Frozen Onion Rings in Air Fryer

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Frozen Onion Rings in Air Fryer go from freezer to table in just a few minutes! Make a batch today as a crispy and delicious appetizer or side dish.

air fried onion rings from frozen


 

Frozen Onion Rings in Air Fryer

While this air fryer frozen onion rings recipe couldn’t be any easier to follow, there are a few tips below to help you get the best results from this kitchen appliance.

You can use this oil-free fryer to cook frozen French fries as well! They’re ready in half the time as the oven, and you won’t have to heat up the whole kitchen.

For another simple veggie appetizer, try my Rosemary Roasted Onions tossed in a tangy homemade dressing.

Want that caramelized flavor for a meal instead? This Slow Cooker French Onion Soup tastes just like a bowl from your favorite bistro at a fraction of the cost.

bag of Nathan's onion rings and container of salt

Air Fried Onion Rings Tips and Tricks

  • Make clean up easier. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit in the bottom of the basket but leave some of the outer holes uncovered.

    Or, use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes in the paper for better circulation.
  • Cook straight from frozen. Since these tend to thaw pretty quickly, be sure to air fry onion rings frozen for best results.

    If you just got home from the grocery store, you may want to toss them in the freezer for a bit first or reduce the cooking time accordingly.
  • Avoid overcrowding. Work in batches as needed, as overlapping frozen onion rings in air fryer will result in soggy spots.
  • Don’t leave them in the basket. They will continue to cook from the residual heat, so be sure to remove air fried onion rings as soon as they are done.
frozen onion rings in air fryer basket

How to Air Fry Onion Rings Frozen

First, preheat your appliance. Add the battered vegetables to the basket or racks, making sure there is enough space for circulation.

I’ve found that if any of them are touching while they cook, those areas tend to get soggy and the batter is more likely to fall off.

Give the basket a shake a few times or use tongs to flip them if they are on racks.

Once they are done, transfer air fryer frozen onion rings immediately to a serving bowl and start the next batch if needed.

sprinkling salt over onion rings in bowl

Troubleshooting

  • Not crispy enough?

Give the air fryer basket a good shake or flip each ring individually with tongs. Then, cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.

  • Look dry?

While oil isn’t necessary to air fry onion rings from frozen, it can sometimes help — especially if the brand used doesn’t include oil in the batter.

Spritz oil (not cooking spray) over frozen onion rings in the air fryer either before cooking or at the mid-point.

close up: frozen onion rings in air fryer

Serving Suggestions

Air fried onion rings would go well with hot dogs and hamburgers, or as an appetizer by themselves. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.

air fried onion rings on serving board with bowls of sauces

Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings FAQ

What’s the best way to reheat frozen onion rings in air fryer?

Reheat them the same way you cooked them, but at a lower temperature so they don’t become hard.

Preheat the fryer at 320°F for 3 minutes. 
Add the rings to the basket in a single layer.
Cook for 4-5 minutes, stopping to flip them about halfway. 
Rest for a minute or two, then enjoy!

What are the best frozen onion rings?

I like to make Nathan’s or Alexia’s frozen onion rings in the air fryer because the proportions of batter to veggie are perfect, plus you don’t need any extra oil to get them nice and crisp.

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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serving onion rings with bbq sauce

Frozen Onion Rings in Air Fryer

Donna Elick
Frozen Onion Rings in Air Fryer are ready in just a few minutes! Make a batch today as a crispy and delicious appetizer or side dish.
5 stars from 1 review
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Method Air Fryer
Servings 2

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 bag frozen onion rings, I like Alexia or Nathan’s
  • Salt, optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, for 3 minutes.
  • Pour onion rings evenly into the air fryer. Shake the basket to spread them out. You want your onion rings to cook evenly, so do not overcrowd your basket (I fill mine about half way) so you may need to cook in batches if you are making the whole bag or if you have a small air fryer.
  • Cook for 5-7 minutes shaking the basket every few minutes. If you have racks in your air fryer, you will want to toss the onion rings with tongs half way through the cook time.
  • Once you have achieved your preferred level crispness, pour the onion rings into a serving bowl and taste to see if any seasoning is needed. If necessary sprinkle with salt, to taste.

Donna’s Notes

Please be careful not to overcook. And confirm the cook time. Let me know if you have any changes on the recipe. I like Nathan’s and Alexia’s onion rings. No oil needed in this recipe.
Smaller air fryers will cook slower so use your best judgement to adjust your cook time accordingly.
If your onion rings are not crisp enough after the cook time, cook for an additional minute and check them again.
If you keep your onion rings in the air fryer basket they will continue to cook (as the basket/tray is hot).
Serve with:
Cheese Sauce
Barbecue sauce
Honey mustard

Nutrition

Serving: 1

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
air-fried-onion-rings-from-frozen-pin-3909671

Originally published March 2021, updated and republished June 2023

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    I love your from frozen air fryer recipes because nothing from the store has air-fryer instructions on it. I’m always afraid I’ll overdo them!

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