Air Frying Frozen Onion Rings: Do's And Don'ts

Frozen onion rings can be cooked in an air fryer and are a quick and easy snack to make. They are less greasy than deep-fried onion rings and can be cooked in less than 20 minutes. The key to getting the perfect air-fried onion rings is to ensure they are cooked in a single layer and flipped halfway through.

How to cook frozen onion rings in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen onion rings
• Cooking spray or oil
• Optional seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper)
• Dipping sauce (e.g. honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Pastry brush (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375–400°F for 2–5 minutes.
• Place a single layer of frozen onion rings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray or use a pastry brush to apply a thin coat of oil.
• Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping the onion rings halfway through.
• Check for doneness—the onion rings should be golden brown and crispy.
• Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a minute before serving with your chosen dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• Don't overcrowd the basket—arrange the onion rings in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Use cooking spray sparingly—a light coating is enough to achieve a crispy texture.
• Flip the onion rings halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
• Keep an eye on the onion rings as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the rings.
• Serve immediately—onion rings are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the air fryer.

The best frozen onion rings for an air fryer

Frozen onion rings are a fantastic snack, appetizer, or side dish that can be made in an air fryer. They are a quick and easy option for when you're craving something crunchy and crispy.

Brands

When it comes to choosing the best frozen onion rings for your air fryer, here are some recommended brands:

• Alexia: Known for their range of premium frozen products with a crispy texture and natural flavours. They often use high-quality ingredients.
• Ore-Ida: A well-known brand offering various frozen potato products, including onion rings.
• Nathan's Famous: Famous for their hot dogs, but they also make excellent frozen onion rings, especially if you prefer thick and crispy rings.
• Cavendish Farms: Specialises in frozen potato products but also offers onion rings.
• McCain: Offers a wide range of frozen potato and vegetable products, including onion rings, known for their consistency and flavour.
• Farmwise: Creates healthier frozen onion rings that incorporate vegetables for added nutrition.
• Trader Joe's: Offers unique and tasty frozen food options at affordable prices.
• 365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods): Provides a variety of frozen onion rings made with quality ingredients.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Onion Rings in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Lightly grease the onion rings with cooking spray or a thin coat of oil for that extra crispy texture.
• Flip the onion rings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
• Keep an eye on the onion rings as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the rings.
• Serve immediately for the best crunch.

How to reheat onion rings in an air fryer

If you're looking to reheat onion rings in an air fryer, there are a few simple steps to follow. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place your onion rings inside the air fryer and cook them for 2-5 minutes until warmed through. It's important to note that you shouldn't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Also, if you notice your onion rings becoming too dry, you can spray them with a little vegetable or olive oil.

Reheating onion rings in an air fryer is a great way to retain their crispiness while ensuring they are warmed all the way through. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy onion rings that taste just like they came from your favourite restaurant!

Dipping sauces for onion rings

There are many different sauces that can be used for dipping onion rings. Here are some ideas:

Creamy Spicy Sauce

This sauce is creamy and flavorful with a kick of spice. It is made with mayo, ketchup, paprika, and Cajun seasoning. A touch of Worcestershire sauce can also be added for a delicious depth of flavor.

Honey Mustard

A classic combination of honey and mustard creates a sweet and tangy sauce that pairs well with the crispiness of onion rings.

BBQ Sauce

A smokey and slightly sweet BBQ sauce can add a rich flavor to the onion rings.

Ranch Dressing

A cool and creamy ranch dressing can balance out the fried taste of the onion rings.

Fry Sauce

A simple combination of ketchup and mayonnaise can create a delicious fry sauce that goes well with onion rings.

Garlic Aioli

The garlicky and creamy taste of garlic aioli can complement the flavor of onion rings perfectly.

Cane's Sauce

A secret sauce that is said to be perfect for dipping crispy onion rings.

Comeback Sauce

A sauce with a combination of mayonnaise, horseradish root, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.

Spicy Mayo

A combination of mayonnaise with a kick of spice, such as hot sauce or chili peppers, can create a delicious and creamy spicy mayo that goes well with onion rings.

How to make onion rings extra crispy

Yes, you can cook frozen onion rings in an air fryer. Here are some tips on how to make them extra crispy:

Preparation

Before you start cooking, you'll need to remove the outer layers of the onion and slice the onions into rings. Aim for a thickness of around 3/4 of an inch. Separate the rings and get rid of the smallest rings from the center.

To make the batter stick to the onion rings, you can toss the rings in flour first. This will absorb any surface moisture.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). Place the onion rings inside the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This will allow the hot air to circulate properly and cook the rings evenly.

Lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray or brush them with a thin coat of olive oil. This will help you achieve that golden, crispy texture.

Cook the onion rings for around 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on them. You want them to be a beautiful golden brown color. Flip the onion rings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Serving

Onion rings are best served hot and fresh from the air fryer. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, aioli, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or Sriracha mayonnaise.

Reheating

If you have any leftovers, you can reheat onion rings in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F and cook them for 2-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you don't want them to become too crispy or burnt.

Extra Tips for Crispiness

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Flip the onion rings halfway through cooking.
• Check for doneness—adjust the cooking time if needed to avoid overcooking.
• Experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.

Frequently asked questions