If you’re craving a quick and crunchy snack, look no further than Frozen Onion Rings in Air Fryer! These crispy and golden delights are a breeze to make in your air fryer and are perfect for satisfying those unexpected cravings. Ready in under 20 minutes!

frozen onion rings in air fryer in a red and white box with ketchup to the side and two rings on the counter
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Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings

With the help of your trusty air fryer, you can enjoy mouthwatering air fryer frozen onion rings from the comfort of your own home in a flash.

Frozen onion rings — a popular snack, a great appetizer, and a side dish — transform into perfectly crispy delights when prepared in the air fryer.

Whether you’re looking for a tasty appetizer, a crunchy accompaniment to your burger, or a satisfying snack, these crispy rings will surely hit the spot.

overhead closeup: air fryer frozen onion rings with crispy coating

Here we’re sharing everything you need to know to make this frozen onion rings air fryer recipe, including our favorite brands to use, plus how long to cook frozen onion rings in air fryer.

If you love Easy Air Fryer Snacks try DEHYDRATED ORANGE SLICES IN THE AIR FRYERDEHYDRATED MANGOES IN AIR FRYERDEHYDRATED LIMES IN THE AIR FRYER, and DEHYDRATED LEMON IN AIR FRYER too!

closeup: my frozen onion rings air fryer recipe in a small cast iron dish with parchment

Why You’ll Love My Frozen Onion Rings Air Fryer Recipe

  • Quick, hassle-free cooking
  • No need for messy oil or lengthy prep work!
  • Crispy and crunchy
  • Perfect for snacking, side dishes, apps, and more
  • Healthier than deep frying
  • Evenly cooked every time!
overhead: a plate full of air fried frozen onion rings with dipping sauces to the side

Ingredients Needed to Air Fry Frozen Onion Rings

Ready in minutes with just a few basic ingredients, making my frozen onion rings air fryer recipe couldn’t be easier!

overhead: a bag of alexia frozen onion rings

For complete ingredients and quantities, as well as the nutritional informationkeep on scrolling until you get to the bottom with a printable recipe card.

  • Frozen Onion Rings: The star of the show, frozen onion rings come pre-coated and seasoned, making them a convenient choice for this frozen onion rings air fryer recipe. Use your favorite brand of onion rings — refer to the list below for my favorites!
  • Cooking Spray or Oil: A light coating of cooking spray or oil brush is essential to help the onion rings achieve that crispy texture as they cook in the air fryer.
  • Optional Seasonings: If you want to add extra flavor, you can include optional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things 
  • Favorite Dipping Sauce: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce.

How to Make Frozen Onion Rings in Air Fryer

Cooking frozen onion rings in air fryer is a breeze, and you’ll have them ready to enjoy in just a few simple steps:

overhead closeup: frozen onion rings in air fryer basket

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F for 2-3 minutes. This step ensures that the onion rings cook evenly and become wonderfully crispy. If your air fryer has a preheat button, you can use that as well.

Step 2: Arrange in a single layer

Spread your frozen onion rings into a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to allow proper air circulation.

overhead closeup: air fryer frozen onion rings in air fryer basket

Step 3: Lightly grease

For that extra crispy texture, lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray or use a pastry brush to apply a thin coat of olive oil. This step helps in achieving that golden crunch.

Step 4: Air fry

Slide the basket into the preheated air fryer and set the cooking time to 8-10 minutes. Air fry the frozen onion rings, making sure to flip halfway through. This ensures that both sides cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 5: Check for doneness and serve

Keep an eye on the onion rings as they cook. They’re ready to be enjoyed when they turn a beautiful golden brown and appear crispy.

Once your frozen onion rings are perfectly crispy, remove them from the air fryer basket and let them cool for a minute. Then, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

overhead: a plate of frozen onion rings made in air fryer with dipping sauces to the side

Pro Tips For Making Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings

  • Preheat for Perfection: I always preheat my air fryer for recipes like frozen onion rings in air fryer — it ensures the rings start cooking immediately when you place them inside which results in a crispier texture!
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Remember to arrange the frozen onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
  • Use Cooking Spray Sparingly: While a light coating of cooking spray or oil is essential for achieving that crispy texture, be mindful not to overdo it. Excess oil can make the rings greasier.
  • Flip Halfway Through: Flip the onion rings carefully halfway through the cooking time to make sure they cook up evenly and are crispy on all sides. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
  • Check for Doneness: Keep a close eye on the onion rings as they cook. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the rings. Adjust the time if needed to avoid overcooking. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the onion rings. Thick onion rings will need an additional 3-5 minutes.
  • Serve Immediately: Onion rings are best when served hot and fresh from the air fryer. Enjoy them right away for that irresistible crunch.
  • Get Creative: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to customize the flavor of your onion rings. The options are endless, from classic to spicy or even a touch of Parmesan cheese.
  • Pair with Dips: Onion rings are fantastic with your favorite sauce, like ketchup, aioli, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo. Consider preparing a selection of sauces to enhance your snack experience.
metal tongs holding an air fryer frozen onion ring with more in the background

Best Frozen Onion Rings Brands

When choosing the best frozen onion rings for your air fryer, there are several reputable brands with delicious options. Below are some of the top brands that I’ve tried and loved.

