Air Frying Frozen Onion Rings: How Long Should You Fry?

Frozen onion rings can be cooked in an air fryer in a matter of minutes, making them a quick and easy snack, side dish, or appetizer. The cooking time varies depending on the brand of air fryer and the type of onion rings, but typically, they are cooked for around 8-12 minutes at a temperature of 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your food cooks evenly, which is especially important when cooking from frozen.

To preheat your air fryer, first, make sure it is empty. Set your air fryer to its highest temperature setting—usually between 400 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, set the timer for 3 minutes. After 2 to 3 minutes, your air fryer should be preheated and ready for cooking.

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, that's okay. Simply set the temperature and let it run for a couple of minutes before adding your food. For example, if you're cooking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you can preheat your air fryer by setting it to 180 degrees Celsius and letting it run for 1.5 to 2 minutes.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can add your frozen onion rings and cook them according to your desired level of crispiness. Remember not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Preheating your air fryer ensures that your onion rings (or any other food you're cooking) start cooking in a properly heated environment, leading to more consistent and even cooking results. It's a quick and easy step that makes a big difference in the final outcome of your dish.

Temperature settings

The ideal temperature for cooking frozen onion rings in an air fryer is 350–400 °F (177–200 °C). However, the cooking temperature can vary between 375 °F and 400 °F (191–200 °C) depending on the brand of your air fryer and the brand of frozen onion rings you use.

If the package of your frozen onion rings recommends baking in the oven at 425 °F (218 °C), you should lower the temperature to 400 °F (200 °C) for an air fryer. If the package recommends baking at 400 °F (200 °C) on a sheet pan, you should lower the temperature to 375 °F (191 °C) for your air fryer.

For the best results, preheat your air fryer to 350 °F (177 °C) for about 3 minutes before adding the onion rings.

Some sources recommend cooking the onion rings at 400 °F (200 °C) for 8–10 minutes, while others suggest cooking them at 350 °F (177 °C) for 12 minutes. It is important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the brand of your air fryer and the size of the onion rings.

If you are using an air fryer that does not have a preheat function, you can set it to 180 °C and let it run for 1.5–2 minutes.

Time to cook

The cooking time for frozen onion rings in an air fryer varies depending on the brand of air fryer, the type of frozen onion rings, and personal preferences for crispiness. However, on average, it takes around 8 to 12 minutes to cook frozen onion rings in an air fryer.

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to its highest temperature setting, typically between 400 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit, for about 2 to 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and is especially important when cooking from frozen.
• Prepare the onion rings: Place a single layer of frozen onion rings in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking or overcrowding the basket as it can lead to uneven cooking. You may need to cook in batches if you have a large quantity of onion rings.
• Spray with oil (optional): You can spray the onion rings with a light coating of oil, such as vegetable, olive, or avocado oil, to enhance crispiness. Alternatively, you can use a non-stick cooking spray. However, this step is optional, as onion rings will still crisp up without added oil.
• Set the temperature and time: Lower the temperature to around 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the brand of onion rings. Set the timer for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness.
• Shake the basket: During the cooking process, shake the basket or toss the onion rings gently every 3 minutes or halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Flip the onion rings (optional): For more even cooking and crispiness, you can use tongs to flip the onion rings over halfway through the cooking process.
• Check for doneness: Depending on your air fryer and the brand of onion rings, the cooking time may vary. Check on the onion rings about 2 minutes before the time is up to ensure they are not burning or overcooking.
• Adjust cooking time if needed: If the onion rings are not crispy enough, return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the onion rings are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. They go well with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli.

It's important to note that different brands of air fryers and onion rings may have specific instructions, so always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed. Additionally, when reheating leftover onion rings, set the air fryer to a lower temperature, around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for a shorter time, about 2 to 3 minutes, to prevent overcooking.

Reheating onion rings

Prepping Your Onion Rings

Before you start, it's important to prepare your onion rings properly. Firstly, inspect your leftover onion rings and remove any excess batter or loose pieces. You don't want these bits burning or affecting the texture of your onion rings. Next, spritz or lightly brush your onion rings with oil. This step is optional but can help to add a little extra crispness to your onion rings. Just be careful not to use too much oil, as this could make your onion rings greasy.

Setting the Perfect Temperature

Different air fryers have different heat distributions, so it's important to consult your specific model's manual for recommended temperatures. As a general rule, a temperature of 350°F (175°C) is a good starting point for reheating onion rings. This temperature will crisp up the outer coating without drying out the onion inside. If you prefer a softer texture, you can reduce the temperature to around 325°F (160°C). For a crispier result, increase the temperature to 375°F (190°C).

Timing is Everything

The amount of time you reheat your onion rings will depend on their size and thickness, as well as your desired level of crispiness. As a guide, most onion rings will reach their ideal crispiness within 5-7 minutes. However, it's important to keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Maintaining the Crunch

To achieve the perfect crunch, it's essential to find the right balance between temperature and timing. Start by preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature. Then, place your onion rings in a single layer, allowing enough space for hot air to circulate evenly. Set the timer for a shorter duration than you think you'll need, as it's easier to add more time than to reverse overcooking. Keep a close eye on your onion rings and remove them from the air fryer when they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Creative Serving Ideas

Now that you've mastered the art of reheating onion rings, here are some creative ways to serve them:

• Get creative with your dips: Pair your crispy onion rings with tangy barbecue sauce, creamy ranch dressing, or spicy sriracha mayo.
• Serve onion rings as a side dish: Add a touch of elegance by serving them alongside a gourmet burger or sandwich.
• Use onion rings as a topping: Try arranging them on a fresh salad for a crunchy element, or sprinkle them over a bowl of chili or soup.
• Make bite-sized sliders: Turn your reheated onion rings into mini sandwiches using slider rolls and your choice of toppings.

With these tips, you'll be able to enjoy perfectly crispy and delicious reheated onion rings every time!

Oil or non-stick spray

While it is not necessary to add oil to onion rings when using an air fryer, some people like to spray their onion rings with a little oil to make them extra crispy. The oil spray is optional, but it does make them more similar to those served at a restaurant.

If you don't want to use oil spray, you can also drizzle a little olive oil or vegetable oil over the onion rings. However, if you don't want to use any oil at all, that's fine too! The onion rings will still turn out crispy.

If you do decide to use oil or non-stick spray, it is important to note that you should not use canned cooking spray, as this can ruin your air fryer. Instead, use an oil mister or an EVO oil sprayer. You can also use olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil, but be sure to spray it on the onion rings and the bottom of the basket to make them extra crispy.

Additionally, if you are reheating onion rings in the air fryer, you may need to spray them with a little bit of oil if you find that they are not getting crispy enough.

Tips for using oil or non-stick spray:

• If you are using oil, drizzle it over the onion rings before placing them in the air fryer.
• If you are using non-stick spray, spray the onion rings and the bottom of the air fryer basket before adding the onion rings.
• Be sure to use an oil mister or EVO oil sprayer, not a canned cooking spray, as this can damage your air fryer.
• If reheating onion rings, spray them with a little oil if they are not getting crispy enough.

Frequently asked questions