There’s something undeniably satisfying about a perfectly crispy, golden-brown onion ring. When done right, they deliver that magical combo of crunchy exterior and sweet, tender onion inside—no sad, limp batter or onion that slips right out on the first bite.
But let’s be honest: not all fast-food onion rings are created equal. Some are crunchy masterpieces, while others leave you wondering why you didn’t just order fries instead.
So, in the name of serious snack journalism (and maybe a little self-indulgence), we took on the greasy, glorious task of taste-testing 19 different fast-food onion rings.
From the biggest burger chains to regional gems, we ranked them all—from the ones worth driving out of your way for to the ones that should probably just stay in the fryer a little longer.
Which onion rings reign supreme? And which ones failed to impress? Grab your napkins, because things are about to get deliciously messy.
1. Burger King
Burger King is the undisputed king of fast-food onion rings—at least in terms of availability. But are they actually good? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. If you want thick-cut onion slices wrapped in a crispy, well-seasoned batter, you might be a little disappointed.
BK’s version leans more into onion-flavored rings rather than true onion rings, with a minced-onion filling inside a crunchy, golden shell. This means you won’t experience the satisfying snap of biting into a full onion ring.
However, what they lack in authenticity, they make up for in consistency. They’re always crispy, reliably salty, and have just the right amount of crunch.
The best way to enjoy Burger King’s onion rings is with their zesty sauce, which adds a creamy, slightly spicy kick that helps boost the flavor.
Without it, they can taste a little one-dimensional. If you’re looking for a quick onion ring fix that won’t fall apart in your hands, BK delivers—but if you’re a purist, you may want to keep looking.
2. Sonic Drive-In
Sonic’s onion rings are one of the most unique fast-food offerings, and that’s largely due to their slightly sweet batter. Rumor has it that Sonic adds vanilla or a hint of sugar to their batter, giving the rings a nostalgic, homemade taste.
While this might sound strange at first, it works surprisingly well, balancing out the natural savoriness of the onion.
The texture is another win—thicker than Burger King’s, with a substantial crunch that holds up even after sitting in the bag for a few minutes. The onions inside are tender but not mushy, meaning you won’t end up pulling out an entire onion strip on your first bite.
The only real downside is inconsistency—some locations nail the perfect crispiness, while others tend to overdo it on the grease. But when Sonic gets it right, these rings are some of the best in fast food.
3. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is best known for its Blizzards, but their onion rings are a surprisingly solid contender in the fast-food world. Unlike BK’s, these actually contain full slices of onion, encased in a light, crunchy batter that doesn’t overwhelm the onion flavor.
The rings are thin and crispy rather than thick and doughy, which makes them an excellent side if you’re not in the mood for fries.
The onions themselves are cooked just enough to be soft but still have a bit of bite, and the batter is well-seasoned, though not particularly bold. If you like a more traditional, straightforward onion ring without too much grease or unnecessary extras, Dairy Queen’s version is a reliable, underrated option.
4. Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box isn’t necessarily the first place people think of when they crave onion rings, but they should be. Their rings have a great balance of crunch and flavor, and unlike some competitors, they don’t skimp on seasoning.
The batter is crispy and well-adhered to the onion, meaning you won’t end up with a mouthful of onion while the breading crumbles away.
They’re a bit thinner than some of the heavier, breadier versions out there, but that works in their favor, giving them a snackable, crispy texture. However, while they check all the basic boxes, they don’t have a particularly bold or unique flavor that sets them apart.
Still, if you’re at Jack in the Box and want something crunchy, these won’t disappoint.
5. Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr. has a reputation for indulgent, over-the-top fast food, and their onion rings fit right into that image. They’re thicker and crunchier than most, with a breading that’s light, flaky, and almost tempura-like rather than heavy and doughy.
The onions inside are juicy, and the batter-to-onion ratio is just right—meaning you get plenty of crunch without losing the onion’s natural sweetness.
One of the best things about Carl’s Jr.’s onion rings is that they’re usually served fresh and hot, straight from the fryer.
When paired with a side of ranch or BBQ sauce, they become an unbeatable fast-food side. If you’re a fan of crispy, restaurant-style onion rings, these are one of the better options out there.
