Crispy, golden, and delicious, these Copycat Sonic Onion Rings are easy to make at home in the air fryer. Get the full recipe to enjoy restaurant-quality onion rings anytime!

A batch of crispy homemade onion rings styled like Sonic's, golden brown and perfectly crunchy, served as a side dish.
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Copycat Sonic Onion Rings bring the crispy, golden perfection of the classic fast-food favorite right into your own kitchen.

With a simple yet flavorful batter made from flour, cornstarch, and a blend of spices, these onion rings achieve that perfect crunchy exterior while keeping the onions tender and flavorful inside. Using an air fryer to cook them ensures they are light, crispy, and healthier than the traditional deep-fried version.

Whether you’re enjoying them as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, these onion rings are sure to be a hit, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they’re a fun and satisfying treat for any occasion.

If you love onion rings, try my recipe for Air Fryer Copycat Burger King Onion Rings, Air Fryer Beer Battered Onion Rings, Weight Watcher Air Fryer Onion Rings, or Air Fryer Guacamole Stuffed Onion Rings.

Crispy, golden brown Copycat Sonic Onion Rings served with a dipping sauce.

Why You Will Love Making Sonic Onion Rings At Home

  • Crispy Perfection: These Copycat Sonic Onion Rings come out perfectly crispy every time, thanks to the air fryer method.
  • Fresh Ingredients: You control the ingredients, ensuring that every batch is made with fresh onions and high-quality batter.
  • Customizable Flavor: Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, making these onion rings as bold or mild as you like.
  • Healthier Option: Air frying gives you the crispy texture you crave with less oil, making them a lighter alternative to deep-fried versions.
  • Simple & Quick: With a straightforward recipe and minimal prep, you can enjoy these homemade onion rings in no time.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these Copycat Sonic Onion Rings are always a hit at any gathering.

If you love Copycat Sonic Recipes, try my recipe for Ninja Creami Sonic Banana Shake, Ninja Creami Sonic Blast Reese’s Cup, Ninja Creami Copycat Sonic Oreo Chocolate Shake, or Sonic Tater Tots Air Fryer.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients Needed for Copycat Sonic Onion Rings on kitchen table.
  • Onions: Provides the perfect base for these onion rings, offering a sweet and savory flavor that shines when air-fried.
  • All-purpose flour: Creates a crispy coating for the onion rings.
  • Baking powder: Adds the light and airy texture that gives these onion rings their signature crispiness.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavor of the batter and the onion rings.
  • Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the batter.
  • Garlic powder: Infuses the batter with a subtle savory flavor.
  • Buttermilk: Tenderizes the onions and helps the batter adhere to the rings.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together, ensuring the batter sticks to the onions.
  • Breadcrumbs: Give the onion rings an extra layer of crunch, making them extra crispy on the outside.

How To Make Air Fryer Copycat Sonic Onion Rings

Prepare the seasoning blend in a large mixing bowl.

Step One: Peel and slice a large onion into thick rings. Separate the rings, discarding the smaller ones.

Create the dredging stations.

Step Two: In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Add buttermilk and egg to a small bowl, stirring until smooth to create a batter for the onion rings."

Step Three: Add buttermilk and egg to a small bowl, stir until you have a smooth batter.

 "Dip each onion ring into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in breadcrumbs for a crispy coating."

Step Four: Dip each onion ring into the batter, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, roll the battered onion ring in breadcrumbs for an extra crispy finish.

Golden crispy Copycat Sonic onion rings, coated with a light batter and breadcrumbs, ready to serve."

Step Five: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Remove the onion rings from the air fryer, serve hot, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

"Perfectly golden and crispy Copycat Sonic onion rings, coated in a crunchy batter and breadcrumbs, ready to enjoy."

Copycat Sonic Onion Rings Recipe Tips

  • Choose the Right Onion: Use large, sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions for the best flavor and texture. These onions offer a mild sweetness and tenderness when fried.
  • Keep the Batter Cold: Make sure your batter stays cold for extra crunch. If the batter warms up too much, it can become too runny, making the coating less crisp.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For even cooking, arrange the onion rings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Overcrowding can cause them to cook unevenly.
  • Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the coated onion rings with cooking spray before air frying. This helps achieve a golden, crispy texture.
  • Adjust the Time for Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy onion rings, you can add a few extra minutes to the cook time, but be careful not to burn them.
  • Serve Immediately: Onion rings are best served right after cooking when they’re still crispy. For the ultimate experience, serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or barbecue sauce.

Storing

  • Storing Copycat Sonic Onion Rings: To store leftover onion rings, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  • Reheating Copycat Sonic Onion Rings: To reheat, place the onion rings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are crispy again. This will help restore their crunch without drying them out.
  • Freezing Copycat Sonic Onion Rings: For longer storage, freeze the cooked and cooled onion rings on a baking sheet in a single layer for about 1-2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, cook them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Golden and crispy homemade Copycat Sonic Onion Rings with a light batter and breadcrumbs, ready to be served.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Copycat Sonic Onion Rings

Air Fryer Copycat Sonic Onion Rings are the perfect side dish to complement a variety of meals. Serve them alongside a juicy burger or crispy chicken sandwich for a classic diner-style meal. They also pair wonderfully with grilled meats like steak or BBQ chicken, adding a crunchy contrast to the tender proteins. For a lighter option, enjoy them with a fresh salad or a veggie-packed wrap. Don’t forget dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or zesty buffalo sauce to enhance the flavor!

Copycat Sonic Onion Rings Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of onion? Yes, you can use sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder flavor or red onions for a more robust taste, but yellow onions are the most commonly used for a traditional flavor.

Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before using.

How can I make these onion rings spicier? To add heat, you can incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the batter or sprinkle some on the onion rings after frying.

Can I bake these onion rings instead of using the air fryer? Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

How do I keep the onion rings crispy after cooking? To keep them crispy, place the cooked onion rings on a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent them from becoming soggy. Avoid stacking them while cooling.

Can I freeze leftover onion rings? Yes, you can freeze leftover onion rings. After air frying, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes for best results.

Golden and crispy homemade Copycat Sonic Onion Rings with a light batter and breadcrumbs, ready to be served.

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Copycat Sonic Onion Rings

Copycat Sonic Onion Rings

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Enjoy the crispy goodness of Copycat Sonic Onion Rings made right in your kitchen with a light batter and seasoned breadcrumbs. Perfectly golden and crunchy, these homemade onion rings are sure to impress!

Ingredients 

  • 1 large onion,
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt,
  • 1 teaspoon pepper,
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder,
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk,
  • 1 large egg,
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs,

Instructions

  • Peel and slice a large onion into thick rings. Separate the rings, discarding the smaller ones.
  • In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Add buttermilk and egg to a small bowl, stir until you have a smooth batter.
  • Dip each onion ring into the batter, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, roll the battered onion ring in breadcrumbs for an extra crispy finish.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Remove the onion rings from the air fryer, serve hot, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 111kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 419mgPotassium: 92mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 1mg

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