Get ready to elevate your snack game with these crispy and flavorful air fryer BBQ onion rings. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a fun side dish, these onion rings are coated in a delicious blend of BBQ seasoning and panko breadcrumbs, then air-fried to golden perfection.
If you're heading to the supermarket, make sure to grab some buttermilk, which might not be a staple in every household. Additionally, panko breadcrumbs are essential for that extra crunch, and bbq seasoning will give your onion rings a unique, smoky flavor.

Ingredients for Air Fryer BBQ Onion Rings
Onions: These form the base of your onion rings, providing a sweet and savory flavor.
All-purpose flour: Used to create a coating that helps the other ingredients stick to the onion rings.
BBQ seasoning: Adds a smoky, savory flavor to the onion rings.
Buttermilk: Helps the flour mixture adhere to the onion rings and adds a slight tanginess.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs give the onion rings a light, crispy texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the onion rings.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile.
Pro Tip for Making BBQ Onion Rings in an Air Fryer
When coating the onion rings with panko breadcrumbs, press gently to ensure an even and thorough coating. This will help achieve a crispier texture. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate properly, ensuring each ring cooks evenly and becomes perfectly golden.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor, which can add a different but pleasant taste to the onion rings.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, making the onion rings slightly healthier.
bbq seasoning - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika provides a similar smoky flavor that is essential for BBQ seasoning.
buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can mimic the tanginess and thickness of buttermilk, making it a good alternative.
panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunch and texture to panko breadcrumbs.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add moisture, so use sparingly.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, enhancing the flavor profile of the onion rings.
Alternative Recipes Similar to BBQ Onion Rings
How to Store and Freeze BBQ Onion Rings
Allow the onion rings to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
Place the cooled onion rings in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
For freezing, arrange the cooled onion rings on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
Transfer the frozen onion rings to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.
When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen onion rings directly in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until hot and crispy.
How to Reheat Leftover BBQ Onion Rings
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Arrange the leftover onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
Check for desired warmth and crispiness before serving.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve a golden, crispy texture.
Serve immediately once reheated.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
Place the onion rings in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and crispy.
Remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil before serving.
Use a toaster oven set to 375°F (190°C).
Place the onion rings on the toaster oven tray in a single layer.
Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to maintain their crunch.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Essential Tools for Making BBQ Onion Rings in an Air Fryer
Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to cook the onion rings to a crispy, golden perfection without deep frying.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the flour, bbq seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Knife: Essential for slicing the onions into rings.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for slicing the onions.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the flour, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumbs accurately.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the onion rings halfway through the air frying process.
Whisk: Useful for mixing the flour and seasoning together evenly.
Shallow dishes: Ideal for holding the buttermilk, flour mixture, and panko breadcrumbs separately for easy dredging and coating.
Air fryer basket: Part of the air fryer where the coated onion rings are placed in a single layer for cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for BBQ Onion Rings in the Air Fryer
Pre-slice onions: Slice the onions in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Use a dipping station: Set up a dipping station with buttermilk, flour mixture, and panko breadcrumbs to streamline the coating process.
Batch air frying: If you have a large air fryer, cook multiple batches at once to save time.
Pre-mix seasoning: Combine the bbq seasoning, salt, and pepper ahead of time to speed up preparation.
Air Fryer BBQ Onion Rings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large Onions sliced into rings
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon BBQ seasoning
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, BBQ seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each onion ring into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture.
- Coat the onion rings with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated onion rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Value
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