Air Fryer Onion Rings: How Long To Fry?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it's no surprise that people are keen to try out classic recipes such as onion rings in this new appliance. But how long do onion rings actually take to cook in an air fryer? Well, it seems that the answer is somewhere between 4 and 10 minutes, depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. Some recipes also suggest cooking onion rings in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy rings. So, if you're looking to make crispy, golden onion rings in your air fryer, it's best to allow around 10 minutes for the cooking process, and don't forget to flip them halfway through!

How to make onion rings in an air fryer from scratch

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, cut into 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch thick rings
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 pinches of garlic powder (or garlic salt)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 1/4 to 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray
• Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C).
• In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and garlic powder. Stir to mix well.
• Dip the onion rings into the flour mixture until coated, then shake off any excess.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
• Dip the floured onion rings into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
• Place the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. You can season the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper, and other spices like paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper if desired.
• Toss the onion rings in the breadcrumbs, scooping them over the rings to coat evenly. Give the rings a hard tap as you remove them from the crumbs to ensure the coating adheres well.
• Place the breaded onion rings into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are side-by-side without overlapping. Spray the onion rings lightly with cooking spray.
• Cook the onion rings for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the onion rings from the air fryer and sprinkle with a pinch of salt, if desired.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or Sriracha mayonnaise.

Tips:

• For an extra crispy texture, spray the onion rings with a little oil before air frying.
• To ensure even cooking, aim for uniform thickness when slicing the onions.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer by cooking the onion rings in batches if needed.
• For a vegan alternative, substitute flax eggs for regular eggs and use plant-based milk.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for the coating.

How long to cook frozen onion rings in an air fryer

Cooking frozen onion rings in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. There is no need to defrost the onion rings beforehand, and you can cook them in less time than it takes to preheat your oven!

To start, preheat your air fryer to 350–400 °F. Then, place 6–7 ounces of frozen onion rings into the air fryer basket. You can stack them, but make sure the basket is no more than halfway full. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the onion rings in batches.

Cook the onion rings for 4–5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For extra crispy onion rings, you can spray them with vegetable or olive oil before cooking. If you like, you can also season them with salt or a seasoning blend of your choice.

After cooking, remove the onion rings from the air fryer and serve immediately. They go well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the onion rings back into the air fryer at 350 °F for 2–3 minutes.

How to reheat onion rings in an air fryer

If you've got leftover onion rings and want to reheat them in an air fryer, follow these steps to get them tasting crispy and delicious again.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While preheating isn't always necessary, it's a good idea if you want to cook something from frozen or if you're looking for the crispiest texture possible.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the onion rings inside the basket and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. Reheating at a lower temperature helps to ensure the insides are warmed up without burning or crisping the outside too much.

If you notice your onion rings becoming dry during the reheating process, you can spray them with a few spritzes of vegetable or olive oil to bring back some moisture.

And that's it! You can now enjoy your crispy, reheated onion rings.

How to store onion rings after cooking in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook onion rings, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying without compromising on taste and crispiness. But what's the best way to store onion rings after cooking them in an air fryer? Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your leftover onion rings stay fresh and tasty.

Storing Onion Rings in the Refrigerator:

Onion rings are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.

Reheating Onion Rings:

To restore the crispiness of your onion rings, reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176.6°C) and place the onion rings inside. Cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Reheating at a lower temperature ensures the inside gets heated without burning the outside.

Tips for Storing Onion Rings:

• It is not recommended to freeze onion rings as the crispy exterior tends to become soggy when frozen and reheated.
• To maintain crispiness, avoid stacking onion rings when storing or reheating.
• If your onion rings start to dry out during reheating, spray them with a small amount of vegetable or olive oil.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your air-fried onion rings again while maintaining their delicious taste and texture!

How to serve onion rings

Onion rings are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas and tips on how to serve them:

• As a side dish: Onion rings go well with a variety of main courses, such as burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meat. They can add a crispy and tasty element to your meal. Try serving them with a tuna salad lettuce wrap or with sausage rolls and arugula.
• Appetizers and snacks: Onion rings are perfect as finger food for parties or gatherings. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli. You can also try making a Cane's sauce for dipping.
• In a casserole: For a unique twist, try using onion rings as a topping for a green bean casserole. This can be a delicious addition to a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal. You can also add chicken to make it a one-dish meal.
• With a burger: Onion rings are a classic pairing with burgers. Try serving them with a juicy burger for a satisfying and indulgent meal.
• As part of a salad: While onion rings are often served as a side, you can also incorporate them into a salad. Try a Cobb salad with a roasted garlic and onion vinaigrette, or a grilled peach, onion, and bacon salad with a buttermilk dressing.
• In a sandwich: If you're feeling creative, try adding onion rings to a sandwich. For example, you could make a French onion grilled cheese sandwich, or a BLTA with spicy mayo and sweet potato fries.
• Reheating: If you have leftover onion rings, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the onion rings for 2-3 minutes until warmed. This will ensure the outside doesn't get too crispy or burnt.
• Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings to add extra flavour to your onion rings. Try using seasoning salt, Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick, or even a sweet-savory combination like ground almonds, dehydrated olives, and demerara sugar.

Frequently asked questions