Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings

The air fryer sat on my counter for six months before I finally attempted onion rings in it. I was convinced nothing could replicate the crunch of deep frying, but one rainy Sunday when I was craving something crispy without the mess of hot oil, I gave it a shot. That first batch came out so golden and satisfying that I actually did a little happy dance right there in the kitchen. Now they are my go-to whenever I want comfort food that does not leave me feeling weighed down.

My brother came over last month while I was testing a new batch, hovering around the kitchen like he does whenever he smells something good. He took one bite, eyes went wide, and immediately asked if I had been deep frying. When I showed him the air fryer basket, he shook his head and went back for seconds. We ended up standing at the counter eating them straight from the paper towels while catching up about everything and nothing at all.

Ingredients

• Large yellow onions: Sweet varieties work beautifully but yellow onions give you that classic savory flavor profile we all know from childhood.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese breadcrumbs create this incredible airy crunch that regular breadcrumbs just cannot match, plus they soak up less oil.
• Smoked paprika: This adds subtle smokiness that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is without overpowering the onion sweetness.
• Whole milk: The fat content helps the egg wash cling to the onions better than water or skim milk would.
• Sriracha: Adjust this based on your heat tolerance, but the combination of spicy and creamy creates the perfect dipping sauce balance.

Instructions

Set up your dipping station:

Grab three shallow bowls and arrange them left to right like a little assembly line. The flour mixture goes first, then the egg wash, then finally those gorgeous seasoned panko crumbs.

Prep the onions:

Peel those onions and slice them into half inch rings. Separate them into individual circles and discard the tiny centers that will not hold onto coating anyway.

Create your coating stations:

Mix the flour with salt and pepper in that first bowl. Whisk eggs and milk in the second one until smooth. Combine panko with smoked paprika and garlic powder in the third bowl.

Start the dipping process:

Take each onion ring through your flour station first, shaking off any excess so the coating does not get too thick or doughy.

Add the egg layer:

Dip the flour coated rings into the egg mixture, letting any extra drip off so you do not end up with soggy spots later.

Press on the crunch:

Coat each ring thoroughly in the seasoned panko, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick. Place them on a tray as you work.

Get ready to cook:

Give both sides of each ring a quick spray with olive oil. This step is what transforms them from breaded to actually crispy and golden brown.

Heat things up:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit while you finish coating all the onions. The hot air needs that circulating temperature to work its magic properly.

Arrange for success:

Place the rings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do whatever you need to do to fit them in batches rather than overcrowding and ending up with soggy spots.

Cook to golden perfection:

Air fry for ten to twelve minutes total, flipping them halfway through. You are looking for that beautiful golden brown color that promises perfect crunch.

Whisk up the dipping sauce:

While those are cooking, mix together the mayo, sriracha, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and salt until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the heat level if needed.

Serve and enjoy:

Plate those hot, crispy rings immediately with the spicy mayo on the side for dipping. Watch them disappear faster than you thought possible.

Pin It

These became the unexpected star of my Super Bowl party last year. I made them as a quick appetizer, but people kept drifting back to the kitchen instead of watching the game. By halftime, I had to make another batch just because the first one disappeared so fast. There is something about homemade onion rings that makes people gather around and stay a while.

Getting That Perfect Crunch

The biggest secret I have learned is making sure the panko coating is pressed on firmly but not thickly. Too much breading and you taste mostly flour. Too little and the onion gets mushy instead of staying tender sweet. Find that sweet spot and these become something you will crave constantly.

Making Ahead

You can bread the onion rings up to four hours before cooking and keep them refrigerated on a tray. Just let them sit at room temperature for about fifteen minutes before air frying so they cook evenly. The spicy mayo actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge, giving the flavors time to meld together perfectly.

Serving Ideas

These onion rings are fantastic on their own, but try crushing a few over a loaded burger for extra texture and flavor. They also make an unexpected topping for a green salad with that spicy mayo as the dressing.

• Swap sweet onions for a milder flavor that kids tend to prefer.
• Try different hot sauces in the mayo to find your perfect heat level.
• Extra garlic powder in the panko mixture never hurt anyone.

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Every time I make these now, I think about that first experimental batch and how something so simple brought so much joy. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that surprise us the most.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve extra crispiness in air-fried onion rings?

Ensure the rings are coated evenly with the panko mixture and lightly spray olive oil before air frying. Flip halfway through cooking for uniform crispness.

→ Can I make the spicy mayo less spicy?

Reduce or omit the sriracha and adjust lemon juice for a milder, tangy dip that still complements the onion rings.

→ What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can be used, though panko provides the best crunch and texture.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for a similar texture.

→ How do I store leftover onion rings and mayo?

Keep onion rings in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness. Store mayo refrigerated in a sealed container.