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Gluten Free Onion Rings

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Craving something crispy and fun? These gluten-free onion rings are just what you need—light, golden, and packed with flavor in every bite. If you serve them as a snack, a side, or just grab one straight from the plate, they’re so crunchy and tasty, no one will miss the gluten.

A plate of crispy fried onion rings with a side of red dipping sauce and a bowl of mustard, garnished with green herbs.
Gluten Free Onion Rings. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

I never thought much about onion rings until one rainy afternoon when I stopped by a tiny roadside diner. The smell of crispy, golden-fried onions filled the air, and on a whim, I rushed to go home and made my own. One bite into that crunchy, savory perfection and I was hooked—before I knew it.

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An Appetizer Dish

These onion rings are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. They’re easy to make and full of flavor, and everyone loves that crispy crunch. Making them gluten-free ensures that those with dietary restrictions can enjoy them, too. Serve them alongside dipping sauces like BBQ sauce, buffalo ranch sauce, or even orange sauce for an extra touch.

Make This Recipe for Any Occasion

When it’s a casual family dinner, a game day snack, or a party, these gluten-free onion rings will always impress. You can even customize the batter with different seasonings to match the theme of your meal.

Batter or Coating

A good gluten-free onion ring batter or coating is the secret to achieving that perfect crispy crunch. By using a blend of almond flour, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and a touch of seasoning, you get a flavorful coating that sticks beautifully to each onion ring.

A plate of crispy fried onion rings garnished with herbs, served with a bowl of dipping sauce and green toppings.
Crispy fried onion rings garnished with herbs.

How To Make Gluten Free Onion Rings

Enjoy crispy, golden gluten-free onion rings with a flavorful, crunchy coating perfect for snacking or dipping. This easy recipe delivers all the deliciousness of classic onion rings without the gluten.

Kitchen Gadgets:

  • Air Fryer: A must-have for making perfectly crispy gluten-free onion rings with less oil.
  • Bowl: Mix your onion rings batter and coat the onions evenly.
  • Whisk: Helps to mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients together without lumps.
  • Tongs: Ideal for safely and easily flipping your onion rings during cooking.

Ingredients:

  • Egg: Helps bind the breadcrumbs to the onions and gives the batter a crispy texture.
  • Onions: The main ingredient is sliced into rings, which will be coated in the batter.
  • Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for that perfect crispy exterior.
  • Granulated Garlic: Adds a savory depth of flavor to the onion rings.
  • EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil): Instead of canola oil, use EVOO oil to spray or brush the onion rings for crispness.
  • Almond Flour: A gluten-free alternative to regular flour, no starch and adds texture to the batter.
  • Smoked Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor and vibrant color to the batter.
  • Onion Powder: Enhances the onion flavor and pairs perfectly with the garlic and smoked paprika.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a mild spiciness and complements the savory flavors of the onion rings.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors, giving the onion rings that satisfying taste.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

FULL INSTRUCTIONS WITH STEPS FOR GLUTEN-FREE ONION RINGS

First Step: Gather Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and ensuring your air fryer is ready to go. Slice the onions into thick, uniform rings. Preheat your air fryer so it’s hot and ready once you’re done prepping.

Ingredients for gluten free onion rings, including onions, almond flour, breadcrumbs, olive oil, egg, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and granulated garlic, arranged on a wooden surface.
Ingredients for Gluten Free Onion Rings.

Second Step: Prepare the Coatings

In one bowl, combine almond flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for the dry coating. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten for the wet coating. These will give your onion rings the crispy texture and savory flavor you want.

Step 1: A glass bowl with breadcrumbs and spices. Step 2: A hand whisks an egg in a bowl above another bowl filled with breadcrumbs.
Bowls with egg, breadcrumbs, and spices.

Third Step: Coat the Onion Rings

Dip each onion ring into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the dry mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all the onion rings, ensuring each one has both a wet and dry layer.

Three-step process for making onion rings: slicing onions, dipping rings in beaten eggs, and coating them with breadcrumbs.
Dipping rings in beaten eggs, and coating them with breadcrumbs.

Fourth Step: Air Fry the Onion Rings

Preheat your air fryer to 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius) and lightly grease the basket with EVO oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded for even cooking. Air fry for8 minutes, letting them crisp up and turn golden brown.

Three-step process of cooking onion rings in an air fryer: spraying oil, placing onion rings in the basket, and closing the air fryer lid to cook.
Cooking onion rings in an air fryer.

Fifth Step: Flip for Even Cooking

Using tongs, carefully flip each onion ring to ensure even crisping on both sides. Continue air frying for another 5 minutes at 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius) until the onion rings are perfectly crispy and golden. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Image split in two: left side shows onion rings in an air fryer basket; right side shows a hand pressing buttons on the air fryer control panel.
Flipping onion rings.

