If you’re tired of french fries on the side, reach for onion rings as an easy alternative! Now that I’ve started making air fryer frozen onion rings, I never want them any other way. They’re quick, easy, and you get the crispy result you want from your fried foods!
Can You Cook Frozen Onion Rings in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen onion rings in an air fryer. In fact, making frozen onion rings in the air fryer is quicker than an oven method. Compared to deep frying, you’ll cut way down on the oil and still get crispy rings with a good texture and a nice golden color.
There’s no comparing the distinct crunch you’ll get here either, meaning it’s far better than a mushy microwave cooking method.
Plus, since they’re frozen, the battered version works equally as well as the breaded in your air fryer. This is unlike making homemade onion rings in the air fryer where you’re limited to breaded due to the mess!
Quick + Easy Recipes
straight to your inbox
Ingredients List
- Frozen onion rings, any brand
Ingredient Tips and Notes
- Any brand of frozen onion rings you like is totally fine! I have Red Robin here, but I’ve also made Nathan’s and Great Value using the same time and temperature – choose your favorite or whatever your local grocery store carries
- You can cook as many rings at a time as fit in your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer (so it will vary based on the size of your specific air fryer). My 8-qt air fryer holds an entire 14 or 16-ounce bag of onion rings just fine! Overcrowding can result in soggy spots, so cook in batches if needed
How to Cook Frozen Onion Rings in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F
- Place frozen onion rings in preheated air fryer basket, as close to a single layer as possible
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes at 350 degrees, shaking the basket to flip halfway through cooking
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce
What to Serve With Frozen Onion Rings
Dipping Sauces
- Classic Ketchup – A simple and familiar choice that enhances the crispy texture
- Spicy Mayo – A mix of mayonnaise and hot sauce or sriracha for a creamy, spicy kick!
- Ranch Dressing – The cool, herby flavors balance the rich, fried coating
- Honey Mustard – A tangy, slightly sweet option that complements the savory batter (and my personal favorite)!
- BBQ Sauce – Smoky and slightly sweet flavors contrast well with the crispy onions
Main Dishes
- Burgers – A classic pairing, whether served on the side or stacked inside the burger for extra crunch. I like to serve them with my Meatloaf Burgers!
- Steak – The crispy texture of onion rings contrasts beautifully with a juicy, grilled steak
- Hot Dogs – Serve alongside or as a topping for an extra layer of crunch. Try them with my Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs!
- Fried Chicken – The combination of crispy chicken and crispy onion rings makes for a satisfying meal. Try my Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders for a quick and kid-friendly option!
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches – The sweetness of the BBQ sauce and the crunch of the onion rings create a great texture contrast
Drink Pairings
- Beer – Light lagers, IPAs, or wheat beers complement the savory and crispy flavors of onion rings
- Milkshakes – A thick vanilla or chocolate milkshake balances the salty, crunchy rings with a creamy, sweet contrast
- Lemonade – The acidity cuts through the richness, keeping the palate refreshed. For the adults, try one of my Ciroc Limonata Drinks for some lemonade-inspired cocktails!
- Cola or Root Beer – The carbonation helps cleanse the palate, making each bite just as satisfying as the first!
Recipe FAQs
What Air Fryer Temperature Do You Need for Frozen Onion Rings?
The best air fryer temperature for frozen onion rings is 350°F. Remember, you’re only really reheating the frozen rings, so the goal is to get them cooked through, while keeping the exterior golden and crunchy.
If you prefer a much darker, crunchier exterior, then your frozen onion rings may be cooked at 400 degrees. However, I find cooking at a higher temperature tends to make the outside close to burned before the inside is cooked through. Should that be your preference, though, no judgment here!
How Long Do You Cook Frozen Onion Rings in an Air Fryer?
You should cook frozen onion rings for between 6 and 8 minutes in the air fryer. If you want your onion rings more brown and crispy, you may want to cook up to 10 minutes total. Just make sure to use small time increments and check frequently for desired level of doneness.
Make sure not to overcrowd your basket so there’s ample air circulation. The onion rings don’t have to be perfectly in a single layer, but don’t overdo it.
What Are the Best Onion Rings for the Air Fryer?
Any brand of frozen onion ring works well in an air fryer. So, in terms of what is actually best, it’s all up to personal taste. My two favorite brands to use in the air fryer are the battered Nathan’s frozen onion rings and the breaded Red Robin frozen onion rings.
Here are some popular frozen onion ring brands if you’d like to cook them all in your air fryer to compare and find a favorite (with sweet onions, great crunch, and the best breading):
– Alexia crispy frozen panko-breaded onion rings with sea salt
– Ore Ida gourmet frozen onion rings
– Nathan’s thick sliced battered onion rings
– Great Value battered frozen onion rings
– Red Robin crispy frozen onion rings
– McCain’s craft beer battered frozen onion rings
– Farm Rich battered frozen onion rings
– Trader Joe’s frozen onion rings
– Market Pantry (Target)
Tips For the Best Frozen Onion Rings in the Air Fryer
- Required cooking time may vary based on chosen temperature, size (brand) of onion rings, size of your air fryer, and personal preferences for browning. This recipe was tested using a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and Red Robin onion rings; adjust in small increments if needed for your own specifics!
- You do not need to add any oil as the frozen rings come with it already in the batter
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Allow onion rings to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not refreeze after cooking
- Reheating: For the best crispiness, reheat onion rings in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes or in an oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soft and soggy. If using a skillet, lightly pan-fry them over medium heat for a minute or two to restore crunch
More Frozen Snack Recipes
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how easy it is to make frozen onion rings in the air fryer, you’ll have a way to change up the old fries as a side anytime with this tasty treat! Are they restaurant quality? No, but they’re still insanely delicious, offer a great amount of crunch, and are perfect for happy hour at home.
Frozen rings are a quick and easy option you can always keep on hand thanks to the freezer! Serve onion rings as a snack, appetizer, or as a side. While onion rings have great flavor solo, they’re also tasty loaded up with toppings or served with fun dipping sauces!
Onion rings are one of my favorite foods to serve alongside a burger, which incidentally may also be cooked in your air fryer. Learn how over in my best Chefman air fryer recipes!
Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 oz Frozen onion rings (about 6 rings)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F
- Place frozen onion rings in preheated air fryer basket, as close to a single layer as possible3 oz Frozen onion rings
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes at 350 degrees, shaking the basket to flip halfway through cooking
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce
Notes
- There’s no need to add any oil as the frozen rings come with it already in the batter
- Feel free to add extra cooking time in smaller (1-3 minute) increments for deeper color or crispiness
- If you stack too many, additional cooking time will be needed. Try to keep it as close to a single layer as possible, though some overlap is alright
- Recommended sauces for dipping: Ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, campfire sauce, barbecue sauce, southwest sauce, horsey sauce, or your favorites!
- Exact nutritional values will vary depending on specific brand used, size of specific rings, and any sauces consumed, so please consider this as only a guideline or estimate
Nutrition
