Baked Onion Rings Smoky Paprika (Printable)

Crispy baked onion rings served with a creamy smoky paprika dip, perfect as a lighter snack or appetizer.

# What You Need:

→ Onion Rings

01 - 2 large yellow onions, peeled
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1/2 cup milk
07 - 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - Cooking spray or olive oil spray

→ Smoky Paprika Dip

11 - 1/2 cup sour cream
12 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
13 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
15 - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
16 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How-To:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
02 - Slice onions into 1/2-inch thick rings. Carefully separate the rings and set aside.
03 - Prepare three separate bowls: Bowl 1 with flour, salt, and black pepper; Bowl 2 with whisked eggs and milk; Bowl 3 with panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
04 - Dredge each onion ring through flour mixture, then egg mixture, then breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure coating adheres.
05 - Place coated onion rings in single layer on prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray or olive oil spray.
06 - Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
07 - Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in small bowl until smooth.
08 - Serve baked onion rings hot with smoky paprika dip on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're genuinely crispy without the oil-soaked regret that comes with deep frying.
  • The smoky paprika dip tastes fancy but takes about as long to make as boiling water.
  • Baking means you can prep everything ahead and bake when guests arrive, keeping your kitchen from turning into a sauna.
02 -
  • Don't skip separating the onion rings fully, or they'll stay stuck together and cook unevenly in the oven.
  • The spray oil matters more than you'd think, so invest in a good cooking spray bottle or use an oil mister instead of pouring oil, which will make them greasy instead of crispy.
03 -
  • Double-dip the rings in egg and breadcrumbs if you like them extra crunchy and thick-coated, pressing firmly so the second layer actually adheres.
  • Make the dip with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if you want something lighter, though it'll be slightly less tangy so add a bit more lemon juice to compensate.
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