6. Arby’s
Arby’s may be best known for its roast beef sandwiches, but its onion rings deserve more attention. These rings are thick-cut and heavily breaded, creating a substantial, crunchy bite that holds up well to dipping sauces. Unlike some fast-food onion rings that rely on seasoning for flavor, Arby’s lets the natural sweetness of the onion shine through while still delivering that crave-worthy crunch.
One of the biggest positives is the integrity of the onion itself—when you bite in, you actually get a full slice of onion rather than a hollow shell of batter. However, the one downside is the grease factor. While the batter is deliciously crispy, it can sometimes feel a bit oily, especially if you let them sit too long. That said, if you want a solid, thick onion ring that doesn’t fall apart in your hands, Arby’s is a great choice.
7. A&W
A&W might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about onion rings, but their version is one of the most classic, diner-style options on this list. They use a light, crispy batter that coats the onion without overwhelming it, resulting in rings that are golden, airy, and perfectly crunchy.
The batter has a mild seasoning that enhances the onion’s sweetness without being too salty or overpowering. What really sets A&W’s onion rings apart, though, is the pairing with their signature root beer—the combination of sweet, fizzy soda with the crispy, savory onion rings is a nostalgic treat that’s hard to beat. The only downside? They’re not available at every location, making them a bit of a rare find.
8. Culver’s
Culver’s is known for its ButterBurgers and fresh custard, but their onion rings are just as worthy of praise. Unlike fast-food chains that serve pre-frozen rings, Culver’s onion rings taste homemade—they’re thick-cut, hand-battered, and fried to a golden crisp.
The batter is light and crunchy, with just the right amount of seasoning to complement the sweetness of the onion. The rings themselves are large and satisfying, making them one of the best fast-food options for onion ring lovers. Another major plus is their consistency—whether you’re visiting in Wisconsin or Florida, Culver’s rings are reliably crispy and delicious every time.
9. Chick-fil-A
Wait, Chick-fil-A has onion rings? Not at every location, but for those lucky enough to find them, they’re surprisingly good. Unlike many fast-food chains that go heavy on the batter, Chick-fil-A keeps it simple with a light, crispy coating that enhances rather than overpowers the onion.
The onions inside are perfectly cooked—soft but not mushy—and the flavor is clean and natural. The biggest downside? Availability. Since they’re not on the menu at all locations, they’re more of a hidden gem than a staple. But if you ever spot them on the menu, they’re worth a try.
10. White Castle
White Castle’s onion rings are, unfortunately, a bit underwhelming compared to some of the other heavy hitters on this list. They’re on the smaller side, with a basic breading that doesn’t add much flavor.
The onions tend to be thin and stringy, and the batter doesn’t always hold up well, sometimes slipping off the onion entirely. While they’re not terrible, they just don’t stand out in the fast-food world. If you’re at White Castle, you’re better off sticking with the sliders and crinkle-cut fries.
11. Red Robin
Red Robin might be best known for its bottomless fries, but let’s be real—the onion rings are the real MVP. Served as a towering stack, these rings are big, thick, and perfectly crispy, making them more of a meal than a side.
What sets them apart is their seasoning and texture—they’re fried to golden perfection, with a batter that’s crunchy without being too greasy. And of course, there’s the campfire sauce—a smoky, slightly tangy dip that takes these onion rings to another level. If you’re dining in, these are some of the best restaurant-style onion rings you can get.
12. Whataburger
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes Whataburger’s onion rings. These rings are substantial, well-seasoned, and crispy, with a breading that’s thicker than most but not overly greasy.
Whataburger’s rings have a deep, golden-brown color that screams “perfectly fried,” and the onion inside is tender but still has a bit of snap. Pair them with Whataburger’s spicy ketchup, and you’ve got a winning combination that might even make you forget about their famous fries.
13. Long John Silver’s
Long John Silver’s is all about deep-fried perfection, and their onion rings follow suit. If you’re a fan of their signature battered fish, then you’ll likely appreciate their approach to onion rings as well.
Unlike many fast-food joints that use a thick, breadcrumb-heavy coating, Long John Silver’s opts for a light, airy batter that creates a delicate yet ultra-crispy texture. This makes them stand out in the fast-food onion ring scene.
