Herb Crusted Onion Rings Recipe

Introduction

Herb Crusted Onion Rings elevate the humble onion ring to gourmet status with layers of fresh herbs, zesty seasoning, and a delightfully crisp exterior. What sets these apart is the burst of herby flavor in every crunchy bite—making them an addictive appetizer, side, or snack that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

This recipe balances simplicity and sophistication, allowing home cooks to serve up a restaurant-worthy snack without the hassle or mess of deep frying. They’re delicious on their own, but also perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces.

Standout Herb Crust for Next-Level Flavor

The secret to these onion rings is coating each tender ring in a custom blend of panko crumbs, parmesan, and a mixture of parsley, basil, and chives. This fusion gives a fragrant, vibrant crust that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the onion. Baking or air frying ensures a lighter bite, allowing the aromatics and seasonings to shine.

Easy Prep and Time-Saving Tips

To keep prep time to a minimum and achieve evenly sliced onion rings, rely on a quality vegetable chopper. The Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper allows for quick, uniform slices, so you spend less time prepping and more time enjoying these crispy treats.

You’ll also find it helpful to lay out all dredging stations in advance—flour, egg wash, and herb-panko coating—for assembly-line efficiency.

The Crispy Cooking Solution: Bake or Air Fry

Achieve perfect crunch without oily mess by opting for baking or air frying. The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey delivers a beautiful golden crust in half the time and with much less oil than traditional methods.

For an oven approach, use a parchment-lined baking sheet for swift cleanup and perfectly crisp results—a breeze with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.

Serving Up Fresh and Flavorful Onion Rings

Serve these hot out of the oven or air fryer for max crunch. They’re fantastic with classic ranch, a chipotle aioli, or a tangy herbed yogurt dip. If prepping ahead, keep your rings crisp and ready for serving by storing them in a well-sealed container like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 to maintain freshness.

Garnish with extra chopped herbs for an attractive boost of color and flavor just before serving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields roughly 18–22 onion rings (about 4 servings). Each serving offers around 160–200 calories, depending on size and cooking method. They’re lower in fat than deep-fried versions but full of flavor thanks to the fresh herbs and light, crispy crumb.

Herb Crusted Onion Rings (Recap)

Crunchy, herby, and light, these onion rings are a step above their classic counterpart. Serve them as a starter, snack, or party bite—they’ll disappear before you know it.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F or set your air fryer to 400°F.
2. Slice onions into rings with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for even, perfect rounds. Carefully separate the rings and set aside.
3. Set up three bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper; a second with eggs whisked together with milk; and a third with panko breadcrumbs combined with parmesan, parsley, basil, chives, and garlic powder.
4. One ring at a time, dredge the onion in flour, dip in the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the herb-panko mixture. Press gently to ensure an even crust.
5. Line a baking sheet with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll or use air fryer-safe Air Fryer Paper Liners for easy cleanup. Arrange coated onion rings in a single layer without overlapping.
6. Lightly spritz with YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black or similar olive oil spray to promote crisping.
7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air fry for 12–15 minutes, until golden and crisp.
8. Serve immediately with dipping sauces, garnished with extra herbs.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15–22 minutes

Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Enjoy the best of both worlds: a healthier, flavor-packed onion ring that’s impressively easy to make and sure to wow your guests!