Blackstone Griddle Onion Rings (Frozen — Crispy Every Time)

There’s nothing better alongside a smash burger than hot, crispy Blackstone griddle onion rings — and you don’t need a deep fryer or a vat of oil to get them. Last weekend I cooked copycat smash burgers on the flat top and crisped up a bag of frozen onion rings right next to them, and they came out golden and crunchy in about 12 minutes.

WThis post covers two ways to make them: directly on the flat-top griddle (the method most people are looking for), and in the Air Fryer Drawer if you have the Blackstone Griddle Combo. Both work great — pick whichever fits your setup.

Quick answer: Cook frozen onion rings on a Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat (about 375°F) for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes, until golden and crisp. A light spray of oil makes the outside extra crunchy.

Can You Cook Frozen Onion Rings on a Blackstone Flat Top?

Yes. The flat top’s even heat crisps the breading nicely, and the large surface lets you cook a full bag at once — no deep frying, far less oil, and easy cleanup. They cook through in about the same time it takes to build a couple of burgers, so dinner and the side finish together.

Why This Method Works

• You control the crisp. Pull them light-golden or leave them on another minute for extra crunch.
• Less oil than deep frying. A light spritz is all you need for crunch, so they’re lighter than fried.
• Even heat. Medium-high across the flat top browns the breading uniformly — no cold centers, no scorched spots.
• Cook the whole meal at once. Smash burgers on one zone, onion rings on another. One surface, one cleanup.

Ingredients

The full ingredient list, step-by-step directions, and nutrition are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Bag frozen onion rings — any brand (Alexia, Ore-Ida, or store brand all work)
• Oil spray (optional, recommended) — avocado, canola, or vegetable oil for extra crispiness
• Salt– Season right off the griddle while hot

Equipment

• Blackstone griddle or any flat-top grill (or the Blackstone Griddle Combo with Air Fryer Drawers)
• Griddle spatula or tongs
• Oil sprayer or squeeze bottle (avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)

How to Cook Frozen Onion Rings on the Blackstone Griddle (Flat Top)

Step 1: Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium high heat about 375°F. Let it warm for 5 to 10 minutes so the surface heats evenly.

Step 2: Lightly coat the surface with a thin layer of oil or skip the oil and lightly spray the onion rings instead.

Step 3:Place onion rings in a single layer on the griddle making sure they do not overlap. Cook in batches if needed so they stay crisp instead of steaming.

Step 4: Cook for 10 to 12 minutes total flipping every 2 to 3 minutes with tongs until both sides are golden brown and the centers are hot.

Step 5: Sprinkle with salt while they are still hot then serve right away for the best crunch.

How to Cook Them in the Blackstone Air Fryer Drawer (Combo Owners)

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer drawer for about 5 minutes at 400°F so it’s fully hot and ready.

Step 2: Place the frozen onion rings in a single layer inside the basket. Avoid stacking so they cook evenly.

Step 3:Cook for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket 2 to 3 times during cooking to help them crisp on all sides.

Step 4:Once the onion rings are golden and crispy at the edges, remove them from the basket and season with salt

Pro Tips for the Crispiest Onion Rings

• Don’t crowd the surface. A single, spaced-out layer is the #1 rule. Steam is the enemy of crunch.
• Preheat fully. Adding rings to a lukewarm griddle is how you get pale, greasy results.
• Use a high-smoke-point oil. Avocado, canola, or vegetable — not olive oil.
• Cook from frozen. Don’t thaw; the breading holds together far better straight from the freezer.
• Keep a batch warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack so they stay crisp while you finish the rest.
• Salt immediately. Seasoning sticks best while the surface is hot and just-cooked.

What to Serve With Blackstone Onion Rings

These are the classic sidekick to Blackstone smash burgers, but they’re also great with Blackstone griddle hot dogs, brats, or grilled BBQ chicken sandwiches. For dipping, try ketchup, ranch, a tangy BBQ sauce, or this smoky spicy chipotle mayo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature do you cook onion rings on a Blackstone? Medium-high, around 375°F on the flat top, or 400°F in the Air Fryer Drawer.

How long do frozen onion rings take on a Blackstone griddle? About 10–12 minutes on the flat top, turning every 2–3 minutes. In the Air Fryer Drawer, about 10 minutes with a few shakes.

Do I need to oil the griddle first? The surface is fairly non-stick, but a thin layer of oil — or a light spray on the rings — gives a noticeably crispier result. Use a high-smoke-point oil.

Can I cook fresh, homemade onion rings on the griddle? Yes. Slice onions, dip in batter and breadcrumbs, then cook on a lightly oiled, preheated griddle, turning until golden. Fresh rings take a little longer than frozen so the batter cooks through.

How do I keep them from getting soggy? Preheat fully, don’t overcrowd, and don’t flip too early — let one side set and release on its own before turning.

Can I make them gluten-free? For homemade, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. For frozen, check the package, since most standard brands contain wheat.

Can I cook other foods at the same time? Absolutely — that’s the point of a griddle. Cook burgers, fries, or tots on the same surface; just mind that different foods need different heat zones.

More Easy Blackstone Recipes

Loved these crispy onion rings? Here are more easy Blackstone griddle recipes to round out the meal:

• Blackstone Griddle Frozen French Fries — the other no-fuss frozen side, golden and crispy on the flat top.
• Blackstone Smash Burgers — the classic pairing; crispy-edged patties straight off the griddle.
• Blackstone Mushroom Swiss Smash Burgers — juicy smash burgers loaded with garlicky mushrooms and melty Swiss.
• Blackstone Griddle Frozen Hamburgers — juicy burgers in 15 minutes, no thawing required.
• Blackstone Griddle Hot Dogs — crispy, charred, and ready in about 7 minutes.
• Blackstone Brats — snappy, caramelized bratwurst with a juicy center.
• Blackstone BBQ Chicken Burgers — grilled chicken on a brioche bun, glazed with BBQ sauce.
• Blackstone Griddle Asparagus — a quick, garlicky veggie side for the flat top.
• Blackstone Potatoes — crispy griddle potatoes that go with everything.
• Spicy Chipotle Dipping Sauce — smoky, creamy, and perfect for dunking onion rings.