This easy onion rings recipe delivers crispy, golden rings that are perfect when served fresh. But what about leftovers? Knowing how to reheat onion rings ensures they stay crispy and delicious instead of turning soggy.
Whether you reheat onion rings in an air fryer, oven, or toaster oven, this guide will help you enjoy perfectly reheated onion rings every time.
How to Make Homemade Onion Rings
Making crispy onion rings at home is easy with this simple onion rings recipe.
Homemade Onion Rings Ingredients
- 2 large onions, sliced into rings
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions
This recipe for crispy onion rings is so easy to make with these step by step instructions.
Step 1: Slice Onions into Even Rings
To start making crispy onion rings, slice your onions into even rings to ensure they fry evenly. Choose medium to large onions for the best results, and make sure each slice is about 1/4-inch thick for the perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika to create the seasoning coating. This flour mixture will give the onion rings that crispy, flavorful crunch. You can also add garlic powder or cayenne pepper for extra heat and flavor.
Step 3: Whisk Milk and Egg for Dipping
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg until smooth. This egg mixture will help the flour mixture stick to the onion rings, ensuring a crisp coating. For a richer texture, use whole milk or buttermilk.
Step 4: Coat Onion Rings in Flour, Egg, and Breadcrumbs
Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, followed by the egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs. Make sure each ring is fully covered to achieve a crunchy, golden exterior. For an extra crispy layer, double coat the onion rings by repeating the dipping process.
Step 5: Fry Onion Rings to Perfection
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry the onion rings for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for perfectly crispy onion rings.
Step 6: Drain and Serve Immediately
Once the onion rings are golden brown, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve your homemade onion rings while they’re hot for the best crunch and flavor!
How to Store Onion Rings for Best Results
Proper storage is key to maintaining the crispy texture of onion rings. Follow these steps to keep your leftovers fresh:
- Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
- Store in a single layer on a wire rack or paper towel to avoid sogginess.
- Use an airtight container to keep out excess moisture and maintain crispiness.
Best Ways to Reheat Onion Rings
Avoid the microwave—it makes onion rings soggy. Instead, use these tried-and-true methods:
Reheating Onion Rings in an Air Fryer (Best Method!)
Using an air fryer is the best way to reheat onion rings for maximum crispiness.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Arrange onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking at 20-second intervals if needed.
- Remove and enjoy crispy, hot onion rings!
The time needed to reheat onion rings in an air fryer depends on their thickness. Generally, 3-5 minutes at 350°F works best. If they are extra crispy, reduce the time slightly.
Reheating Onion Rings in an Oven
If you don’t have an air fryer, the oven is another great option for reheating onion rings while keeping them crispy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Spread onion rings out in a single layer.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
How to Reheat Onion Rings in a Toaster Oven
A toaster oven can quickly reheat onion rings while keeping them crispy.
- Preheat toaster oven to 375°F.
- Place onion rings on a wire rack for even heating.
- Heat for 10-15 minutes until crispy and hot.
Can You Reheat Onion Rings in a Microwave?
Reheating onion rings in a microwave is not recommended as it makes them soggy. However, if you must, use a microwave crisper tray and heat in short 15-second bursts.
How to Keep Onion Rings Crispy When Reheating
- Always reheat in a single layer to prevent steaming.
- Avoid covering with foil—it traps moisture.
- Use dry heat methods like an air fryer or oven for best results.
- If needed, lightly spray with oil before reheating to restore crispiness.
What to Do with Leftover Onion Rings?
If you have leftover onion rings, consider using them in creative ways:
- Chop and add to burgers for extra crunch.
- Toss into a salad for a crispy topping.
- Use in a breakfast hash with eggs and potatoes.
Can You Store Uncooked Onion Rings?
Yes! If you prefer to cook fresh onion rings later, follow these storage tips:
- Arrange uncooked rings in a single layer on a wire rack.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for long-term storage.
More Easy Recipes to Try
- Crispy Baked Potato Wedges – A perfect side dish that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
- Fried Green Tomatoes – A Southern classic with a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Skillet Potatoes – Savory, crispy, and drizzled with molasses for a hint of sweetness.
Did you try this onion rings recipe? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to share this post on social media and subscribe to my free newsletter for more easy recipes!
More FAQS About Homemade Onion Rings
Yes, in fact, this is my preferred method for reheating onion ring leftovers. Air-fried onion rings are heated to perfection using the dry heat that builds inside of the warm oven.
The air fryer basket or trays, depending on your style fryer, will keep the onion rings from losing their outside layer of crispiness since they don’t have to lay against a baking tray.
Cook for 3-5 minutes and if you need more time, cook and check in 20-second intervals until done.
Yes. this method works well because a toaster oven can reach high temperatures and doesn’t need any excess oil to enjoy the texture of fried onion rings.
Place on wire rack and cook for about 10-15 minutes.
You can enjoy delicious onion rings reheated in your convection oven. Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees. Line a pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Place onion rings single file on top and cook for about 10-12 minutes.
When planning on heating up onion rings a second time, I make as much batter as I need on the first night. This way I don’t have to do all of the steps required for making batches of onion rings twice.
If you prefer to use your deep fryer the second night, you can store raw onion rings without cooking them the night before.
Just be sure that the onions rings are not touching each other and it is recommended to store on a wire rack on top of a baking tray lined with aluminum foil to catch any drippings.
Easy Onion Rings Recipe
Learn how to make this crispy homemade onion rings recipe and the best way to reheat onion rings in an air fryer or oven that stays crispy.
Ingredients
- 2 small onions
- 1 Cup of All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon of Salt
- 1 Cup of Milk
- 1 1/2 Cups of Italian Breadcrumbs
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/8 Teaspoon of Paprika
- Dash of Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon of Garlic
- Dash of Italian Seasoning
Instructions
Preheat a deep fryer to 375 degrees
Beat an egg and add a cup of milk to a bowl.
In another bowl combine Flour, Paprika, Baking Powder, Italian seasoning, Pepper, Salt, and Garlic Powder.
In the last bowl pour about a cup and a half of Italian Breadcrumbs.
Slice the onions into onion ring shapes, tossing the smaller portions of the onion.
Roll the onion slices in flour, trying to coat them as best as you can.
Then soak each onion in the egg bath, then place on a rack to drip.
Once onion rings have dripped excess liquid, dredge in breadcrumbs then fry for about 2-3 minutes.
Drain on a paper towel and then serve immediately.
Notes
Using an air fryer is the best way to reheat onion rings for maximum crispiness.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Arrange onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking at 20-second intervals if needed.
- Remove and enjoy crispy, hot onion rings!
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¡Las cebollas locas!
Onion rings are so good with chicken gyros. Once, I started eating them, I can’t stop. The crunchier, the better.