I love a snack that’s both crunchy and comforting, and few things hit the mark like onion rings. The golden rings of fried goodness are the ultimate indulgence, but frying can be messy and time-consuming. That’s why I’ve fallen in love with air frying frozen onion rings—it’s fast, simple, and delivers the same crispy texture without drowning in oil. Every time I pop a batch in the air fryer, my kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of lightly battered onions, and I can’t resist sneaking a few before they even hit the plate.
Using an air fryer for frozen onion rings is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. You don’t need to thaw them or deal with complicated coatings—the machine does all the work. In just minutes, you have perfectly crispy, golden onion rings ready to dip into your favorite sauce. They’re easy to portion, easy to cook, and best of all, they taste like they came straight out of a restaurant, without the extra grease or fuss.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Frozen Onion Rings: These are the star of the show. Choosing a good-quality brand makes a big difference, as thicker, well-breaded rings cook more evenly in the air fryer. They’re convenient because they’re pre-coated and ready to go straight from the freezer, saving you prep time.
Cooking Spray (or Oil): Lightly spraying your onion rings helps them achieve that golden, crispy texture without adding excess calories. A neutral oil spray works best, giving them a light crunch while preventing sticking.
Optional Dipping Sauce: While not required, a creamy ranch, ketchup, or spicy aioli takes your onion rings to the next level. Having your favorite sauce on hand makes this snack even more irresistible.
Ingredients List
- 1 bag (about 12–16 oz) frozen onion rings
- Cooking spray or 1–2 teaspoons oil
- Optional: dipping sauce (ranch, ketchup, or spicy mayo)
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. This ensures that your onion rings start cooking immediately and develop that perfect crispy exterior.
Step 2: Prepare the Onion Rings
Arrange the frozen onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so the hot air can circulate around each ring, giving them an even crispiness.
Step 3: Spray with Oil
Lightly spray the onion rings with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil. This extra touch will help them turn golden brown and crunchy.
Step 4: Air Fry the Onion Rings
Cook for 8–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to ensure they don’t burn. Thicker onion rings may require a bit more time.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the onion rings from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. The best part is that they stay crispy for a few minutes, so you can enjoy them hot without losing texture.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Do not thaw the onion rings before cooking; they crisp up better straight from the freezer.
- Single layer is key: Overlapping rings will steam instead of crisp, so cook in batches if needed.
- Shake halfway: This ensures all sides cook evenly and prevents soggy spots.
- Use a light spray of oil: Too much oil can make them greasy, too little can prevent browning.
- Experiment with temperature: Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust between 390–400°F for the perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use regular breaded onion rings instead of frozen?
Yes! Just follow the air fryer instructions and lightly spray with oil. You may need to cook a few minutes longer for fresh rings.
How long do onion rings stay crispy?
They’re best eaten immediately, but you can keep them warm in a low oven (200°F) for 5–10 minutes without losing much crunch.
Can I cook them without oil?
You can, but a light coating helps achieve a more golden and crispy texture.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is recommended to ensure the rings cook evenly and become crispy right away.
Can I double the batch?
Yes, but cook in multiple layers or batches to prevent overcrowding and uneven cooking.