Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings (Print Version)
Golden, crunchy onion rings air fried and paired with a zesty spicy mayo dip.
# What You Need:
→ Onion Rings
01 - 2 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rings
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - ½ cup whole milk
07 - 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
08 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
10 - Olive oil spray
→ Spicy Mayo
11 - ½ cup mayonnaise
12 - 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
14 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - Salt, to taste
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Separate the onion slices into individual rings and set aside.
02 - Prepare three shallow bowls: first bowl with flour, salt, and black pepper; second bowl with whisked eggs and milk; third bowl with panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and garlic powder combined.
03 - Dredge each onion ring in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture ensuring full coverage, then coat with seasoned panko, pressing gently to adhere.
04 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
05 - Place coated rings on a tray and spray both sides lightly with olive oil.
06 - Arrange onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. Work in batches if necessary.
07 - Whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and salt to taste until smooth.
08 - Serve hot onion rings with spicy mayo on the side for dipping.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get that satisfying crunch without needing gallons of oil or dealing with messy cleanup afterward.
- The spicy mayo takes about thirty seconds to whisk together but makes these feel like restaurant quality appetizers.
02 -
- Do not skip the olive oil spray even though it seems unnecessary. That tiny bit of fat is what creates the actual crispy texture we are all after.
- Crowding the air fryer basket will steam the onions instead of frying them. Work in batches if you need to.
03 -
- Save the tiny inner onion rings and chop them up for burgers or tacos later instead of trying to coat them.
- If your panko is not sticking well, try dipping the floured rings back into the egg mixture for a second coat before the panko step.