Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings (Print version)
Golden, crunchy onion rings cooked in the air fryer, served with a creamy, tangy dip for snacking or starters.
# What you'll need:
→ Onion Rings
01 - 2 large yellow onions, sliced into 1/2-inch rings
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 2 large eggs, beaten
08 - 2/3 cup milk
09 - 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
10 - Cooking spray
→ Dipping Sauce
11 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
12 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
13 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
15 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# How to make it:
01 - Slice onions into 1/2-inch thick rings and carefully separate individual rings. Discard very small center pieces or reserve for other uses.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls in a line. Combine flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in the first bowl. Whisk eggs and milk in the second bowl. Place panko breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
03 - Working with one ring at a time, dredge in flour mixture to coat completely, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Press firmly into panko breadcrumbs, ensuring even coating on all sides.
04 - Place coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each ring for air circulation. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray.
05 - Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Rings are done when deeply golden and crisp. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
06 - While onion rings cook, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and incorporated.
07 - Transfer hot onion rings to a serving plate alongside the dipping sauce. Enjoy while hot and crispy for best texture.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- The crunch satisfies that deep fried craving without splattering oil all over your stovetop
- They come together so fast you can start eating in under half an hour
02 -
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket is the fastest way to end up with soggy, unevenly cooked rings—work in batches if needed
- Make sure your panko coating is pressed firmly onto each ring, or the coating might slide off during cooking
03 -
- Pat your onion rings dry with paper towels before coating so the flour and egg stick better
- Let the coated onion rings rest for a few minutes before air frying to help the coating set