TRICKS AND TIPS:

  • Coat the Onion Rings Well: When dipping the onion rings in the batter, make sure they are fully coated, as this ensures the perfect crisp texture. Double coating them can give them extra crunch if you prefer.
  • Use Parchment Paper: If using an air fryer, line the basket with parchment paper to prevent the onion rings from sticking. This will help keep them crispy and make cleanup easier.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat the air fryer before cooking to ensure an even crisp on the onion rings. A quick 3-minute preheat is enough to get things started right.
  • Make Sure to Space Out the Onion Rings: When placing them in the air fryer, don’t overcrowd them. Leave enough space for air to circulate around each ring, which helps them cook evenly and crisply.
  • Adjust Cooking Time for Your Air Fryer Model: Depending on your air fryer’s brand and size, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on them to get that perfect golden brown color.
A plate of crispy onion rings served with two dipping sauces, one reddish and one yellow, garnished with chopped chives.
Onion rings served with two dipping sauces.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What to Serve With Crispy Onion Rings?

Gluten-free crispy onion rings make an excellent side dish for many meals. They pair beautifully with green bean casserole, homemade sausage, or enchiladas. You can also serve them with shrimp, chicken poppers with zucchini, or a hearty salad.

How Do I Store Gluten Free Onion Rings?

To store gluten-free onion rings, let them cool completely first to prevent moisture buildup. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days to maintain their freshness.

Can I Freeze them?

Yes, you can make it into frozen onion rings. After breading the onion rings, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

A plate of crispy onion rings with three dipping sauces—red, green, and yellow—garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a whole onion in the background.
A plate of crispy onion rings with three dipping sauces.

More Clean Eating Recipes

From quick and easy meals to satisfying snacks, there are endless ways to make delicious dishes using simple, fresh ingredients. Protein bread is a great alternative to traditional white bread, featuring a low-carb and protein-packed bread mixture.

Prepare another flexible pantry staple with dehydrated tomatoes. These dehydrated tomatoes can become tomato powder, a great substitute for tomato paste and a clean eating option for adding tomato flavor to your dishes without any additives or preservatives.

Pin For Later

Close-up of crispy gluten-free onion rings garnished with chives, served with dipping sauce and green salad on the side. Text overlay promotes clean eating and gluten-free food.
Close-up of crispy gluten-free onion rings.

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A plate of crispy breaded onion rings garnished with herbs, served with dips including salsa and a creamy sauce in small bowls.

Gluten Free Onion Rings

Zuzana Paar
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Craving something crispy and fun? These gluten-free onion rings are just what you need—light, golden, and packed with flavor in every bite. If you serve them as a snack, a side, or just grab one straight from the plate, they’re so crunchy and tasty, no one will miss the gluten.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Sides, Snack, Snacks
Cuisine American, International
Servings 4 Portions
Calories 68 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

Video

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”HWOK2GI0″ upload-date=”2025-05-03T16:29:38+00:00″ name=”Gluten Free Onion Rings YTV.mp4″ description=”Craving something crispy and fun? These gluten-free onion rings are just what you need—light, golden, and packed with flavor in every bite. If you serve them as a snack, a side, or just grab one straight from the plate, they’re so crunchy and tasty, no one will miss the gluten.” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”]

Instructions
 

  • Start by gathering all your ingredients and ensuring your air fryer is ready to go. Slice the onions into thick, uniform rings. Preheat your air fryer so it’s hot and ready once you’re done prepping.
  • In one bowl, combine almond flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for the dry coating. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten for the wet coating. These will give your onion rings the crispy texture and savory flavor you want.
  • Dip each onion ring into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the dry mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all the onion rings, ensuring each one has both a wet and dry layer.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius) and lightly grease the basket with EVO oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded for even cooking. Air fry for 8 minutes, letting them crisp up and turn golden brown.
  • Using tongs, carefully flip each onion ring to ensure even crisping on both sides. Continue air frying for another 5 minutes at 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius) until the onion rings are perfectly crispy and golden. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Coat the Onion Rings Well: When dipping the onion rings in the batter, make sure they are fully coated, as this ensures the perfect crisp texture. Double coating them can give them extra crunch if you prefer.
  • Use Parchment Paper: If using an air fryer, line the basket with parchment paper to prevent the onion rings from sticking. This will help keep them crispy and make cleanup easier.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat the air fryer before cooking to ensure an even crisp on the onion rings. A quick 3-minute preheat is enough to get things started right.
  • Make Sure to Space Out the Onion Rings: When placing them in the air fryer, don’t overcrowd them. Leave enough space for air to circulate around each ring, which helps them cook evenly and crisply.
  • Adjust Cooking Time for Your Air Fryer Model: Depending on your air fryer’s brand and size, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on them to get that perfect golden brown color.

Nutrition

Serving: 1PortionCalories: 68kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 308mgPotassium: 46mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 276IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

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By Zuzana Paar on May 4th, 2025
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About Zuzana Paar

Zuzana is the creative force and mastermind behind this scrumptious clean eating heaven. She will guide you on this delicious journey as a content creator, recipe developer, food writer, movie maker, blogger, and photographer. With her diverse skills she is dedicated to sharing delicious, healthy recipes and helpful tips with readers.

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