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Frozen Onion Rings in the Air Fryer make for the perfect easy side dish or game day appetizer. They’ll satisfy a fast-food restaurant craving for a fraction of the price and are golden and crispy in just minutes. Serve alongside a juicy burger or creamy sauce for dunking!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings
- Ready in less than half the cooking time compared to oven instructions. Most store-bought frozen onion rings take upwards of 15-20 minutes to get crispy. Just like my Frozen Hash Browns in Air Fryer and these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Air Fryer Option), this easy air fryer recipe will make them even more golden and crispy in just 6 to 8 minutes! It’s seriously the easiest way to eat the BEST frozen onion rings at home!
- Works with any brand of onion rings. I used the Alexia brand, but you can use any bag of onion rings you have on hand.
- As crispy as it gets. The heat circulation in an air fryer is fabulous because it gives you the crispiness of a deep fryer without just a little oil. Simply put, air fryer onion rings are significantly better than any other cooking method.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Frozen onion rings: Use your favorite brand of onion rings and as many as you can fit in your personal air fryer basket or tray. I personally used a whole bag of Alexia onion rings when photographing this recipe.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Using an oil spray will help keep these onion rings from sticking. When using the air fryer, be sure to use a spray with a high smoke point. Some good examples are avocado oil, light olive oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil.
- Scroll down to the recipe card for complete measurements and cooking instructions.
How to Make Frozen Onion Rings in Air Fryer
- Prep: Spray the cooking spray in the air fryer basket. Place the frozen onion rings in a single layer at the bottom of the basket. For best results, leave space between the onion rings so they don’t overlap. It will allow for the hot air to get all around during the cooking process making for crispier onion rings. For different brands or smaller air fryers, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook: Air fry at 350 degrees F for 6 to 8 minutes. Note that I did not preheat the air fryer. If you do, reduce the cook time to just 4-6 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy air-fried onion rings immediately while hot and crispy with your favorite sauce or main dish of choice.
Serving Suggestions
Frozen Onion Rings in the Air Fryer are as versatile as french fries or sweet potato fries and pair well with just about any comfort food of choice. Enjoy them as a great appetizer with a dipping sauce of choice, or serve them as a great side dish alongside classics like hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, or chicken nuggets. Below I’ve listed a few of my favorite dipping sauce recipes:
Favorite Dipping Sauces
- Ketchup and mustard (this Homemade Ketchup recipe is my absolute favorite!)
- Vegan Barbecue Sauce
- Cilantro Lime Sauce
- Vegan Honey Mustard Dressing
- Chipotle Mayo or Garlic Aioli
- Ranch Dressing
- Sriracha Mayo or Buffalo Sauce
Storage Instructions
Air-fried frozen onion rings will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days or place them back in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Freezing instructions: Refreezing cooked onion rings is not optimal, but it can be done! To do so, allow them to cool completely to room temperature, then spread on a baking sheet and stick in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer to a freezer safe bag or container and free for up to 1 month.
How to Reheat Leftover Onion Rings
Using the air fryer is not only my favorite way to cook frozen onion rings, but it’s also my favorite way to reheat onion rings and french fries (yes, leftover french fries can be resurrected!).
Simply place the leftover onion rings back in the air fryer basket in a single layer and reheat at 375F for about 5 minutes, or until the onion rings and golden brown and crispy again.
Tips for Success
- Adjust the time as needed: All air fryer brands will differ in size and performance. Check on your onion rings a couple of minutes early to be sure they are not overcooking. Additionally, feel free to cook for longer depending on your personal preference. Some people prefer extra crispy onion rings.
- Do not defrost: This air fryer recipe is written to cook frozen onion rings straight from the freezer. Do not defrost them before cooking. Additionally, do not use this recipe to cook homemade onion rings – I cannot confirm it will work.
- Do not overlap or stack: Make sure the onion rings have space between them so the hot air can evenly cook them. If you over lap them, they are more likely to remain soft as opposed to extra crispy and delicious on the outside.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Try
Frozen Hash Browns in Air Fryer (Trader Joe’s Patties)
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Air Fryer Option)
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Frozen Onion Rings in Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (13-16 ounce) package frozen onion rings ($4.12)
Instructions
- Spray air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Place frozen onion rings in the basket of your air fryer. Space them out so they don’t overlap. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry at 350 degrees F for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- I did not preheat my air fryer because I did not feel it was necessary. However, if you choose to preheat, your cook time may need to be adjusted.
- Do not defrost the onion rings before cooking.
- Do not overlap the onion rings, as this will cause them to turn soggy while cooking. Instead, cook them in batches if your air fryer cannot fit them all in a single layer.
Disclaimer: The Nutritional Information provided for this recipe is only an estimate. The accuracy of the facts listed is not and cannot be guaranteed.
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Photography: Your Home, Made Healthy
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