How To Cook Frozen Onion Rings In An Air Fryer
If you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or side dish, frozen onion rings are a tasty option. Cooking frozen onion rings in an air fryer could not be easier and it will produce crispy and delicious results.
With an air fryer, you can enjoy onion rings in just a few minutes with minimal clean up.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the simple steps to cook frozen onion rings in an air fryer. So you can enjoy perfectly crispy and delicious onion rings either as a snack or as a great side dish.
Table of Contents
Why cook frozen onion rings in an air fryer?
Air fryers are awesome at cooking frozen foods. If you have an air fryer you should not be considering any other way to cook frozen onion rings.
Quick and easy – Cooking onion rings in an air fryer is the easiest way to cook them. Simply take them from the freezer and put them in your pre-heated air fryer and air fry them for 5 minutes.
Crispier – Your onion rings will be crispier when air fried vs. being cooked in a traditional oven. The onion rings will be perfectly crispy.
Healthier – You do not need to add any additional oil to the air fryer when cooking the onion rings. Air fried onion rings as a result contain less fat and fewer calories vs. deep frying.
How long does it take to cook frozen onion rings?
It will take 5 minutes to cook your frozen onion rings in an air fryer pre-heated to a high temperature of 400 F (200 c). There is no prep time, apart from waiting for your air fryer to pre-heat.
How to cook frozen onion rings in an air fryer
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for air fryer onion rings. The results will be perfectly crispy onion rings that are ready to serve in minutes.
Step 1 – Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 c).
Step 2 – Add the frozen onion rings
Once the air fryer has pre-heated remove the air fryer drawer and prepare the basket.
You don’t need to add a liner or extra oil to stop the rings from sticking to the basket, but you can if you wish.
Place the onion rings in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer with minimal overlapping.
Step 3 – Cook
Cook the rings for 5 minutes at 400 F (200 c).
Step 4 – Check
After 5 minutes check to see if the rings have crisped to your preference, if not cook for a further 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 5 – Serve
Once your onion rings have crisped to your preference. Serve them with your favorite sauce.
Top tips
To help you serve the perfect air-fried onion rings here are some top tips to follow.
No need to defrost – Frozen onion rings should be cooked from frozen. Do not bother to defrost them.
Single layer – For best results don’t overfill the basket with rings. This will result in uneven cooking and less crispy onion rings. Giving them space to allow the hot air circulating in the air fryer to crisp all sides of the rings. Cook in batches if needed.
Turn – You do not need to turn your onion rings if the basket is not overfilled.
Timings – Different air fryer models produce varying results. You might need to tweak the timings slightly to get your desired crisp if air frying onion rings for the first time.
Serving suggestions
Onion rings are a perfect side dish to accompany a burger or chunk of meat. If cooking for one, why not try cooking the burger in the air fryer, with the french fries and then add the onion rings with 5 minutes to go? A great way to serve up a meal without having to wait as you cook each item individually.
If wanting a simple snack, onion rings on their own with your favorite dipping sauce are a great idea. BBQ sauce, tomato ketchup, and sweet chili sauce are favorites in our house.
Common questions
How do I store leftover onion rings?
If you have cooked too many onion rings, allow them to cool to room temperature. Then place them in an airtight container with some paper towels. You can keep the rings in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Do not re-freeze them.
How do I reheat leftover onion rings?
To reheat your leftover onion rings, put them back into the air fryer. Heat them at a lower temperature of 350 F (180 c) for 3 minutes. Using the air fryer means your reheated rings are crispy. You could reheat them in a microwave, but they will not be crispy. An air fryer is the best way to reheat your leftover rings!
Can I cook any brand of onion ring in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook any brand of onion rings in an air fryer. You might need to tweak the timings, as different brands of onion rings can come in different sizes. A maximum of a couple of minutes extra.
Can I cook homemade onion rings in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook homemade onion rings in an air fryer. You will need to adjust the amount of time you cook them, due to the thickness of the onion rings. Homemade onion rings are likely to be thicker and need longer to crisp. You will also need to use a liner and turn them halfway through.
Related articles
Best Air Fryer Frozen Food Recipes – All the best frozen food recipes in one place to help you make the most of your air fryer.
Frozen Beef Burgers – An easy step by step guide for cooking frozen burgers in your air fryer.
Recipe card
Air Fried Frozen Onion Rings
Ingredients
- 7 Onion Rings (more or less depending on size of air fryer)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 c).
- Once the air fryer has pre-heated remove the air fryer drawer and prepare the basket. You don’t need to add a liner or extra oil to stop the rings from sticking to the basket, but you can if you wish.Place the onion rings in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer with minimal overlapping.
- Cook the rings for 5 minutes at 400 F (200c).
- After 5 minutes check to see if the rings have crisped to your preference, if not cook for a further 1 to 2 minutes.
- Once your onion rings have crisped to your preference. Serve them with your favorite sauce.
