If you’ve ever been hungry late at night, you are probably familiar with visiting a local fast food restaurant and getting fried foods for dinner. One of the popular finger foods is Onion Rings, but what should you do if you accidentally leave them out overnight at room temperature? 

You should not eat onion rings that have been left out overnight. The longer food stays at temperatures above 37 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), the more bacteria develop. To avoid food poisoning and digestive distress, onion rings left out overnight should be thrown away and not consumed. 

Is there any safe way to consume Onion rings that have been left out? How should you store your onion rings, and what is the best method of reheating them? We have all the answers and more here for you today! 

How Long Can Onion Rings Be Left at Room Temperature?

You can usually keep cooked or fried onions out at room temperature for up to 6 hours. You should try to put it in the fridge before this time runs up, and avoid leaving them unattended if you can help it.

Bacteria and other contaminants will multiply exponentially after the longer onion rings sit out at ambient or warm temperatures. 

According to the USDA, bacteria can multiply every 20 minutes. Under the right conditions, bacteria can so much as double in a mere 20 minutes, increasing the likelihood of infecting the consumer. 

However, unlike foods such as meat, potatoes, and other starches, sugars, and meats, onions do not develop bacteria as quickly. Onions and garlic have natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties which prevent the development of dangerous bacteria. 

This natural antibiotic means onions, onion rings, and other onion products can be kept out for longer periods without large amounts of bacteria developing. If you notice your onions look slimy or smell very off, then you are better off not eating them. 

What Happens If You Eat Bad Onion Rings?

If you eat contaminated food, you may develop food poisoning. Food poisoning can cause muscle aches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other bodily discomforts. However, onion rings are less likely to develop these bacteria than other foods and may be less likely to make you sick when left out. 

Food poisoning can be extremely uncomfortable and, at times, deadly when left on treated. Therefore, if your food has passed the recommended time to be left out, you should be very careful about consuming it. 

However, onions have a longer shelf life than other vegetables and fruits when stored at room temperature. Thus they can last up to 6 hours at room temperature and still be eaten or stored in the fridge. 

Onions contain sulfuric acid, which is released once the onion is cut. As the onion ages, it continues releasing these acids, preventing the onion from decaying quickly. These antibacterial properties help extend its shelf life and delay the development of bacteria. 

How Should You Store Onion Rings?

Onion rings should be stored in the freezer until you are ready to cook them. After cooking them, keep them in your fridge for up to 5 days. You can keep them in a Ziploc bag, covered plate, or airtight container.  

As discussed above, onions do not spoil as easily as other fruits and vegetables. They get soggy and unappealing, though, after sitting in the fridge for a few days. When you’re ready to reheat your onion rings, you should try pan-frying them on the stovetop to re-crisp your rings. 

The best way to store your onion rings is in an airtight container in the fridge. Placing a paper towel between each ring will help prevent moisture from accumulating and the onion rings from getting soggy. 

Cover the onion rings with plastic wrap if you use a plate or bowl. Lay a paper towel over the bottom and on top of the rings to keep them from becoming soggy. 

Last, you can store your onion rings in a Ziploc bag. This isn’t the best method, though. It’s difficult to keep the rings from getting soggy since you can’t put paper towels to prevent moisture buildup. However, it will keep them fresh and prevent bacteria growth. If you re-fry them, they should taste fine! 

Can You Reheat Onion Rings?

Onion rings can be reheated in a microwave, toaster, oven, or stovetop. Using oil will help bring back the crispness and taste of the onion ring, but it’s not necessary. Alternatively, you can safely eat onion rings cold, but it is not recommended.

How to heat up onion rings in the oven: start by lining the cooking sheet with parchment paper. Place the onion rings on the cooking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) for 10 minutes. Turn them over halfway through baking, so they become crisp on both sides. 

How to heat up onion rings on the stove:

Add a quarter inch of vegetable oil and pour it into a frying pan. Turn the stove on high and put the onion rings on the skillet. Cool for 4-5 minutes or until warm and crisp. Make sure to flip them at least once. 

How to heat up onion rings in the microwave:

Place onions on a plate with a paper towel beneath them. Microwave on high for 1-3 minutes. Do not stack them on top of one another or they will not cook evenly. 

If you would like to learn more about how to properly reheat your fast food, check out our other blogs on the subject! We go into more detail and explain how to make your food taste brand new. 

How Long Do Onion Rings Last In The Fridge?

Onion rings will last between 3-5 days in the refrigerator.  If properly stored, with paper towels between each ring, they will retain a better flavor. For the best taste and freshest flavor, ensure you eat them within 2 days. 

Onion rings taste the best when eaten shortly after cooking. This is when they are freshest, crispest, and have the best taste. 

Moisture not only impacts the texture of onion rings, it also impacts the taste. It steals away the seasoning, oils, and flavor of the onion, making it taste unpleasant and bland. Make sure you store them properly and use them within 2 days for the best taste.

Can You Freeze Onion Rings?

You can freeze onion rings, but it is not recommended that you reheat them and later refreeze the leftovers. They will not hurt you, but they may taste grainy or fall apart easily. The best time to freeze onion rings is after they are breaded and fried for the first time. 

How to freeze onion rings:  

Homemade onion rings should be frozen after frying them and allowing them time to cool. After frying the rings, lay them out on a baking tray with paper towels.

If you do not have paper towels, just place them on a towel or straight on the tray. The towels are there to soak up excess oil but aren’t absolutely necessary. 

After cooling off, place them in the freezer for 10 minutes before removing them again. After partially frozen, gather the rings into freezer-safe bags or containers.

This process will prevent the rings from sticking together in the bag or container in the freezer. Store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.