Step 1

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.

Step 2

Cut the stems off both sides of the onion. Cut the onion into 1/2 inch thick rounds. Onions are very wobbly. Be careful while slicing and use a mandolin if necessary. Try to stabilize the onion before you slice.

Step 3

Add the flour to a bowl large enough to dredge the onions. Season the flour with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4

Add the buttermilk and egg to the seasoned flour. Beat and stir to combine.

Step 5

Add the panko breadcrumbs to a separate bowl large enough to dredge the onions.

Step 6

Dredge the sliced onions in the flour buttermilk mixture and then the panko breadcrumbs. Keep a moist kitchen towel handy for you hands. They will get sticky.

Step 7

Place the onion rings on a plate. After breading the onions, freeze the onion rings for 15 minutes. This is an optional step, but highly recommended. It helps keep the breading intact.

Step 8

Place the onions in the air fryer. Do not stack them. Cook in batches if needed.

Step 9

Spray with cooking oil.

Step 10

Cook for 10-12 minutes on 370 degrees. I found that my onion rings did not need a flip. Check in on yours to determine both sides are golden brown and crisp. Flip if necessary.

Step 11

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and stir.