Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings (Printable View)

Golden onion rings coated crisp with smoky chipotle mayo dip, made using an air fryer for less oil and crunch.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 the chipotle can)
14 - 1 teaspoon lime juice
15 - Pinch of salt

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes to ensure optimal crisping.
02 - Separate onion slices into individual rings. Discard small centers or reserve for other uses.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls. Combine flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in the first. Whisk eggs and milk in the second. Place panko breadcrumbs in the third.
04 - Dredge each onion ring in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, then press firmly into panko crumbs to coat evenly.
05 - Place coated rings in single layer in air fryer basket. Lightly mist tops with cooking spray. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
06 - Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping rings halfway through cooking time, until golden brown and crispy.
07 - While rings cook, whisk mayonnaise, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt in small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
08 - Transfer hot onion rings to serving platter. Accompany with chipotle mayo for dipping. Serve at once while crispest.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • That satisfying crunch without the mess of deep frying
  • The smoky chipotle mayo will become your new favorite dipping sauce
02 -
  • Crowding the basket leads to soggy spots, so work in batches for the best crunch
  • Letting the coated rings sit for a few minutes before air frying helps the coating set better
03 -
  • Use a spray bottle instead of aerosol spray for more even coverage
  • Let the rings cool on a wire rack instead of paper towels so they stay crisp