Breadcrumbed onion rings in the air fryer are a classic, perfect to serve with an aperitif or as a starter. They’re simple, quick, and ideal for those looking for the perfect mix of lightness and crunch. These onion rings are dipped first in a batter and then coated in breadcrumbs — no eggs or milk. They’re a tasty snack, perfect to accompany a plate with burgers and fries! Air frying will give you that really impressive crunchy texture without weighing them down since they aren’t deep-fried. Adjust quantities to your appetite: as a side they may be enough for 2 people, but if you’re very hungry you can enjoy them on their own. If you like onions, here are some other recipes:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Cooking time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 2 Servings
- Cooking methods: Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients to make breadcrumbed onion rings in the air fryer
- 1 yellow onion (medium/large)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3.4 fl oz water
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- to taste sweet paprika
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
Tools
- Air fryer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Tongs
- Plate
- Whisk
Steps to make breadcrumbed onion rings in the air fryer
To prepare the breadcrumbed onion rings in the air fryer, first thoroughly clean a medium/large yellow onion and slice it into rings about 1 cm thick (approximately 3/8 inch). Gently separate the onion into rings so they don’t break. Prepare the batter with all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, water and a pinch of sweet paprika. If you prefer a stronger flavor you can try smoked paprika, but it will change the final taste. Whisk the ingredients well with a hand whisk. In a separate plate place the breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt. I chose a simple coating without milk or eggs. Now dip each onion ring first in the batter, then in the breadcrumbs.
Place the prepared rings on a plate. Put the rings into the air fryer basket and lightly mist or brush them with extra virgin olive oil. Cook the rings in the air fryer at 374°F for about 10 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Serve the rings immediately, tender inside and crispy outside! Perfect with your favorite dipping sauce. I served mine with barbecue sauce.
Storage and tips
You can store them for a couple of days in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but I recommend eating them right away to enjoy their crispiness. Wait until they are completely cool before closing the container; otherwise condensation will form and you will lose the typical air-fryer crunch.
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Can I use the classic dredge of flour, egg and breadcrumbs instead?
Yes, of course — you can also use the classic breading method with flour, egg and breadcrumbs. This will result in a firmer coating.
