Air Fryer Beer Battered Onion Rings
Description
Learn how to make crispy, golden Air Fryer Beer Battered Onion Rings with a light, airy beer batter. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish — crunchy outside and sweet and tender inside, with less oil than deep frying.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, sweet, yellow, or white, sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup beer, cold
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes, or use the preheat button, so it's hot and ready.
- In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, beer, and eggs until smooth.
- In a second bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add the Panko bread crumbs to a third bowl.
- Dredge each onion ring in the seasoned flour, then dip it into the buttermilk-beer-egg mixture, and finally coat it fully in the Panko bread crumbs. Set the breaded rings on a plate.
- Arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd — cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until deep golden brown and crispy. Add an extra minute or two for more crunch.
- Serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
- Use cold beer for the crispiest batter — the carbonation is what makes it light and airy.
- For gluten-free rings, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free beer.
- For a low-carb version, swap the Panko for crushed pork rinds.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 5gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 382mgPotassium: 135mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 129IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg