Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings (Printable version)
Golden, crunchy onion rings air-fried to crisp perfection with a creamy tangy dip.
# Ingredient List:
→ Onion Rings
01 - 2 large yellow onions
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - ¾ cup buttermilk
08 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
09 - Cooking spray
→ Dipping Sauce
10 - ½ cup mayonnaise
11 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
12 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
14 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
15 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Peel the onions and slice into ½-inch thick rings. Separate individual rings and set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and smoked paprika; whisk well.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with buttermilk until fully blended.
04 - Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl ready for coating.
05 - Dip each onion ring first into the flour mixture, then into the egg-buttermilk blend, and finally coat thoroughly with panko. Arrange coated rings on a tray.
06 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
07 - Place onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spraying lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. Work in batches if necessary.
08 - While onion rings cook, mix all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
09 - Serve the hot, crispy onion rings alongside the chilled dipping sauce.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Crispy exterior that rivals deep-fried versions without the oil-soaked aftermath.
- Ready in under 35 minutes from raw onion to plate, no planning required.
- The dip comes together in one bowl while the rings cook, so nothing feels rushed.
02 -
- Onions release moisture as they sit, so don't bread them too far in advance or your coating will turn soggy before they hit the air fryer.
- Cooking spray is essential here, not optional—it's the only way to get real crispiness without deep frying, so don't skip it even if you think the air fryer doesn't need it.
03 -
- Don't skip the light cooking spray mist—this is how you get that deep-fried crispiness without the oil.
- Separate your onion rings immediately after slicing so they don't stick together during cooking, and keep them separated until they hit the air fryer basket.