How to Reheat Onion Rings
Leftover fried onion rings, homemade or restaurant.
The Short Answer
The best way to reheat onion rings is in the oven at 400 degrees F for 5-8 minutes or the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 4-5 minutes.
Reheating Methods
Oven
Temperature: 400°F
Time: 5-8 minutes
Single layer on a wire rack over a baking sheet. The higher temperature works for onion rings because they are thinner and reheat faster than most fried foods.
Air Fryer
Time: 4-5 minutes
375 degrees F. Single layer. Watch them closely; thin onion rings can go from crispy to burnt quickly.
Microwave
Time: 30-60 seconds
The breading goes completely soft. Only as a last resort.
Do not microwave onion rings. The combination of soggy breading and wilted onion is deeply unpleasant. Take the extra 5 minutes for the oven.
Onion rings reheat on a razor-thin margin. Because they are thin, they go from cold to perfectly crispy to burnt in a narrow window. Watch them closely and pull them the moment the coating looks golden and crispy. Set a timer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oven at 400 degrees F on a wire rack for 5-8 minutes, or air fryer at 375 degrees F for 4-5 minutes. The wire rack and dry heat are essential for re-crisping the breading.
Leftover onion rings last 1-2 days in the refrigerator. They degrade faster than most fried foods because the onion releases moisture that softens the coating. Eat them sooner rather than later.
Homemade uncooked onion rings freeze well for up to 3 months. Freeze in a single layer, then bag. Fry or bake from frozen. Already-fried onion rings do not freeze well.
The Bottom Line
The best way to reheat onion rings is in the oven or air fryer. A few extra minutes with the right method makes all the difference.