Popeyes has reintroduced its Cajun Onion Rings to U.S. menus for a limited time, with the side dish available for $3.99 and served with a cup of buttermilk ranch. The return of the crispy, Cajun-spiced rings has sparked nostalgia among some customers who remember the item from the 1990s, while others have expressed mixed feelings about its comeback.
The Cajun Onion Rings were a staple in Popeyes locations during the 1990s and began to disappear from menus in the early 2010s, with some locations ceasing sales in 2020, according to reports.
On social media, the announcement of the rings' return elicited enthusiastic responses. "I have waited sooooo very long!" one commenter wrote on Popeyes' Instagram. However, not all reactions were positive. Some customers have questioned whether the recipe remains the same as in previous years. One diner claimed the rings were "hard and burnt and overly salted," while others felt the price did not justify the offering.
An Allrecipes review of the item described the Cajun Onion Rings as having a crispy batter and a heat that builds with each bite. The company stated that the rings bring "even more bold Louisiana flavor to the table" and are "made to be shared."
In addition to the Cajun Onion Rings, Popeyes is currently offering a limited-time deal featuring six pieces of its Signature Bone-In Chicken for $10.
This move follows Popeyes' decision earlier this year to make its $3.99 chicken wraps a permanent menu item. Those wraps, available in Classic, Spicy, and Blackened Ranch varieties, also received varied customer responses regarding their size and value compared to competitors.