Air Fryer Onion Rings

Name: Air Fryer Onion Rings (Ranch Crusted)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb (900 g) large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), peeled; 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour; 1 oz (28 g) ranch seasoning mix; 3 tsp kosher salt, divided; 2 tsp black pepper, divided; 4 large eggs; 1/4 cup water; 4 cups (240 g) panko breadcrumbs; 1/3 cup olive oil; Ranch dressing, to serve

These ranch onion rings skip the deep fryer but still shatter when you bite in. Slice sweet onions into half-inch rounds, double-dredge through seasoned flour and egg wash, then press into olive-oil panko. Air fry at 375°F in two loose layers and flip halfway—do not shake the basket or the crumbs fall off.

45 min total
375°F / 190°C
6 servings
25 min prep

Jump to recipe See steps

Double dredge

Flour, egg, flour, egg, then panko. The second pass seals the rings so the coating survives a long air fry.

Oil in the crumbs

Rub olive oil into the panko with your hands until every flake is coated. That is what browns the crust without a vat of oil.

Flip, do not shake

Check around 13 minutes and flip rings that need color. Shaking knocks off the breading.

Air Fryer Onion Rings

Prep 25 min · Cook 20 min · Total 45 min · 6 servings

Air Fryer375°F / 190°C

Basket time20 min

Flip / shakesee steps

Tested onCosori 5.8 qt, 1700W

Crowding. Two loose layers per batch. Rings nested inside each other cook unevenly.

Basket liner (optional). Air fryer paper basket liners are optional. They catch drips and make cleanup easier. Use the molded type that fits your basket; air flows around the sides. Never cover the whole basket floor with solid foil.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow each step in order. Photos show what to look for so the basket finish matches the plate.

Set up breading

Stir flour, ranch seasoning, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper in a wide shallow bowl.
Whisk eggs and water in a second bowl.
Crush panko lightly with your hands for a finer crumb. Stir in the remaining 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and rub with your fingers until evenly coated.

Bread and cook

Slice onions crosswise into 1/2-inch rounds and separate into rings. Keep large and medium rings; save small inner pieces for another use.
Onion rings being coated in panko breadcrumbs
Working in batches, bread enough rings for two loose layers in the basket: coat in flour, dip in egg wash, repeat flour and egg, then press into panko until fully coated.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange breaded rings in two layers without nesting them inside each other.
Air fry 16-25 minutes until deep gold and crisp. Check around 13 minutes and flip rings that are not browning evenly. Do not shake the basket.
Golden onion rings cooking in the air fryer basket
Serve hot with ranch dressing for dipping.