Wondering how to reheat onion rings without making them soggy? If you have leftover onion rings from a restaurant or homemade batch, you don’t have to settle for a soft, chewy coating the next day.

The best way to reheat onion rings is in an air fryer, but an oven or toaster oven can also bring back their crispy texture. The microwave is the fastest option, although it won’t give you the same crunch.

Below you’ll find the best methods for reheating onion rings, including the temperature and approximate cooking time for each method, followed by my easy homemade onion rings recipe.

Bring it up a notch and pair it with this blooming onion copycat recipe.

Quick Guide to Reheating Onion Rings

If you just want to know the answer, here’s the short version:

The exact reheating time will vary depending on the thickness of your onion rings and your appliance.

What Is the Best Way to Reheat Onion Rings?

The best way to reheat onion rings is in an air fryer.

An air fryer uses circulating dry heat to warm the onion rings while helping the outside coating become crisp again. Unlike a microwave, it doesn’t rely on moisture to heat the food, so you’re less likely to end up with soggy breading.

How to Reheat Onion Rings in an Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
2. Arrange the leftover onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Heat for 3–5 minutes.
4. Check them after 3 minutes.
5. If they need more time, continue heating in short increments until hot and crispy.
6. Remove and serve immediately.

Thicker onion rings may require a little additional time, while smaller or thinner rings can heat more quickly.

You generally don’t need to add oil when reheating fried onion rings. If your leftovers look particularly dry, a very light spray of oil can help refresh the coating.

For the crispiest results, don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs room to circulate around the onion rings.

How to Reheat Onion Rings in the Oven

Don’t have an air fryer? The oven is another good way to reheat onion rings and keep them crispy.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Arrange the onion rings in a single layer.
4. Bake for approximately 10–12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
5. Remove and serve immediately.

If you have a wire rack that fits over your baking sheet, you can place the onion rings on the rack instead. This allows air to circulate underneath them as they heat.

Avoid covering the onion rings with foil while reheating. Covering them traps moisture, which can soften the crispy coating.

How Long to Reheat Onion Rings in the Oven

At 350°F, leftover onion rings generally take about 10–12 minutes in the oven.

Because ovens and onion rings vary, start checking them toward the lower end of the cooking time. You want them hot and crisp without drying them out.

How to Reheat Onion Rings in a Toaster Oven

A toaster oven is another convenient way to reheat onion rings, especially when you’re only warming up a small serving.

1. Preheat the toaster oven to 375°F.
2. Place the onion rings in a single layer on the rack or a baking tray.
3. Heat for approximately 10–15 minutes.
4. Check them periodically until they are hot and crispy.
5. Remove and serve immediately.

If your toaster oven has a wire rack, using it can help the hot air circulate around the onion rings instead of leaving one side directly against a baking sheet.

Can You Reheat Onion Rings in the Microwave?

Yes, you can microwave onion rings, but this isn’t the best method if you want them crispy.

The microwave is convenient because it heats food quickly, but the resulting texture is usually softer than onion rings reheated with dry heat.

If you’re in a hurry:

1. Place the onion rings on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Heat for 15 seconds.
3. Check the temperature.
4. Continue in short intervals until heated through.

A microwave crisper tray can help improve the texture, but an air fryer, oven, or toaster oven is still the better choice when crispiness matters.

How to Reheat Onion Rings So They Stay Crispy

The secret to crispy reheated onion rings is avoiding excess moisture.

Follow these simple tips:

• Arrange onion rings in a single layer.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket or baking sheet.
• Don’t cover onion rings with foil while reheating.
• Use a wire rack when possible to allow air to circulate underneath.
• Check them frequently toward the end of cooking.
• Serve immediately once they’re hot and crispy.

If your onion rings were refrigerated in an airtight container, some moisture may have collected inside the container. That’s another reason an air fryer or oven works better than a microwave for leftovers.

How Long Does It Take to Reheat Onion Rings?

The amount of time needed depends on the cooking method, the size of the onion rings, and how cold they are when you start.

