Name: Air Fryer Crispy Onions Made Easy with Instant Pot Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 2 large yellow onions; 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar); 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; Olive oil spray

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Let me tell you—these crispy onions have rescued more meals in my kitchen than I can count. We’re talkin’ golden, crunchy bites of joy that take your plain rice, soups, burgers, or yes, even a lazy lunch salad, from blah to BAM! And guess what? No deep fryer. No oil-splattered mess. Just your trusty Instant Pot Air Fryer and a few pantry staples. We make these when we want something a little extra but don’t want to babysit a stovetop or end up scrubbing grease off the walls. You’ll get those rich, sweet caramelized onion flavors wrapped in a crunchy coating. They’re kinda like if onion rings and potato chips had a baby. Perfect for when you’re craving something salty and crispy with minimal effort. Whether you’re into recipes with onions, dreaming of stuffed onions recipes, or looking for that punch in your steak and onions recipe—these crispy bits just work. They even double as the star of your baked onions recipe or your next pickle onions recipe experiment. Total keeper.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Air Fryer Crispy Onions Recipe
3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Onions
4) How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Onions
5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Crispy Onions
6) Making Air Fryer Crispy Onions Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Crispy Onions
8) Try these Side Dish recipes next!
9) Air Fryer Crispy Onions Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

How long do you soak onions in buttermilk before air frying?
What breadcrumbs work best for crispy air fryer onions?
Can I make air fryer crispy onions without oil?
Do I need to flip onions during air frying?

2) Easy Air Fryer Crispy Onions Recipe

I have a love-hate relationship with onions. They make me cry but, man, they make my meals sing. When I figured out how to make them crispy without turning my kitchen into a greasy disaster zone, it felt like a small kitchen win. These air fryer crispy onions are simple, quick, and actually kind of fun to make.

The trick is soaking them first in buttermilk. It softens their bite and gives the coating something to cling to. A handful of panko, a little paprika, and a light spray of olive oil turn those slippery rings into crunchy gold. And when they’re done? You’ll want to throw them on everything.

I’ve used them on mashed potatoes, on top of burgers, even as a snack straight from the bowl. With the Instant Pot Air Fryer, it’s all easy cleanup and no fuss. Honestly, this is one of those instant pot recipes that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.

3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Yellow Onions: You’ll need two large ones. Go for the yellow kind—they’re mild and caramelize beautifully when they crisp up. Slice them thin so the rings hold shape but still cook through fast.

Buttermilk: Or use regular milk with a splash of vinegar if you’re in a pinch. Letting those onions sit in it for half an hour really mellows them out and preps them to grab every breadcrumb they touch.

Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the best crunch. I’ve tried regular ones, but nothing beats panko for lightness and that signature crispy bite.

Garlic Powder: Adds a warm depth to the coating. Don’t skip this unless you’re out and feeling brave.

Smoked Paprika: Brings color and just a whisper of smoky flavor. It doesn’t overpower, it just sort of hangs out in the background doing its thing.

Salt and Black Pepper: Adjust to taste. I like a good pinch of each. They round out the flavors without shouting over the onion itself.

Olive Oil Spray: Just a quick spritz helps everything crisp up in the air fryer without turning soggy or overly dry.

4) How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Step 1. Peel and slice your onions into thin rings. Try to keep them intact—easier said than done, but a little imperfection just adds charm.

Step 2. Drop the rings into a bowl of buttermilk and let them sit for about 30 minutes. Walk away. Go fold laundry. Scroll through photos of your dog. Give the buttermilk time to work its magic.

Step 3. In a shallow dish, stir together the panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You want a nice even mix so every onion gets love.

Step 4. One by one, lift those onion rings from the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, then toss them into the breadcrumb mix. Give them a good press to make sure everything sticks.

Step 5. Preheat your Instant Pot Air Fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it run for about 3 minutes before adding your onions.

Step 6. Lay your rings in the basket in a single layer. Don’t crowd them. Give them space and they’ll reward you with crunch. Spray them lightly with olive oil.

Step 7. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re done when golden, crispy, and ready to be stolen off the tray before dinner even starts.

5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Don’t rush the soak. That 30-minute bath in buttermilk isn’t just a suggestion—it gives you tender onions with flavor that actually sticks. If you skip it, you’ll notice.

Coat with care. Press those breadcrumbs in. Don’t just toss and pray. A little extra time pressing in the coating means better crunch and fewer patchy spots.

Space matters. Overcrowding the air fryer basket is a mistake I’ve made more than once. Cook them in batches if you have to. It’s worth it. The air needs room to flow around each ring to get that crisp finish we’re all here for.

6) Making Air Fryer Crispy Onions Ahead of Time

I’ve made these the night before a big family dinner, and let me tell you—they hold up shockingly well. The trick? Don’t store them in a sealed container while warm. Let them cool fully, then pop them into something breathable like a paper-towel-lined container with the lid slightly cracked.

If you’re planning to reheat, do it in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. No microwave. Please, no. That’s how you lose all the crunch.

This is one of those instant pot recipes that fits easily into meal prep life. Make a batch on Sunday, then use it to top casseroles, salads, or leftover stew all week.

7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Once they’re fully cool, transfer them to an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature if you’re eating them the next day. For longer storage, I go with the fridge—but again, reheat in the air fryer, not the microwave.

If they’ve lost their crisp (it happens), air fry them again at 350 degrees for 2 to 3 minutes. They’ll perk right back up, ready to go another round on top of green bean casserole or a pulled pork sandwich.

That’s the beauty of these air fryer onions. They’re not just a side. They’re that unexpected finishing touch. And with the Instant Pot doing the heavy lifting, these little guys earn their keep on any menu.

8) Try these Side Dish recipes next!

9) Air Fryer Crispy Onions Recipe