Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings

The air fryer changed everything about my relationship with fried food. I used to spend hours hovering over a pot of hot oil, inevitably burning myself and creating a mess that took three days to clean. These onion rings came out of one of those lazy Sunday afternoons when I wanted something crispy without the commitment of deep frying. Now they are my go-to appetizer for movie nights.

Last summer I made these for a backyard barbecue and honestly forgot about them until my brother texted me the next day asking for the recipe. The spicy mayo disappeared first, and I caught people double dipping when they thought no one was watching. It has become a requested staple at every gathering since.

Ingredients

• Large yellow onions: Sweet varieties work beautifully here, but any yellow onion will give you that perfect balance of sweetness and bite
• All purpose flour: Creates the essential first layer that helps the egg wash stick evenly
• Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese style crumbs are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, giving you that restaurant quality crunch
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that makes these taste like they came from a professional kitchen
• Olive oil spray: The key to getting golden brown coloration without the mess of brushing oil

Instructions

Prep your onions:

Slice those onions into thick rings and separate them into individual circles, keeping the smaller centers for snacking while you cook

Set up your dipping station:

Arrange three shallow bowls in a line with seasoned flour, whisked eggs and milk, and finally the spiced panko mixture

Coat each ring:

Dredge through flour, dip into egg wash, then press into panko until thoroughly coated and place on a prepared tray

Add the finishing touch:

Spray both sides of each ring lightly with olive oil to ensure even browning in the air fryer

Get them crispy:

Arrange in a single layer in your preheated air fryer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through

Make the spicy mayo:

Whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and smoked paprika until smooth and creamy

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These have become my comfort food of choice when I need something satisfying but do not want the heavy feeling that comes with traditional fried foods. The first time I made them for myself on a rainy Tuesday, I ate the entire batch standing at the counter.

Making Them Extra Crispy

I learned that spraying the rings with oil immediately after coating them rather than right before cooking makes a noticeable difference in the final texture. The oil has time to settle into the crumbs instead of sitting on the surface.

Customizing The Heat

The spicy mayo is where you can really make this recipe your own. I sometimes add a touch of honey to balance the heat or use different hot sauces depending on my mood and what is in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

These onion rings work as an appetizer, side dish, or even a late night snack. I have served them alongside burgers, sandwiches, and sometimes just on their own as a party nibble.

• Try them with a ranch dipping sauce for variety
• Sprinkle some flaky sea salt immediately after air frying
• Keep them warm in a low oven if making a large batch

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There is something genuinely satisfying about pulling out a tray of perfectly golden onion rings without having dealt with a single splatter of hot oil. These might just ruin restaurant onion rings for you forever.

Common Questions

→ How do you get onion rings crispy in an air fryer?

Coat the rings evenly with seasoned panko and spray lightly with olive oil. Air fry at 400°F, flipping halfway, to achieve a golden, crunchy texture.

→ Can I make the spicy mayo less hot?

Yes, reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute with a milder hot sauce. You can also mix in Greek yogurt to mellow the heat.

→ What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

For a different texture or gluten-free option, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as coating alternatives.

→ How long should onion rings be sliced for best results?

Slice onions into ½-inch thick rings to ensure they cook evenly and hold their shape during frying.

→ Is it necessary to spray olive oil before air frying?

Light olive oil spray helps the coating crisp up and develop a golden color without added grease.