For a quick reference:

Air fryer: 350°F for 3–5 minutes
Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes
Toaster oven: 375°F for 10–15 minutes
Microwave: 15-second intervals until heated through

These are approximate times, so keep an eye on your onion rings as they cook.

How to Store Leftover Onion Rings

Proper storage can help keep leftover onion rings in better condition before you reheat them.

Allow the onion rings to cool before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Try not to pack them tightly together. Excess moisture can collect in the container and make the crispy coating softer.

When you’re ready to eat them, use an air fryer, oven, or toaster oven to restore as much crispiness as possible.

Can You Freeze Onion Rings?

Yes, you can freeze onion rings.

For homemade onion rings, allow them to cool completely before freezing. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

When you’re ready to eat them, reheat them using an air fryer or oven. You may need to add additional cooking time when reheating from frozen.

What Can You Do With Leftover Onion Rings?

If you have more leftover onion rings than you want to eat on their own, turn them into part of another meal.

Try chopping reheated onion rings and adding them to:

• Air Fryer Burgers
• BBQ sandwiches
• Hot dogs
• Sandwiches

That crispy onion topping can turn a basic meal into something much more interesting.

Homemade Onion Rings Recipe

If you’re looking for a homemade onion rings recipe, this is an easy way to make crispy, golden onion rings at home.

The onions are coated in seasoned flour, dipped into an egg and milk mixture, coated with Italian breadcrumbs, and then fried until golden brown.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Fryer and Egg Mixture

Preheat a deep fryer to 375 degrees.

Beat an egg and add a cup of milk to a bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

In another bowl combine Flour, Paprika, Baking Powder, Italian seasoning, Pepper, Salt, and Garlic Powder.

Step 3: Prepare the Onion Rings

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.

Step 4: Add the Breadcrumbs

Once onion rings have dripped excess liquid, dredge in breadcrumbs.

Make sure the breadcrumbs coat the onion rings before frying.

Step 5: Fry the Onion Rings

Fry for about 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Drain the onion rings on a paper towel and then serve immediately.

Freshly fried onion rings are at their crispiest when served right away.

Recipe Notes

Using an air fryer is the best way to reheat onion rings for maximum crispiness.

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
2. Arrange onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Heat for 3–5 minutes, checking at 20-second intervals if needed.
4. Remove and enjoy crispy, hot onion rings.

More Easy Recipes to Try

If you enjoy crispy, homemade sides, try these recipes next:

Crispy Baked Potato Wedges – A crispy side dish with a fluffy center.

Fried Green Tomatoes – A crunchy classic that’s perfect alongside a meal.

Skillet Potatoes – Savory, crispy potatoes made right in a skillet.

If you have leftover onion rings, don’t throw them away just because they’re no longer crispy.

The best way to reheat onion rings is the air fryer, which can bring back that crispy exterior in just a few minutes. An oven or toaster oven also works well when you have a larger batch, while the microwave is best reserved for situations when speed matters more than texture.

And if you haven’t made homemade onion rings yet, this recipe is an easy place to start. Just remember to make enough for leftovers because now you know how to make them crispy again the next day!

Yield: 4 servings

Easy Onion Rings Recipe

5.0 Stars (2 Reviews)

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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.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 3 minutes

Additional Time 2 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

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.

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
2. Arrange onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking at 20-second intervals if needed.
4. Remove and enjoy crispy, hot onion rings!

More FAQS About Homemade Onion Rings

About the Author

The Hobby Wife

As an avid gardener, dedicated homemaker, and culinary enthusiast, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to every aspect of homemaking, recipes, travel, and gardening. My journey is deeply rooted in a love for nature, food, and exploration, which I share through my engaging content.

With years of experience cultivating a vibrant garden and crafting delicious recipes, I specialize in creating farm-to-table homestyle dishes that highlight the freshest ingredients. My culinary creations are inspired by my extensive travels, allowing me to infuse a variety of flavors from my travels into my kitchen.

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