National Onion Rings Day (June 22)
National Onion Rings Day (June 22) celebrates one of the crunchiest side dishes out there, thin slices of onion dipped in batter and fried to golden perfection.
Whether served at diners, barbecues, or fast food joints, onion rings hold their own as a beloved American favorite.
From its hazy origins to creative variations, this holiday is all about indulging and experimenting with flavor and texture. It’s one of many weird holidays in June that’s both delicious and worth the celebration.
When is the Holiday?
National Onion Rings Day is observed every year on June 22nd.
Who Invented It?
The originator of the holiday remains unknown, but it likely stems from marketing campaigns or food enthusiasts who wanted to highlight this crispy treat. Over time, it caught on with restaurants and social media foodies alike.
The History of the Holiday
While the modern holiday is unofficial, onion rings have a traceable culinary past. The earliest known recipe comes from a British cookbook in 1802.
In the U.S., Texas-based Kirby’s Pig Stand helped popularize the dish in the 1930s.
Later, a Crisco ad in 1938 featured a fried onion recipe. By the mid-20th century, onion rings had become a staple in diners and drive-ins across America.
Top 5 Facts About Onion Rings
They Inspire Fierce Loyalty – Fans regularly rank their favorite onion rings from national chains, local diners, and even frozen brands—sometimes sparking heated debate online.
The First Known Recipe Dates Back to 1802 – A cookbook called The Art of Cookery Made Easy and Refined included a simple recipe for sliced onions dipped in batter and fried, pretty close to what we eat today.
They Were Popularized by a Texas Drive-In – Kirby’s Pig Stand, a chain in Texas during the 1920s and ’30s, is credited with bringing onion rings into mainstream American food culture.
No One Can Agree on the Best Batter – Some swear by beer batter for lightness, others prefer buttermilk for richness. There are even tempura-style versions for extra crunch.
They’ve Become More Than a Side – From stacked on burgers to topping salads and even stuffed into wraps, onion rings have evolved into a centerpiece ingredient.
Activities to Celebrate
- Make Them at Home: Try a traditional beer-battered recipe or opt for baked or air-fried versions.
- Host a Taste Test: Serve different batters, coatings, and dipping sauces for a fun flavor showdown.
- Eat Out: Visit a local diner or fast-food chain and order onion rings as the main event.
- Get Creative: Use onion rings as burger toppings or salad croutons.
- Share the Love: Post your creations on social with #OnionRingDay.
Related Recipes for the Holiday
Air Fryer Onion Rings – Belly Full
This recipe takes advantage of modern kitchen tech to deliver crispy rings in under 15 minutes with minimal oil.
Perfectly Crunchy Vidalia Onion Rings – Made with naturally sweet Vidalia onions, these rings get an ultra-crispy finish thanks to a seasoned flour coating and just the right oil temp.
Spicy Beer-Battered Onion Rings (Gluten-Free) – A gluten-free take that uses rice flour and a splash of gluten-free beer to create rings with serious crunch and a mild kick of heat.
Oven Baked Onion Rings – These rings skip the deep fryer entirely. Coated in panko and baked until golden, they’re a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on crispiness.
Copycat A&W Onion Rings – Recreate the famous fast-food flavor at home using this simple recipe that mimics A&W’s classic sweet onion and savory batter combo.
Onion Ring Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette – Not your usual side dish—this creative salad balances fresh greens and crunchy onion rings with a zesty vinaigrette dressing.
Deep-Fried Beer-Battered Onion Rings – This one leans into traditional pub-style flavors, using beer, paprika, and a touch of garlic for extra depth in the batter.
Sourdough Onion Rings – A tangy twist featuring sourdough starter in the batter, adding richness and complexity to each bite.
Za’atar Baked Onion Rings – Middle Eastern spices meet American comfort food in this oven-baked version that’s earthy, herby, and unexpectedly addictive.
Easy Old Fashioned Onion Rings – Quick and simple with just a handful of pantry staples—ideal if you’re short on time but still want homemade flavor.
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Links to Resources
Funyuns Onion-Flavored Rings – Great if you’re craving that onion ring flavor without the fryer—these shelf-stable snacks are salty, crunchy, and satisfyingly nostalgic.
FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer – A compact deep fryer perfect for making onion rings at home without taking over your whole kitchen.
Metal Onion Ring Cutter Tool – Speeds up prep and helps get perfectly even slices every time.
Related Holidays
National Onion Day (June 27) – Celebrate the unsung hero behind the ring with raw, roasted, or caramelized onion dishes.
National Eat Your Veggies Day (June 17) – A reminder that even deep-fried onions count as vegetables… sort of.
National French Fry Day (July 13) – The classic rival to onion rings—try both and let the taste test decide.
National Hamburger Day (May 28) – The perfect excuse to crown your burger with a crispy onion ring.
National Junk Food Day (July 21) – No better time to embrace indulgence—onion rings definitely qualify.
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