Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings (Printable)

Golden, crunchy onion rings perfect for snacking, paired with a zesty spicy mayo dipping sauce.

# What's Needed:

→ 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Separate the onion slices into individual rings and set aside.
02 - Prepare three bowls: Bowl 1 with flour, salt, and black pepper mixed; Bowl 2 with whisked eggs and milk; Bowl 3 with panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and garlic powder combined.
03 - Dredge each onion ring in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
04 - Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
05 - Coat with the seasoned panko, pressing gently to adhere.
06 - Place coated rings on a tray and spray both sides lightly with olive oil.
07 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
08 - Arrange onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
09 - Whisk all spicy mayo ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
10 - Serve hot onion rings with spicy mayo on the side.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • You get that perfect deep-fried crunch without all the grease and mess of a pot of hot oil
  • The spicy mayo dipping sauce takes about thirty seconds but makes everything feel like restaurant quality
  • They reheat surprisingly well for leftovers if they somehow last that long
02 -
  • Do not skip the olive oil spray because without it the breadcrumbs will stay pale and soft instead of getting that gorgeous crunch
  • Work in batches and resist overcrowding the air fryer or the rings will steam instead of crisp up properly
  • Let them cool for just two minutes after cooking so the coating sets and becomes even crunchier
03 -
  • Use tongs to handle the rings during breading to keep your hands clean and avoid pulling off any coating you have already applied
  • Preheat your air fryer for at least five minutes before adding the first batch for the crispiest results possible

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