Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings (Printable)

Golden crispy onion rings with smoky chipotle mayo, made with less oil in the air fryer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Onion Rings Coating

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→ Chipotle Mayo

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# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes to ensure optimal crisping.
02 - Separate onion slices into individual rings. Discard very small centers or reserve for another use.
03 - Prepare three shallow bowls: combine flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and 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, allowing excess to drip off. Press firmly into panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Place on baking sheet.
05 - Arrange coated rings in single layer in air fryer basket, cooking in batches if necessary. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until deep golden brown and crispy.
06 - While rings cook, combine mayonnaise, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt in small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional chipotle or salt as desired.
07 - Transfer hot onion rings to serving platter. Serve immediately with chipotle mayo alongside for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

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  • You get that satisfying crunch without the greasy aftermath of traditional frying
  • The smoky chipotle mayo takes about two minutes to make but tastes like something from a restaurant
  • They reheat surprisingly well if you somehow manage to have leftovers
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  • Dont skip the cooking spray step it helps the panko get that beautiful golden color
  • Letting the coated rings sit for about 10 minutes before air frying helps the coating set better
  • If your onions are very thick, they might need an extra 2 minutes of cooking time
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  • Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any crumbs that fall off while transferring rings to the air fryer
  • If you want to reduce cleanup even further, line your air fryer basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers

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