There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into these cheeseburger-stuffed onion rings. I created this recipe after dreaming about combining two of my favorite comfort foods into one handheld treat. The crispy exterior gives way to savory beef and melty cheese—all wrapped in a sweet onion shell.

Why You’ll Want to Make These Again

• Combines the best parts of a cheeseburger and onion rings in one bite
• Perfectly portioned for appetizers, game day, or a fun family dinner
• The air fryer creates that deep-fried crunch without the excess oil
• Ready in under 30 minutes from prep to plate
• Makes a memorable impression when entertaining friends

The Building Blocks

Lean ground beef – The 90% lean variety provides great flavor without excess grease. If you prefer, ground turkey works as a lighter alternative.

Onion – Look for large, sweet varieties like Vidalia or Spanish onions that give you wide rings to work with. The thicker the slice, the easier they are to stuff.

Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar delivers that classic burger flavor, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for heat or Swiss for a milder taste.

Panko breadcrumbs – These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs. For extra flavor, try the seasoned variety.

Condiments – The ketchup and mustard mixed into the beef infuse burger flavor throughout. These are the secret to making the filling taste like a real cheeseburger.

Customization Station

Bacon Cheeseburger Rings

Mix 3 tablespoons of cooked, crumbled bacon into your beef mixture. The smoky, salty addition transforms these into an even more indulgent treat.

Pizza Burger Remix

Substitute mozzarella for the cheddar, add a tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the meat mixture, and serve with warm marinara for dipping instead of ketchup.

Breakfast Edition

Use breakfast sausage instead of beef, swap the cheddar for American cheese, and add a sprinkle of maple syrup to the meat mixture. Serve with maple syrup for dipping.

Assembly Line

Step 1: Prepare Your Filling

Mix the ground beef with ketchup, mustard, and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix, or your meat can become tough. The condiments in the mixture help keep the meat moist during cooking.

Step 2: Build Your Rings

Select the 8 largest onion rings from your sliced onion. Fill each with a portion of the beef mixture, add your cheese square, then seal with more beef. Press gently to ensure the filling stays put.

Step 3: Coat and Air Fry

Set up your breading station with seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and panko. The trick here is to use one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet to avoid the dreaded “breaded fingers.” Air fry in batches for the crispiest results.

Kitchen Wisdom

• Don’t rush the breading process—press the panko firmly onto each ring to create a solid coating that won’t fall off during cooking.
• If your onion rings are wobbly, flatten the bottom of the beef mixture slightly to create a more stable base.
• Let the filled rings rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before breading for easier handling.
• Spritz with oil spray halfway through cooking for the most even browning.
• Check for doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the beef portion—it should read 160°F.
• Work in batches rather than crowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping.

Serving Suggestions

These rings shine as an appetizer served on a platter with small ramekins of spicy ketchup, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing for dipping. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness.

If you’re hosting a game day gathering, set these out alongside other finger foods like buffalo wings and potato skins for the ultimate sports-watching spread.

Storage Solutions

These are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer when the coating is at its crispiest and the cheese is perfectly melty. However, if you have leftovers:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for 3-4 minutes to restore some crispness
• Avoid microwaving, which will make the coating soggy

For make-ahead prep, you can assemble and bread the rings, then refrigerate for up to 4 hours before cooking.

Questions Answered

Can I make these in the oven instead?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious.

What can I use if I don’t eat beef?

Ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well. Just be aware that leaner options might be slightly less juicy.

How do I keep the filling from falling out?

Make sure to really seal the meat around the cheese and press it firmly into the onion ring. The egg and flour in the breading also help bind everything together.

Can I freeze these?

You can freeze them after cooking and cooling completely. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 325°F for 6-8 minutes. The texture won’t be quite the same, but they’ll still be tasty.

Worth Every Bite

These cheeseburger onion rings bring together the best of two worlds in one irresistible package. They’re the kind of fun food that makes dinner exciting and has everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or entertaining guests, these crispy, beefy bites are sure to earn you rave reviews.

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