Nothing beats the crunch of a perfectly crispy onion ring, and with your air fryer, they’re easier than ever to make. Forget the hassle of deep-frying—these frozen onion rings turn golden and crunchy in minutes. Paired with my tangy homemade dipping sauce, they’re a delicious snack or side dish for any meal. Whether you’re whipping these up for game day, a casual dinner, or just a quick bite, this recipe has you covered.
Why This Recipe Is Fantastic
- Fast and Easy: No need for preheating or deep frying.
- Perfectly Crispy Every Time: Light and crunchy without the grease.
- Customizable Sauce: Make it as tangy or spicy as you like.
Jump to:
- Why This Recipe Is Fantastic
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Cook Frozen Onion Rings in the Air Fryer
- How to Make Onion Ring Dipping Sauce
- Expert Tips for Perfect Onion Rings
- Cooking Time and Temperature Variations
- Brand Recommendations for Frozen Onion Rings
- Dipping Sauce Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Pairings and Related Recipes
- FAQ
- How to Store and Reheat Leftover Onion Rings
- Nutritional Information
- Equipment and Kitchen Essentials
- Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings with Tangy Dipping Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need
For Air Fryer Onion Rings:
- 1 Bag Alexia Frozen Onion Rings
- 1 spray Olive Oil or Avocado Oil (Optional)
For Easy Onion Ring Sauce:
- ¼ Cup Ranch Dressing
- ¾ tsp. Creole or Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tsp. Ketchup
- ½ tsp. White Vinegar (Optional, for tanginess)
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Cook Frozen Onion Rings in the Air Fryer
Wondering “How long to cook frozen onion rings in an air fryer?” Follow these simple steps: Don’t forget to make my onion ring sauce.
Step 1 – Arrange the Onion Rings: Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Step 2 – Optional Oil Spray: Lightly spritz with oil for extra crispiness. Set Temperature and Time: Cook at 350°F for 5–6 minutes.
How to Make Onion Ring Dipping Sauce
Steps to Make the Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: Mix Ranch dressing, Creole seasoning, and ketchup in a bowl.
- Add Tanginess (Optional): Stir in ½ tsp. white vinegar for a tangy kick.
- Serve: Pair it with your crispy onion rings or any other fried snacks.
Expert Tips for Perfect Onion Rings
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leave space between each onion ring to ensure proper airflow for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- No Preheating Needed: Save time by skipping the preheat step—your air fryer will still deliver perfect results.
- Extra Crispiness: For even crunchier onion rings, give them a light spritz of oil before air frying.
- Customize the Sauce: Adjust the Creole seasoning in the sauce to make it spicier or tangier based on your preference.
Cooking Time and Temperature Variations
- Thinner Onion Rings: 4–5 minutes at 350°F.
- Thicker Onion Rings: 6–7 minutes at 375°F.
Every air fryer is different, so check them halfway through cooking for best results.
Brand Recommendations for Frozen Onion Rings
Searching for the best frozen onion rings for your air fryer? Here’s what works well:
- Alexia: Consistent and flavorful.
- Ore-Ida: A budget-friendly classic.
- Nathan’s Famous: Great for those who prefer thick and crispy rings.
Dipping Sauce Variations
Looking for alternatives to the basic onion ring sauce? Try these:
- Honey Mustard
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo
- BBQ Sauce
- Garlic Aioli
These sauces are quick to make and will step up your snack game.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy onion rings pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some meal ideas:
- Burgers: Classic and hearty, perfect for a backyard BBQ.
- BBQ Ribs: A smoky, savory pairing that complements the crunch of onion rings.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwiches: A lighter option with plenty of flavor.
- Wings or Nachos: Great for game days or casual gatherings.
- Steak or Roasted Veggies: For a more upscale meal, onion rings add a fun twist.
Pairings and Related Recipes
Looking for more recipes to pair with these onion rings? Check out these delicious options:
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken – Crispy, juicy chicken that’s a perfect match for onion rings.
- Frozen Chicken Nuggets (Air Fryer) – Quick and easy for a kid-friendly meal.
- Air Fryer French Fries – Complete your air fryer feast with these crispy fries.
- Frozen Eggrolls in the Air Fryer – Another snack-time favorite.
FAQ
Yes! Cooking frozen onion rings in the air fryer is fast and easy. They come out perfectly crispy every time.
Most onion rings take 5–6 minutes at 350°F, depending on their thickness.
Make sure to leave space between the onion rings for proper airflow. Overcrowding can lead to soggy results.
Use the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Onion Rings
H3: Storage:
Keep leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
To bring them back to life:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Place onion rings in a single layer.
- Air fry for 3–4 minutes or until crispy.
Nutritional Information
For Air Fryer Onion Rings (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 3g
For Onion Ring Sauce (Per Serving – 2 tbsp)
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 1g
Equipment and Kitchen Essentials
I always share the tools and equipment I use to make each recipe, along with my top kitchen essentials. If you purchase through the links provided, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support means the world to me and helps me continue creating and sharing recipes.
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Large 6-Qt Air Fryer
Alexia Crispy Onion Rings with Panko Breading and Sea Salt, Non-GMO
Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liners 8.5inch 200 Pcs.
Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings with Tangy Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
Air Fryer Onion Rings
- 1 Bag Alexia Frozen Onion Rings
- 1 spray Olive Oil or Avocado Oil (Not required)
Onion Ring Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Ranch Dressing
- 3/4 tsp. Creole Seasoning or Cajun Seasonin
- 1 tsp. Ketchup
- 1/2 tsp. White Vinegar (If you want it tangier)
Instructions
Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Place onion Rings in Air Fryer Basket with space in between for proper air flow.
- If you want the onion rings extra crispy spray with a little bit of oil. This is not required. I generally do not do it.
- Air Fry for 5-6 Minutes at 350 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Easy Onion Ring Sauce
- In a dish add Ranch Dressing, Creole or Cajun Seasoning and Ketchup.
- Mix ingredients until combined.
