Air Fryer Onion Rings

Name: Air Fryer Onion Rings
Prep time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: 3/4 c. all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided; 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 1 1/2 tsp. sweet paprika; 3/4 tsp. black pepper; 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper; 1 1/2 c. buttermilk; 3 c. panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 c. olive oil; 1 extra-large yellow onion, sliced into 3/4-inch-thick rings, rings separated; 3/4 c. mayonnaise; 1 to 2 tbsp. Sriracha; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

No hot oil on the stovetop required!

By Ree DrummondPublished: Aug 10, 2023

3.3

4 Ratings

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the pioneer woman's air fryer onion rings recipe

Caitlin Bensel

Yields:

4 serving(s)

Prep Time:

50 mins

Total Time:

50 mins

Skip the bubbling pot of oil and "fry" these buttermilk onions rings right in the air fryer! It's one of my all-time favorite onion recipes. Buttermilk makes them tangy, while olive oil and dried spices give the crispy panko coating wonderful flavor. From potatoes to grilled cheese, there are so many great recipes to try in an air fryer. Onions rings are no exception! Serve 'em with Sriracha mayonnaise or your favorite dipping sauce.

How long does it take to cook onion rings in an air fryer?

About 10 minutes! You'll have to cook them in about three batches as to not overcrowd your air fryer. In total time, air fryer onion rings take just under an hour.

Are onion rings better in an air fryer or deep fryer?

It depends who you ask! I can't deny my love of classic onion rings cooked in a vat of oil, but they're messy and not exactly the healthiest snack. The air fryer makes cooking onion rings so easy; they turn out nice and crispy.

Do you need to preheat an air fryer?

Yes, and it only takes a few minutes! Preheating the air fryer cuts down on cook time and also results in the crispiest onion rings possible.

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Ingredients

3/4 cup
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp.
kosher salt, divided
1 1/2 tsp.
garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp.
sweet paprika
3/4 tsp.
black pepper
1/4 tsp.
cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups
buttermilk
3 cups
panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup
olive oil
1
extra-large yellow onion, sliced into 3/4-inch-thick rings, rings separated

Sriracha Mayonnaise (optional)

3/4 cup
mayonnaise
1
to 2 tbsp. Sriracha
1/4 tsp.
kosher salt

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat a 3 1/2-quart air fryer to 390ºF. Set a wire rack on a baking sheet.
2. Step 2In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 teaspoon each of the garlic powder, paprika, and salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of the cayenne pepper.
3. Step 3Pour the buttermilk into a second bowl.
4. Step 4In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and the remaining 1 teaspoon each of the garlic powder, paprika, and salt, 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of the cayenne pepper. Drizzle the olive oil into the panko mixture and use your fingers to rub in the oil.
5. Step 5Bread the onion rings, 2 to 4 at a time: Toss the onion rings in the flour mixture and shake off any excess; then, dunk them in the buttermilk to completely coat and shake off any excess. Toss them in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Arrange the breaded onion rings on the rack on the baking sheet.
6. Step 6Arrange one-third of the breaded onion rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer (a little overlap is fine). Cook, gently turning halfway through, until very crunchy and browned on both sides, about 10 minutes. Lightly sprinkle the onion rings with salt, transfer to a serving plate, and repeat with the remaining two batches of onion rings. Serve with the Sriracha mayonnaise for dipping, if you like.
7. Step 7For the Sriracha mayonnaise (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; refrigerate until ready to use.