chopped pickles in this burger sauce aren't just flavor additions—they're what make people pause mid-bite and ask what you did differently. The combination of tang, umami from the mustard, and subtle heat from the smoked paprika turns a simple condiment into the real star of the plate.

Timing and Temperature Tricks

Getting golden, crispy onion rings consistently comes down to three things: your air fryer temperature, the thickness of your rings, and how generously you're coating them with oil spray. I learned this through trial and error, mostly error, but now I can predict almost exactly how they'll turn out. The flip halfway through is critical because it ensures even browning on both sides, and skipping it is the difference between crispy and unevenly cooked.

• If you're using a smaller air fryer, cook the rings in two batches rather than overcrowding, which drops the temperature and makes everything steam instead of crisp.
• The olive oil spray is what creates the crust, so don't be shy—coat them lightly before cooking and again after you flip halfway through.
• Serve them immediately while they're still hot and texturally perfect, because they do lose their crispness as they cool down.

Save

These onion rings have become my go-to when I want to impress people without spending hours in the kitchen. There's something genuinely joyful about serving food that people absolutely lose their minds over.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get the onion rings extra crispy?

Ensure the rings are evenly coated with flour, egg, and panko mixture, and spray with olive oil before air frying. Flipping halfway enhances crispness.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for a safe gluten-free version.

→ What temperature is best for air frying onion rings?

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the onion tender.

→ How is the burger sauce prepared?

Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, chopped pickles, pickle juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

→ Can I add spice to the coating?

Yes, incorporate cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the batter to add a spicy kick to the onion rings.