Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings (Printable version)

Golden, crunchy onion rings baked crisp and served with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce.

# Ingredient List:

→ Onion Rings

01 - 2 large yellow onions
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1 teaspoon paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1/2 cup milk
10 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
11 - Olive oil spray

→ Dip

12 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
13 - 1/4 cup sour cream
14 - 1 tablespoon ketchup
15 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
16 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
17 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Peel onions and slice into 1/2-inch thick rings. Separate individual rings and set aside.
02 - Mix flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
03 - Whisk eggs and milk together in a separate bowl until combined.
04 - Place panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
05 - Dip each onion ring sequentially in the flour mixture, then egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
06 - Place breaded onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with olive oil.
07 - Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with oil again, until golden and crisp.
08 - Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper together until smooth. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
09 - Serve hot onion rings immediately with the prepared dipping sauce.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You get that deep-fried crunch without heating up a pot of oil or dealing with cleanup.
  • The homemade dip is tangy, creamy, and takes less than two minutes to whisk together.
  • Theyre ready in half an hour and taste better than anything from the freezer aisle.
02 -
  • Dont skip the oil spray, even in an air fryer, or the panko wont crisp up properly and youll end up with pale, soft rings.
  • If your onion rings are browning too fast, lower the temperature to 375°F and add a minute or two to the cook time.
  • Double coating them in egg and panko makes them extra crunchy, but it also uses more breadcrumbs, so plan accordingly.
03 -
  • Use the biggest onion rings for coating, the small ones fall apart too easily and arent worth the effort.
  • If the panko isnt sticking well, let the coated rings rest in the fridge for 10 minutes before air frying, it helps everything set.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon over the hot rings right before serving adds a bright pop that cuts through the richness.

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