Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Making frozen onion rings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, golden, and crunchy onion rings. They are a perfect side dish or snack and can be served with burgers, hot dogs, or any other meaty main dish. You can also serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, fry sauce, barbecue sauce, or garlic aioli.

The key to making perfect frozen onion rings in an air fryer is to ensure they are not overcrowded in the basket, as this can affect the airflow and lead to soggy results. It is also important to preheat the air fryer and cook the onion rings at the right temperature and for the right amount of time.

Different brands of frozen onion rings may have slightly different cooking instructions, but generally, you can expect to cook them at around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-10 minutes, depending on their thickness.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your onion rings cook evenly and helps to achieve that desired crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions on preheating your air fryer for frozen onion rings:

Firstly, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to a specific temperature to ensure optimal cooking. The ideal temperature for cooking frozen onion rings is between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can set your air fryer to this temperature by using the preheat function if your air fryer has one, or by simply setting the temperature and letting it heat up for a few minutes. For example, if you're using a Cosori Air Fryer, you can preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes.

Secondly, while your air fryer is preheating, you can take the necessary steps to prepare your onion rings. It is important to note that you should not defrost the onion rings before cooking. Keep them frozen until you are ready to cook. You can also decide if you want to add any extra oil to your onion rings for added crispiness. This is an optional step, but if you choose to do so, use a light spray of olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil on the onion rings and the bottom of the air fryer basket. However, be sure to avoid using canned cooking sprays as they can ruin your air fryer.

Lastly, once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can carefully place your frozen onion rings into the basket. Ensure that you do not overcrowd the basket by allowing space between each onion ring. This is crucial for proper airflow and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the onion rings in batches to avoid overcrowding.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your air fryer is properly preheated and ready to cook your frozen onion rings to crispy perfection!

Layer the onion rings

Layering the onion rings is an important step in the cooking process. It is best to layer them in a single layer, ensuring that they do not overlap. This is to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness. If you have a larger air fryer, you can cook more onion rings at once, as long as they are not overlapping. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the onion rings in batches.

When layering the onion rings, it is also important to leave some space between each ring. This ensures proper airflow, which is crucial for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to soggy onion rings, so it is best to give them some room to breathe.

If you are using a bag of frozen onion rings, you may need to cook them in two batches. Simply layer half of the bag of frozen onion rings into the basket of the air fryer, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. If you are cooking for a crowd or want to serve them all at once, you can cook the second batch while the first batch is cooling.

It is also important to note that you should not stack the onion rings more than halfway full in the air fryer basket. This will ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy. If you need to cook more onion rings, it is better to do two batches than to overcrowd the air fryer.

Spray with oil

Spraying your frozen onion rings with oil before air frying is a great way to ensure they come out extra crispy. You can use an oil spray, or drizzle olive oil or vegetable oil over them. If you don't have an oil spray, an oil mister can be used instead. However, it's important not to use canned cooking spray as this can ruin your air fryer.

If you're reheating onion rings, spraying them with oil can also help restore moisture and crispiness. You can use an EVO oil sprayer to spritz them with vegetable or olive oil.

It's worth noting that some frozen onion rings may not need added oil, as they are often pre-cooked with oil included. However, if your onion rings are looking dry, a spray of oil can help bring back that crispy texture.

When spraying your onion rings with oil, ensure they are in a single layer, with no overlap, so that the oil distributes evenly.

Cook and flip

Now that you've got your air fryer preheated and your onion rings in the basket, it's time to cook and flip them!

For thinner onion rings, cook them for 4-6 minutes at 350°F. For thicker onion rings, cook them for 6-8 minutes at 375°F. Halfway through the cooking process, open the basket and flip the onion rings. You can use tongs to do this, being careful not to burn yourself. Continue cooking until they reach your desired level of crispness.

If you're making a large batch of onion rings, you'll need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and crispness. Once the first batch is done, remove them from the basket and repeat the process with the remaining frozen onion rings.

And that's it! Your onion rings are now ready to be served and enjoyed with your favourite dipping sauce.

Reheat and serve

To reheat your frozen onion rings in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the onion rings inside and cook for 2-4 minutes until warmed through. Reheating at a lower temperature ensures the onion rings heat up evenly, and the outsides don't burn.

If you notice your onion rings are drying out, you can spritz them with a little vegetable or olive oil. You can also season your onion rings with some seasoning salt, or Cajun seasoning if you like them spicy.

Air fryer onion rings are best served fresh, but if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

You can serve your onion rings with a variety of dips and sauces. A simple ketchup or ranch dressing is a great option, or you can make a special sauce with buttermilk honey mustard, avocado lime ranch, or spicy ketchup.

Air fryer onion rings are a great side dish or appetizer, and they go well with burgers, hot dogs, or grilled chicken sandwiches. They are also a perfect snack for game days or casual gatherings.

Frequently asked questions