Ranch onion rings

For the onion rings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing and seasoning powder (2 tablespoons)

• 3 teaspoons salt, divided, plus more for seasoning

• 2 teaspoons black pepper, divided

• 4 large eggs

• 1/4 cup water

• 4 cups panko breadcrumbs

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 2 pounds large Vidalia onions

For the dip (optional):

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill

• 1 tablespoon ranch powder

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pinch salt

• black pepper

• Stir 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt, and 1 teaspoon of the black pepper together in a shallow bowl with until combined.

• Whisk 4 large eggs and 1/4 cup water together in a second shallow bowl until combined.

• Place 4 cups panko breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Using your hands, crush up the breadcrumbs slightly to create a slightly finer crumb, which will adhere to the onion rings. Stir in the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Drizzle with 1/3 cup olive oil. Using your hands rub the oil into the breadcrumbs, breaking up any lumps and making sure all breadcrumbs are coated evenly.

• Peel and slice 2 pounds large Vidalia onions crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Carefully separate the rings, setting aside only the large and medium rings.

• Heat an air fryer to 375º Working in batches, dredge and fry enough onion rings to form two layers in the air fryer basket: Coat 1 ring in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into egg mixture, thoroughly moistening the insides and outsides of the rings with your fingers. Repeat dredging in the flour mixture and egg mixture. Transfer to the panko mixture, and dredge, pressing the crumbs to the rings to properly adhere, until evenly coated.

• Place the dredged rings in two layers in the air fryer basket, making sure the rings are not sitting within one another. Air fry until browned & crisped about 16 to 25 minutes. Check about 13 minutes in and flip the rings if they are not browning evenly.

• Meanwhile, fit a wire rack onto a baking sheet. Dredge the next batch of rings, stacking them on a plate.

• Transfer the cooked onion rings to the wire rack, lightly sprinkle with more kosher salt, and keep warm in a 250º oven if desired. Air fry the remaining rings. Serve warm with the dip if using.

Make the dip:

• Stir 1 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon ranch powder, 1 tablespoon water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pinch salt & black pepper together in a small bowl.

#onionrings #easymeals #sidedish