Copycat A&W Onion Rings (Extra Crispy)

Crispy, golden A&W Copycat Onion Rings made at home! Perfect for dipping, snacking, or serving alongside burgers. Extra crunchy and restaurant-style flavor.

Craving the perfect golden, crunchy onion rings just like A&W? These extra crispy copycat A&W Onion Rings are the ultimate indulgence for any snack or side dish.

With a light, airy batter and just the right amount of seasoning, they fry up perfectly every time. Serve them alongside burgers, sandwiches, or enjoy them solo with your favorite dipping sauce.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Extra Crispy – The double-dipping method ensures maximum crunch in every bite.

• Restaurant-Style Flavor – Seasoned just like the iconic A&W version.
• Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples you probably already have.
• Perfect for Parties – Great for game day, BBQs, or family dinners.
• Customizable – Pair with your favorite sauces or spices for a personal twist.

A&W Onion Rings Ingredients

• Onions – Crisp, sweet onions for tender, flavorful, perfectly layered rings
• All-purpose flour – Light, versatile flour for coating and crispiness
• Eggs – Beaten eggs to help breadcrumbs stick evenly
• Buttermilk, or milk – Buttermilk adds tang and tenderizes the onion rings
• Panko breadcrumbs – Extra crunchy panko breadcrumbs for golden, crispy coating
• Paprika – Smoky paprika to enhance flavor and add warmth
• Kosher Salt – Salt to season and bring out onion flavor
• Black Pepper – Ground black pepper for mild heat and seasoning

How To Make Copycat A&W Onion Rings

Prepare the Onions: Begin by peeling the onions and slicing them into about ½-inch thick rings. Carefully separate the rings from each other. For crispy fries, dry the onion rings with paper towels.

Set Up Dipping Stations: In a shallow bowl or dish, combine the flour with salt, pepper, and paprika. In another dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. Place the Panko breadcrumbs in a third dish or shallow dish.

Dip the Onion Rings: Dip each onion ring first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s lightly coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the ring into the buttermilk

mixture, then coat it well with the Panko breadcrumbs. Set the coated rings aside on a plate.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for getting a crispy texture.

Arrange the Onion Rings: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded onion rings in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can prevent them from cooking evenly.

Cook the Onion Rings: Spray the onion rings lightly with cooking spray. Set cook time for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip them halfway through cooking for even crispness.

Serve Immediately: Once cooked, remove the onion rings from the air fryer and serve them hot. They are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness.

Copycat A&W Onion Rings Recipe Tips

• Choose the Right Onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla give the best flavor and natural sweetness for your onion rings.
• Keep Batter Cold: Cold eggs and buttermilk help create a thicker, crispier coating when frying.
• Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: Dip the onions in flour, then egg, then Panko, and repeat if you want extra crispy results.
• Don’t Crowd the Fryer: Fry in small batches to maintain hot oil temperature and prevent soggy onion rings.
• Drain and Serve Immediately: Place cooked onion rings on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy longer.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain some crispness, place a paper towel between layers.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded onion rings on a baking sheet in a single layer for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Cook directly from frozen for best results.
• Reheating: Reheat onion rings in a preheated air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

Copycat A&W Onion Rings Recipe Faqs

Can I make these onion rings ahead of time? You can prep the onions and breading in advance, but fry them just before serving for the crispiest results.

Can I bake these onion rings instead of frying? Yes, you can bake them at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, though they won’t be quite as crispy as fried.

Can I use regular bread crumbs instead of Panko? Yes, but Panko gives the extra crunch that makes these onion rings like A&W’s.

How do I reheat leftover onion rings? Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Can I make these gluten-free? Substitute the flour and Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions, and they’ll still be deliciously crispy.

More Copycat A&W Recipes

• A&W Spicy Chipotle Dipping Sauce Copycat Recipe
• A&W Copycat BBQ Sauce
• A&W Teen Burger (Copycat) Recipe

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