Air Fryer Onion Rings

Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 200 F.

Cut off both ends of the onions and peel off the skin.

Slice the onions into thick rings.

Carefully separate the rings from each other. Set aside the innermost rings for another recipe. If the rings break, you can still use them.

Prepare the 3 dredging bowls. Put the flour in 1 shallow bowl. Beat the eggs and milk in another shallow bowl. Add the panko breadcrumbs to a third shallow bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt, then divide the mixture evenly among each of the bowls. Whisk each bowl to disperse the seasonings.

Dip the onion rings in the flour first. Completely coat both sides of the rings and the inner portion.

Dip the flour-coated rings into the egg mixture. Make sure to completely coat them with the egg so you cannot see any of the flour. You may need to flip the rings a few times.

Dip the rings in the breadcrumb mixture. To thoroughly coat them, use your fingers to press the breadcrumbs onto the rings.

Generously spray the inside of the air fryer with cooking spray. Carefully place a single layer of the onion rings into the air fryer and spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook on 375 F for 10 minutes, flipping each ring halfway through the cooking time.

Transfer the first batch to a baking sheet and place in the oven to keep warm. Cook the second batch of rings. Serve with creamy dipping sauces, honey mustard, or ketchup if desired.

Recipe Variations

Substitute whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Add other seasonings to the breading, such as cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, and seasoned salt.

This recipe calls for sweet onions, but typical yellow or white onions will work just as well. Just keep in mind that white onion has a stronger flavor.