Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings: Do They Work?

Frozen onion rings can be cooked in an air fryer and the results are impressive. Cooking frozen onion rings in an air fryer is much quicker than baking them in the oven, and they turn out crispier. They are also healthier than deep-fried onion rings.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process, especially when cooking frozen foods such as onion rings. It ensures that your food cooks evenly, reducing the chances of sogginess and ensuring a crispy texture. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for preheating your air fryer to cook frozen onion rings:

Preheat Temperature

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is ideal for cooking frozen onion rings as it allows them to cook evenly and prevents the exterior from burning or becoming overcooked while the interior remains raw.

Preheat Time

The preheat time for your air fryer will depend on the model and its features. Some air fryers, like the Cosori Air Fryer, have a preheat button that automatically preheats the appliance for you. Others may require you to set a timer for around 3 minutes before adding your frozen onion rings. Always refer to your air fryer's instructions for specific guidelines.

Benefits of Preheating

Preheating your air fryer offers several advantages when cooking frozen onion rings. Firstly, it helps to evaporate any moisture from the frozen onion rings, preventing them from becoming soggy. Secondly, it ensures even cooking, so you don't end up with unevenly cooked or raw onion rings. Finally, preheating allows you to achieve that desirable crispy texture that makes air-fried onion rings so appealing.

Tips for Preheating

• Keep the onion rings frozen until you are ready to cook them. Do not defrost them beforehand.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Place the onion rings in a single layer, with minimal overlap, to ensure even cooking and crispiness. You may need to cook in batches if you have a smaller air fryer.
• If you are cooking in batches, you can reheat the first batch by placing them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain their warmth and crispiness.

By following these instructions and tips, you'll be able to preheat your air fryer effectively and cook delicious, crispy frozen onion rings. Enjoy experimenting with this convenient cooking method!

Oil the air fryer basket

To oil the air fryer basket, you can use a non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of oil. This step is optional but will make your onion rings extra crispy, just like they are served at restaurants. You can use an oil spray, or drizzle a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil.

If you are using frozen onion rings, it is important to note that most frozen foods in the US are cooked with oil already included. Therefore, you may not need to add any extra oil to your onion rings. However, if you feel your onion rings need a little boost, you can spray or drizzle a small amount of oil on them before placing them in the air fryer basket.

It is also important to note that not all oil sprays are suitable for air fryers. You should stay away from any PAM-like sprays as they can ruin your air fryer. Instead, opt for an EVO Oil Sprayer, which can be used at the beginning of cooking or even in the middle.

By oiling the air fryer basket, you will achieve that golden crunch and crispy texture that makes onion rings so delicious.

Layer the onion rings

Layering the onion rings is an important step in the cooking process. It is recommended to layer half a bag of frozen onion rings into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and do not overlap. This is to prevent the onion rings from steaming or becoming soggy. If your air fryer basket is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the onion rings in batches.

It is also suggested to spray the onion rings with a non-stick cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil or vegetable oil to achieve extra crispiness. However, this step is optional.

Once you have layered the onion rings and added any desired oil or cooking spray, you can proceed to cook them in the air fryer.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and thickness of the onion rings, as well as the brand of your air fryer. Be sure to keep an eye on the onion rings during the cooking process to ensure they don't burn or overcook.

Cook at 350-400°F for 4-10 minutes

To cook frozen onion rings in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. While it's preheating, take your favourite brand of frozen onion rings out of the freezer. You can also spray the onion rings with a little oil to make them extra crispy, but this is optional.

Once your air fryer has preheated, place 6 to 7 ounces of frozen onion rings into the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with no overlap. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the onion rings in batches. Close the air fryer and cook for 4-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

If you're cooking large onion rings, use tongs to flip them over halfway through the cooking process to promote even cooking and prevent sticking. For smaller onion rings, simply shake the basket to ensure they cook evenly.

Once the onion rings are golden and crispy, they're ready to serve! Enjoy them as a side dish or appetizer, and don't forget your favourite dipping sauce!

Flip halfway through

Flipping your onion rings halfway through the cooking process is crucial to achieving that perfect crispiness on all sides. While air fryers do an excellent job of cooking food evenly, you can ensure your onion rings are cooked to perfection by giving them a quick flip.

To do this, simply open the air fryer basket after the onion rings have been cooking for half of the recommended time. With tongs, carefully flip each onion ring over so that the side that was facing down is now facing up. Close the basket and continue cooking until the desired level of crispness is achieved.

Flipping your onion rings is a simple step that makes a big difference in the final result. It ensures that your onion rings are not only cooked evenly but also helps to prevent them from becoming soggy or steamed. This is because, by flipping them, you are allowing hot air to circulate around all sides of the onion rings, resulting in that desirable crispy texture.

Additionally, flipping your onion rings can help you achieve a consistent colour. If you're aiming for a golden brown colour, flipping them halfway through will ensure that both sides of the onion rings reach the desired shade. This is especially important if you are cooking in batches, as it ensures that each batch has a consistent appearance.

So, the next time you're cooking frozen onion rings in your air fryer, don't forget to flip them halfway through! It's a small step that makes a big difference in the taste and texture of your final dish.

Frequently asked questions