Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings (Printable Version)
Golden onion rings with smoky chipotle mayo, crispy and made with less oil in an air fryer.
# What You'll Need:
→ Onion Rings
01 - 2 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rings
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
09 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
10 - Cooking spray (vegetable or canola)
→ Chipotle Mayo
11 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
12 - 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
13 - 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from chipotle can
14 - 1 teaspoon lime juice
15 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes to ensure optimal crisping.
02 - Peel onions and slice into 1/2-inch rings. Separate rings and set aside.
03 - Prepare three shallow bowls. Bowl 1: combine flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bowl 2: whisk eggs and milk until blended. Bowl 3: pour in panko breadcrumbs.
04 - Dredge each onion ring in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Press firmly into panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly on all sides.
05 - Place coated rings in a single layer in air fryer basket. Work in batches as needed to avoid overcrowding. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray.
06 - Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Rings are done when golden brown and crispy.
07 - While rings cook, combine mayonnaise, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt in small bowl. Mix until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste.
08 - Transfer hot onion rings to serving plate. Serve alongside chipotle mayo for dipping. Best enjoyed immediately while crispy.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The air fryer gives you that satisfying crunch without the greasy aftermath of traditional frying
- That smoky chipotle mayo will make you want to dip everything in it
02 -
- Crowding the air fryer basket will make onion rings soggy instead of crispy
- Press the panko coating firmly onto each ring, or it will fall off during cooking
03 -
- Soak onion rings in cold water for 10 minutes before coating to reduce their sharpness
- Let coated rings sit for 5 minutes before air frying for better adhesion