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Onion rings are a beloved snack and side dish, enjoyed by many for their crunchy texture and savory flavor. From casual fast food to gourmet restaurant menus, these golden-brown delights have secured a special place in the hearts of food lovers around the world. The allure of onion rings often comes from their satisfying crunch combined with the sweet, tender onion inside. However, traditional deep-frying methods can leave them greasy and heavy, which is where air frying comes into play.

Crunchy Air-Fryer Onion Rings

Discover the joy of making crispy air-fried onion rings with this simple and delicious recipe. Perfect as a snack or side dish, these golden-brown treats offer a satisfying crunch while being healthier than traditional deep-fried versions. With sweet onions and a few key ingredients, you can whip up a batch that friends and family will love. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces for a delightful culinary experience that’s easy to recreate at home.

Ingredients
  

2 large onions (preferably sweet onions like Vidalia)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumb mixture (panko and regular breadcrumbs combined)

½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Prep the Onions: Begin by peeling the onions and slicing them into ¼ inch thick rings. Separate the rings and set them aside in a bowl.

    Prepare the Breading Stations: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs, mixing in the dried oregano if desired.

      Coat the Onion Rings: Take each onion ring and coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully covered. Finally, roll it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Arrange for Cooking: Lay the breaded onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them; you might need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

            Add a Touch of Oil: Lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray or olive oil spray to promote a golden, crispy crust.

              Air Fry the Onion Rings: Cook the onion rings in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

                Serve: Remove the onion rings from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, spicy ketchup, or aioli.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings