Onion rings are the ultimate indulgence. Thanks to the handy-dandy air fryer, I created a version that has a crispy, golden outside, plus a flavorful and tender onion center.

No air fryer? No worries! I also provide instructions for baking them to perfection in the oven. Here’s the best part: Each ring gets dipped in a 3-ingredient Sweet Chipotle Ketchup that adds a whole other flavor dimension. Oh, yes! You need this recipe.

Try these Dill French Fries with Lemony Dip!

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Air Fryer Onion Rings with Sweet Chipotle Ketchup

Thanks to the handy-dandy air fryer, I created a version that has a crispy, golden outside, plus a flavorful and tender onion center.
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Ingredients
 

Onion Rings

  • ¾ cup bread crumbs, preferably whole wheat
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1½ tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
  • 1 large sweet onion, sliced into ½-inch rings and separated

Sweet Chipotle Ketchup (makes about 7 tablespoons)

  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper hot sauce, or more to taste
  • 2 teaspoons honey

Instructions
 

To make dipping sauce:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, hot sauce, and honey. Set aside.

To make onion rings:

  • In a medium bowl whisk together the bread crumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper. In a separate bowl whisk together the egg, egg white, and mayonnaise until well combined.
  • Submerge each piece of onion in the egg wash and then completely cover in breadcrumbs (pat all sides to really coat). Set aside on a prepared baking sheet and repeat steps to coat all the onion slices.
  • Working in batches, mist the tops of the onion rings evenly with nonstick oil spray before adding to the inserted metal rack within the air fryer. Cook the onion rings according to the manufacturers’ instructions in a single layer in your air fryer.
  • As a reference, I cook mine on the “French fry” mode or “air fry” setting, which is ~400˚ for 7 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and onions are tender, but hold their shape.
  • Serve immediately with dipping sauce.

To make onion rings in the oven:

  • Alternatively, these onion rings can be baked in an oven set to 400° on a lined baking sheet for 14 to 16 minutes or until the coating is evenly golden brown and the onions are tender. Carefully flip onions halfway through the cooking process. Serve immediately.

Notes

Makes about 6 servings. Nutrition provided for 1 serving onion rings; add 20 calories per tablespoon Sweet Chipotle Ketchup.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information per serving

Calories: 70Carbohydrates: 12gProtein: 4gTotal Fat: 0g— Unsaturated Fat: 0g— Saturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 190mgFiber: 1gTotal Sugar: 2g— Natural Sugar: 2g— Added Sugar: 0g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!