Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings: Do They Work?

Frozen onion rings can be cooked in an air fryer in just a few minutes, resulting in a crispy, golden brown snack. This method is quicker than baking them in the oven and is also healthier than deep-frying. The key to getting the perfect air-fried frozen onion rings is to ensure they are cooked evenly and are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket.

Preheat settings and timings

Preheat Temperature

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before cooking frozen onion rings. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer is around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating ensures even cooking and is especially important when cooking frozen foods.

Cook Time and Timing

The cooking time for frozen onion rings in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer model. Here are some general guidelines:

• For crispy onion rings, cook for around 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If using a lower temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, cook for about 12 minutes.
• Some sources suggest cooking for 4-5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket halfway through.

Tips for Best Results

• Keep a close eye on your onion rings during cooking, as air fryers can vary, and you may need to adjust the timing.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. It is recommended to cook in batches if needed.
• For even cooking and to prevent sticking, shake the basket or flip the onion rings halfway through the cooking process.
• If desired, spray the onion rings with a little oil before cooking to enhance crispiness. Olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil are good options.
• If reheating leftover onion rings, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 2-3 minutes.

By following these instructions and adjusting as needed for your specific air fryer, you'll be able to enjoy delicious and crispy frozen onion rings cooked to perfection!

Best frozen onion ring brands

Frozen onion rings can be cooked in an air fryer, and there are several brands available in the market. Here is a list of some of the best frozen onion ring brands:

Alexia Crispy Onion Rings

Alexia onion rings are available at most grocery stores and are a popular choice for air frying. They are made with sweet onions and panko breading, resulting in a crunchy texture. The warm onion inside the ring can slide loose from its coating, giving you the authentic restaurant experience. While the breading is not overly salty, you can always dip the rings in ranch dressing for added flavour.

Nathan's Thick Sliced Battered Onion Rings

Nathan's is a famous hot dog brand, but they also make delicious onion rings. These rings are best for those who prefer battered rings over breaded ones. The light, puffy, and airy coating accentuates the flavour of the sweet onion inside. The coating is similar to a corn dog batter, making them a great addition to your burger or sandwich.

Red Robin Crispy Onion Rings

Red Robin, known for its bottomless baskets of fries, also makes delicious frozen onion rings. These rings look like they came straight from the restaurant, with a crisp and satisfying breading. While their frozen onion rings received mixed reviews, they are still worth trying, especially if you are a fan of the brand.

Cavendish Farms Crispy Sweet Onion Rings

Cavendish Farms' onion rings are golden in colour and have a reliable texture, whether cooked in a deep fryer, oven, or air fryer. The batter includes amaranth and quinoa, giving the rings a slightly nutty flavour and added health benefits. These onion rings are a great choice for a hearty meal or a fancy appetizer.

Member's Mark Battered Onion Rings

Member's Mark offers onion rings in bulk, with a 10-pound box available at Sam's Club. The batter is scrumptious, and the crispiness and seasoning are impeccable. There is a hint of sweetness in the batter, making these rings ideal for those with a sweet tooth. Just remember to eat them while they're hot for the best experience!

Other Notable Mentions:

• Food Club Onion Rings: Great for those craving a fast-food experience.
• Ian's Onion Rings: A healthier option that is gluten-free, wheat-free, milk-free, and egg-free.
• Brew City Beer Battered Thick Cut Onion Rings: Perfect for beer lovers, with a strong beer flavour.

Oil and cooking spray

While it is not necessary to use oil when cooking frozen onion rings in an air fryer, some recipes suggest adding a little oil to make the onion rings crispier. If you are using oil, it is recommended to spray the onion rings with vegetable, olive, or avocado oil using an oil mister or EVO oil sprayer. You can also drizzle a little olive oil or vegetable oil over the onion rings if you prefer. However, it is important to avoid using canned cooking sprays, such as PAM, as these can ruin your air fryer. Instead, use a non-stick cooking spray or an oil mister to lightly coat the onion rings and the bottom of the air fryer basket.

If you notice that your onion rings are starting to dry out while cooking or reheating, you can spray them with a few spritzes of oil to restore moisture and crispiness.

Reheating

Air fryers are great for reheating frozen onion rings and keeping them crispy. If you have leftover onion rings, you can easily reheat them in your air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you reheat frozen onion rings to perfection:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before reheating onion rings. Set the temperature to 350°F (176°C) and preheat for about 2-3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps the onion rings warm up faster.

Temperature and Timing

The ideal temperature for reheating frozen onion rings is 350°F (176°C). Reheat the onion rings for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Avoid Overcrowding

When placing the onion rings in the air fryer basket, avoid overcrowding. If you have a large quantity of onion rings, cook them in batches to ensure even reheating. This will also help maintain the crispiness of the onion rings.

Toss or Flip

During the reheating process, consider tossing or flipping the onion rings halfway through. This helps ensure even warming and prevents them from sticking to the basket. You can use tongs or shake the basket gently to toss the onion rings.

Oil Spray (Optional)

If you notice that the onion rings are drying out or losing their crispiness, you can spray them lightly with vegetable oil, olive oil, or avocado oil. Avoid using canned cooking sprays, as they can damage the air fryer. Instead, opt for an oil mister or sprayer.

Dipping Sauces

Serve your reheated onion rings with your favorite dipping sauces. Some popular options include ketchup, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a simple combination of sour cream, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover onion rings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. However, frozen onion rings are best enjoyed fresh, as the crispy texture may not hold up well over time.

By following these instructions, you can easily reheat frozen onion rings in your air fryer, ensuring they are warm, crispy, and delicious. Enjoy your favorite snack or side dish without sacrificing taste or texture!

Serving suggestions

Frozen onion rings cooked in an air fryer can be served as a side dish or an appetiser. They can be served alongside burgers, hot dogs, or vegetarian burgers, or even as a side to a BBQ. They can also be served as a snack, with a variety of dipping sauces such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, fry sauce, or garlic aioli. For a healthier option, serve with air-fried sides like brussel sprouts or cauliflower.

Frequently asked questions