One of the best aspects of these rings is their flavor balance. The batter has just enough salt and seasoning to enhance the natural sweetness of the onions without overpowering them. The onions themselves are soft and tender, never stringy or undercooked.
14. Church’s Chicken
These aren’t your average, lightly battered rings—Church’s serves up heavily breaded, thick-cut onion rings that offer a serious crunch with every bite. The breading is closer to what you’d expect on a piece of fried chicken, meaning these rings are crispy, crunchy, and full of flavor.
One of the best things about Church’s onion rings is their size and texture. The onions are thick and substantial, ensuring that you’re actually getting a good bite of onion with each ring rather than just an overwhelming amount of breading.
The seasoning in the breading has a slight sweetness to it, which pairs well with the natural sugars in the onion.
However, the downside to Church’s approach is that their onion rings can sometimes be a little too greasy. Since the breading is thicker, it tends to soak up more oil, which can make them feel heavy—especially if you’re already indulging in a box of fried chicken.
15. KFC
For a brand that specializes in fried food, you’d think KFC would have onion rings that blow the competition out of the water. Unfortunately, that’s not really the case. KFC’s onion rings are pretty underwhelming, especially compared to their more famous side dishes like mashed potatoes and biscuits.
The biggest issue with KFC’s onion rings is their lack of bold flavor. The batter, while crispy enough, doesn’t carry the iconic 11 herbs and spices that make KFC’s chicken so legendary.
Instead, the seasoning is pretty mild, leaving the rings tasting a bit bland. The onions themselves are soft but not particularly flavorful, and the breading has a tendency to separate from the onion after a bite or two.
16. Popeyes
If you love Popeyes’ famous crispy, flavorful fried chicken, then you’re in for a treat with their onion rings. These rings are as crunchy and well-seasoned as their chicken, making them a real standout.
Unlike some places that use a neutral batter, Popeyes leans into bold Cajun flavors, giving their onion rings a mild spicy kick that sets them apart.
The texture is another win—Popeyes’ onion rings are crispy without being too thick, and the onions inside are sweet, tender, and easy to bite through. One of the best things about them is how well they pair with Popeyes’ dipping sauces.
Whether you go for Blackened Ranch, Sweet Heat, or Bayou Buffalo, there’s a lot of potential for flavor experimentation here.
17. Zaxby’s
Zaxby’s is famous for its chicken, but their onion rings deserve some love, too. These rings are thicker than most fast-food options, with a crunchy, golden-brown breading that holds up well to dipping sauces. The onion inside is flavorful and tender, making for a well-balanced bite.
The biggest highlight of Zaxby’s onion rings isn’t necessarily the rings themselves—it’s the Zax Sauce. This tangy, creamy, slightly smoky dipping sauce takes the rings from good to great.
If you’re ordering onion rings at Zaxby’s, you absolutely need to pair them with this sauce for the full experience.
The only real downside? They’re not always available at every location, and even when they are, they’re sometimes an upcharge rather than a standard side.
18. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s keeps things simple, and their onion rings follow suit. These aren’t overly thick, heavily breaded rings—instead, they’re thin, crispy, and lightly seasoned, making them a great complement to their smashburgers and frozen custard.
What makes Freddy’s onion rings stand out is their delicate crispiness. They’re fried just enough to be golden brown without feeling heavy or greasy. The onions inside are thinly sliced and soft, making them easy to eat without the dreaded onion slip (where the onion pulls out of the breading in one bite).
While they might not be the most mind-blowing onion rings, they’re consistently good and work really well with Freddy’s famous fry sauce.
19. Steak ‘n Shake
Steak ‘n Shake’s onion rings are a throwback to classic diners, and they’re some of the thinnest, crispiest rings on this list. Unlike places that go for big, bread-heavy rings, Steak ‘n Shake sticks to a delicate, flaky batter that gives the rings a nice crunch without overpowering the onion inside.
One of the best ways to enjoy these onion rings is with one of Steak ‘n Shake’s famous milkshakes—it’s the ultimate sweet and savory combo. They also pair really well with their steakburgers and chili, making them a versatile side.
However, because they’re so thin and lightly battered, these rings don’t hold up well over time. If you let them sit too long, they can get a little soggy. But if you’re eating them fresh, they’re a nostalgic, crispy treat.
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