Name: Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large onion; 1/2 cup all purpose flour; 3 tbsp cornstarch; 1/4 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt (divided); 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (divided); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp paprika or red chili powder; Approximately 1/2 cup water (as required); 1/4 cup all purpose flour; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing and spraying)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 46 reviews

There is nothing quite like the crispy, golden perfection of onion rings to bring a little extra joy to snack time or dinner. Today, I am thrilled to share my beloved Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe that promises all the indulgent crunch and flavor you crave without the guilt or fuss of traditional frying. These onion rings come out perfectly crispy on the outside while tender and sweet on the inside, thanks to a thoughtfully crafted batter and the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking to try a healthier twist on a classic favorite, this recipe is going to become your new go-to snack or side dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three layers of ingredients for making onion rings. On the left, there is a wooden board with many thin, light purple onion rings stacked and spread out. On the right, three black bowls hold different ingredients: the top bowl contains a light creamy-colored flour batter with a smooth texture, the middle bowl has white fine flour powder, and the bottom bowl is filled with pale yellow panko breadcrumbs with a coarse texture. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe relies on simple pantry staples that work harmoniously to build incredible texture and mouthwatering flavor. Each ingredient plays its part perfectly—from the natural sweetness of the onions to the crispiness achieved by the panko crumbs.

Onion (large): The star of the show, providing a sweet, tender center wrapped in crispy coating.
All purpose flour: Used in two parts, it helps bind the batter and creates a sturdy foundation for crispiness.
Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch by absorbing moisture from the onion slices.
Baking powder: A little lift for the batter making the texture light and airy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons both the batter and coating.
Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy warmth and depth.
Garlic powder: Infuses a savory note that pairs beautifully with onion.
Paprika or red chili powder: Delivers a gentle smoky heat to the batter.
Water: Gradually mixed to create the perfect consistency for the batter.
Panko breadcrumbs: The golden crunch shield that gives these onion rings their irresistible texture.
Olive oil: Brushed on to help crisp up the coating in the air fryer without frying in excess oil.

How to Make Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Onion Rings

Start by trimming off the ends of your large onion, peeling away the tough outer layer, and slicing it into 1-centimeter thick rounds. Gently pop out the individual rings and set aside the smaller center pieces for another use like salads or stews. Getting full, uniform rings is key to even cooking and that perfect bite.

Step 2: Make the Batter

Whisk together half a cup of flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Slowly add water, a little at a time, and stir to create a smooth, pourable batter that’s thick enough to coat without dripping off too fast. This slurry is where the magic begins.

Step 3: Season the Breadcrumbs

Mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Seasoning the crumbs ensures every crunchy bite bursts with flavor, not just bland texture.

Step 4: Set Up Your Dredging Station

Arrange four shallow bowls: one with the onion rings, one with 1/4 cup flour, another with the prepared batter, and the last with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. This assembly line makes coating the rings a breeze and helps each layer adhere perfectly.

Step 5: Coat the Onion Rings

One by one, dredge each onion ring first in dry flour, then dip it into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll it thoroughly in the panko crumbs until fully covered. Place each coated ring on a greased plate, and make sure not to crowd them—this keeps each ring nice and crisp.

Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for 3 to 4 minutes while you’re coating. Brush oil inside the basket and lay the onion rings in a single layer. Air fry them for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping and brushing or spraying oil halfway through. Keep an eye on them as air fryer times vary; you want golden, crunchy goodness without burning. Serve hot for the best flavor and crunch.

How to Serve Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Seven golden brown onion rings with a crispy texture are arranged inside a black air fryer basket. The basket has a mesh bottom that shows some oil spots and crumbs. The onion rings vary slightly in size, with a crunchy outer layer that shows small uneven bits of breading. The light inside the basket highlights the warm fried tones of the rings. The background outside the basket is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives brightens these onion rings and adds a subtle, fresh note that balances the richness of the crispy coating. For some zing, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top is divine and really wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

These onion rings make a fantastic partner to burgers, vegan hot dogs, or even alongside a hearty salad for a playful contrast of texture. They’re also perfect served with dipping sauces like vegan mayonnaise, spicy ketchup, or tangy BBQ sauce to add layers of flavor to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stack the onion rings tower-style on a platter and serve with mini bowls of various dips in the center—guests love picking and dipping. You could also use them as a crunchy topper over vegan mac and cheese or salads for an unexpected crunch that steals the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain that crisp texture until you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

You can freeze the un-cooked, breaded onion rings by placing them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until firm. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, you can air fry from frozen by adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover onion rings in your air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for around 3 to 4 minutes. This method crisps them back up beautifully without drying out the onion inside—a much better alternative to the microwave!

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just swap the all purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and check that your panko is gluten-free too. The texture might be slightly different but still deliciously crispy.

Is there a substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

You can use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free crushed crackers as a breadcrumb alternative. They add great crunch and are perfect if you don’t have panko on hand.

Can I make these onion rings without an air fryer?

Yes! You can deep fry the battered onions in medium-hot oil. Take care to fry them at a moderate temperature so they cook evenly and don’t soak up too much oil or burn.

What if my batter is too thick or too thin?

If it’s too thick, add a splash more water slowly until you reach a smooth, coatable consistency. If too thin, add a little more flour to thicken it up. The batter should cling well but not be gloopy.

How do I prevent the onion rings from sticking in the air fryer?

Make sure to brush or spray a bit of oil on the air fryer basket before cooking. Also, avoid overcrowding the rings so hot air circulates freely around each one, ensuring even crisping without sticking.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe has truly become a favorite whenever I want something crispy, flavorful, and completely satisfying yet light enough not to weigh me down. It’s effortless to make, fun to share, and perfectly customizable to suit your taste. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll soon see how easy it is to create restaurant-quality, crunchy onion rings right at home. Trust me, once you have these golden delights out of your air fryer, you’ll want to make them again and again!