When it comes to craveable comfort foods, few sides can compete with the irresistible crunch and savory flavor of onion rings. That’s why every year on June 22, restaurants and food lovers across the country celebrate National Onion Ring Day—a golden opportunity (literally and figuratively) for foodservice operators to shine.

A Brief History of the Beloved Onion Ring

While the true origin of onion rings is still debated, references to battered and fried onions date back to the early 1900s. One of the earliest published recipes appeared in a 1933 issue of The New York Times. Over the decades, onion rings grew in popularity, especially in the U.S., becoming a classic side dish in diners, burger joints, and fast-casual restaurants alike.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, onion rings have stood the test of time thanks to their versatility, snackability, and nostalgic appeal.

LTO Ideas to Celebrate National Onion Ring Day

National food holidays are the perfect excuse to have some fun with your menu—and onion rings provide plenty of opportunity to get creative. Limited-Time Offers (LTOs) centered around onion rings can drive traffic, boost average order value, and create social media-worthy moments for your business.

Here are some mouthwatering ideas to consider:

🔥 Signature Onion Ring Flights

Offer a trio of onion rings, each with a different seasoning or dip. Think:

• Classic battered with house-made ranch
• Cajun-spiced with chipotle aioli
• Parmesan-garlic with marinara

🍔 Stacked & Loaded Sandwiches

Add onion rings as a signature topper to your burgers or chicken sandwiches. The visual appeal and added crunch make it a high-impact upgrade customers will love.

🧀 Cheesy Onion Ring Nachos

Layer onion rings with nacho cheese, chopped bacon, scallions, and jalapeños for a shareable appetizer that’s both unexpected and indulgent.

🥫 Dip & Ring Combos

Pair onion rings with unique house dips or sampler sauces—sweet Thai chili, spicy ketchup, sriracha mayo, and more.

Fry Smarter with AutoFry®

Offering onion rings—whether as a daily menu staple or an LTO—shouldn’t require a major kitchen overhaul. That’s where AutoFry comes in.

AutoFry is a fully enclosed, electric, ventless, automated deep-frying system that makes it easy to serve crispy, delicious items like onion rings without the need for a traditional hood system. With models that range from countertop units to high-capacity double-basket fryers, AutoFry gives you the flexibility to meet demand with consistent results, minimal training, and maximum safety.

Plus, AutoFry’s closed cooking system keeps your staff safe from hot oil splatter, and its simple operation means you can start frying golden onion rings with the push of a button.

Make This Onion Ring Day Your Best Yet

Don’t let National Onion Ring Day pass you by—use this moment to surprise your guests with something crispy, creative, and completely delicious. And when you’re ready to simplify your frying process and elevate your operation, AutoFry is here to help make every food holiday a sizzling success.

Fry smarter. Fry safer. Fry with AutoFry.