I live way too far from a White Castle to be able to frequent a store. So, I was so excited to find out that I could get their iconic chicken rings in the freezer aisle. Naturally, I knew just how to make them crispy and perfect. You’ll love this White Castle chicken rings air fryer method too!
If you enjoy the fun of onion rings and the taste of chicken nuggets, then you’re going to love these White Castle chicken rings.
The air fryer gives you a healthier alternative compared to deep frying, and you’re still left with a crispy, juicy, and super dunkable chicken ring.
The best part is, you don’t even have to leave home to enjoy them. Whether you’re like me and live far from a restaurant, or just don’t feel like putting on pants today, no sweat! Just reach into the freezer and cook up crispy, golden chicken rings in minutes.
White Castle frozen chicken rings (original or spicy)
Dipping sauce if desired (optional)
Ingredient Notes and Tips
You can find frozen White Castle chicken rings in the freezer section of most major grocery stores. Mine has them in 20-ounce quantities, containing about 6 servings total. However, you can sometimes find larger quantities at wholesale clubs!
Dipping sauce is optional, but I personally think it’s a must have because it’s just so much fun to dunk them! I like honey mustard with the original, or ranch with the spicy chicken rings!
Step-by-Step Guide: Air Frying White Castle Chicken Rings
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Remove frozen chicken rings from all packaging and place into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 400°F, pausing halfway through to flip them
White Castle chicken rings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Add additional time in small increments if needed to achieve this (generally no more than 2-3 minutes extra)
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces
What to Serve With White Castle Chicken Rings
White Castle sliders
Popcorn shrimp
Cheese quesadillas
Jalapeno poppers
French fries
Potato salad
Onion rings
Macaroni and cheese
Queso
Chili cheese dip
Green salad
Dipping sauces
Lemonade
Bordeaux wine (red or white)
Fruit or wheat beers
Bourbon cocktails
There are lots of great pairings and ideas for what to serve with White Castle chicken rings. From sides to dippers, and even other main dishes to create a party spread, there are tons of delicious options!
How Long Do I Air Fry Frozen White Castle Chicken Rings?
On average, you air fry frozen White Castle chicken rings for 10-12 minutes. Exact time will vary based on your specific air fryer.
Make sure to flip halfway through cooking for even heating, and cook until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
Can I Air Fry White Castle Chicken Rings From the Refrigerator?
Yes, you can air fry White Castle chicken rings from the refrigerator. About 5-7 minutes at 350°F is usually good for reheating chicken rings back to 165°F.
This works for previously cooked frozen chicken rings, as well as stored leftovers from the restaurant.
What Can I Use as a Substitute for White Castle Chicken Rings?
If you can’t find White Castle chicken rings, the closest substitutes would be chicken fries, popcorn chicken, or frozen chicken tenders. All are slightly different, but the same basic principle.
Of course, the ring shape is exclusive to chicken rings, but you could always enjoy onion rings instead.
Can I Reheat Leftover Air Fried Chicken Rings?
Yes, you can reheat leftover air fried chicken rings. Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator, and they may be reheated from their chilled state for 5-7 minutes at 350°F in the air fryer.
Make sure to return the internal temperature to 165°F for food safety before consuming.
How Do I Prevent Chicken Rings From Sticking to the Air Fryer Basket?
Typically, chicken rings will not stick in the air fryer basket, so long as you have a nonstick coating. If you do not, apply a spritz of nonstick spray to the basket before adding the chicken rings to prevent sticking.
Alternatively, you may use non stick foil or parchment paper in the basket, which may also make cleanup easier.
Can I Make Air Fryer Chicken Rings in Batches For a Crowd?
Yes, you can make air fryer chicken rings in batches for a crowd. Make sure to keep the cooking to a single layer at a time, or your rings won’t heat evenly and you’ll end up with soggy spots.
How many you can cook at a time depends solely on the size of your specific air fryer’s basket or racks. Just cook in multiple batches until the required quantity is ready. Hold already cooked rings in the oven at 200°F if necessary to keep warm.
Where to Buy White Castle Chicken Rings
White Castle chicken rings are available in the freezer section of major grocery stores as well as some wholesale clubs.
Walmart is one of the most reliable places to locate frozen White Castle chicken rings nationwide.
Recipe Pro Tips
Feel free to sprinkle extra seasoning or flavorings on your chicken rings while they’re hot. I like some buffalo ranch seasoning to change things up, but they’re still tasty on their own. You can even toss them in wing sauce if you like!
You do not need to add any oil for cooking. The chicken rings have some oil already in the batter, and adding more can actually result in them being soggy instead of crispy!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover White Castle chicken rings in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not refreeze once they have been cooked once
To reheat, air fry for 5-7 minutes at 350°F, flipping once, until heated through again (this works for restaurant leftovers as well)
Making White Castle chicken rings in the air fryer has to be my favorite preparation of them. It’s healthier than deep frying, and takes about the same amount of time as the oven, with a crispier result that doesn’t heat up the whole house.
Plus, let’s face it, the real win here is that I don’t have to put on pants and drive anywhere to get my crispy chicken ring fix. If you live far from a restaurant or just don’t feel like going out, then I encourage you to give the frozen version a try in your air fryer!
It’s an easy way to recreate your fast food favorites at home! They’ll still be crispy and delicious, and, while not exactly the same as straight from the restaurant, they’re a pretty good and convenient alternative.
Crispy White Castle Chicken Rings in the Air Fryer
Make frozen White Castle chicken rings in the air fryer for an easy, crispy, and tasty cooking method for your fast food favorites.
5Frozen White Castle chicken rings(original or spicy)
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Remove frozen chicken rings from all packaging and place into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
5 Frozen White Castle chicken rings
Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 400°F, pausing halfway through to flip them
White Castle chicken rings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Add additional time in small increments if needed to achieve this (generally no more than 2-3 minutes extra)
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces
Notes
You can find frozen White Castle chicken rings in the freezer section of most major grocery stores, like Walmart. Mine has them in 20-ounce quantities, containing about 6 servings total. However, you can sometimes find larger quantities at wholesale clubs!
Dipping sauce is optional, but I personally think it’s a must have because it’s just so much fun to dunk them! I like honey mustard with the original, or ranch with the spicy chicken rings, but you can use your favorite nugget sauces
Feel free to sprinkle extra seasoning or flavorings on your chicken rings while they’re hot. I like some buffalo ranch seasoning to change things up, but they’re still tasty on their own. You can even toss them in wing sauce if you like!
You do not need to add any oil for cooking. The chicken rings have some oil already in the batter, and adding more can actually result in them being soggy instead of crispy!
Store any leftover White Castle chicken rings in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not refreeze once they have been cooked once
To reheat, air fry for 5-7 minutes at 350°F, flipping once, until heated through again (this works for leftovers from the restaurant as well)
Exact nutritional values will vary based on flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