  • Alexia Brand: Alexia onion rings offer a range of premium frozen products known for their crispy texture and natural flavors. They often use high-quality ingredients.
  • Ore-Ida: Ore-Ida is a well-known brand that offers various frozen potato products, including onion rings. I love their taste and crunch!
  • Nathan’s Famous: Nathan’s Famous is famous for its hot dogs, but they also make excellent frozen onion rings. They are often favored for their classic flavor.
  • Cavendish Farms: Cavendish Farms specializes in frozen potato products, but they also have onion rings! I appreciate their quality and taste.
  • McCain: McCain offers a wide range of frozen potato and vegetable products, including onion rings. Their products are known for their consistency and flavor.
  • Farmwise: Farmwise creates healthier frozen onion rings that are a great option if you want something a bit more wholesome. They incorporate vegetables into their products for added nutrition.
  • Trader Joe’s: I’m totally obsessed with all of Trader Joe’s unique and tasty frozen food options, including onion rings. They’re also super affordable!
  • 365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods): Whole Foods’ 365 Everyday Value brand offers a variety of frozen onion rings made with quality ingredients.

Remember that taste preferences vary, so trying a few brands to find your favorite is good. Additionally, check the cooking instructions on the packaging to ensure the best results when using your air fryer.

air fried frozen onion rings in a small cast iron dish with parchment paper

Air Fry Frozen Onion Rings FAQs

How long to cook frozen onion rings in air fryer?

It depends on the brand you use and your specific air fryer, but they typically take about 8-10 minutes.

Can I cook frozen onion rings directly in the air fryer without preheating?

I always preheat my air fryer for the best results. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy texture. However, if you’re short on time, you could cook them without preheating. The results may not be as perfect and may take 4-5 minutes extra.

How do I keep the onion rings from sticking to the air fryer basket?

To prevent sticking, lightly coat the frozen onion rings with cooking oil spray or brush them with oil before placing them in the air fryer basket. Parchment paper or an air fryer liner can also help prevent sticking.

What’s the ideal temperature for cooking frozen onion rings in the air fryer?

The ideal temperature is around 375 degrees F. This temperature makes the onion rings crispy without overcooking or burning. That said, refer to the package to see what the particular brand you use recommends before getting started.

Can I stack onion rings in the air fryer to save time?

It’s not a great idea. Stacking can prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. Arrange them in a single layer for the best (and crispiest!) results.

How do I make onion rings extra crispy in the air fryer?

Don’t forget about the cooking spray step! Also, remember to flip them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.

Can I use different seasonings on my frozen onion rings in air fryer?

Absolutely! Be creative with garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to flavor your onion rings. Sprinkle them on before cooking for a personalized touch.

Can I cook onion rings with other foods in the air fryer?

Yes! You can cook onion rings alongside other foods in the air fryer if there’s enough space to cook evenly. Be mindful of cooking times and temperatures for each item to ensure they all turn out perfectly.

Storing and Reheating

To store leftover air fryer frozen onion rings, let them cool to room temperature, and then place them into an airtight container. They’ll keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

I recommend you reheat leftovers in the air fryer! Set to 350 degrees F and pop the rings in for 3-5 minutes max. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them too crispy. Check them frequently to ensure they reach your desired level of warmth.

extreme closeup: two air fryer frozen onion rings

More Frozen Food in Air Fryer Recipes

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Air-Fryer-Frozen-Onion-Rings

How to Air Fry Frozen Onion Rings

4 from 4 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

If you're craving a quick and satisfying snack, look no further than Frozen Onion Rings in Air Fryer! These crispy and golden delights are a breeze to make in your air fryer and are perfect for satisfying those unexpected cravings. Ready in under 20 minutes!
YouTube video

Ingredients 

  • 12 ounces onion rings, frozen

Instructions

  • Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that the onion rings cook evenly and become wonderfully crispy.
  • While the air fryer is preheating, take your frozen onion rings and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to allow proper air circulation.
  • For that extra crispy texture, lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray or use a pastry brush to apply a thin coat of oil. This step helps in achieving that golden crunch.
  • Slide the basket into the preheated air fryer and set the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.
  • About halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer and carefully flip the onion rings. This ensures that both sides cook evenly and become crispy.
  • Keep an eye on the onion rings as they cook. When they turn a beautiful golden brown and appear crispy, they're ready to be enjoyed.
  • Once your frozen onion rings are perfectly crispy, remove them from the air fryer basket, and let them cool for a minute. Then, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 221kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 2gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 417mgPotassium: 366mgFiber: 4gVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 1mg

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