Popeyes Brings Back Cajun-Style Onion Rings To Its Menu But Customers Have One Major Complaint

November is already bringing a lot of surprises, but one that fans of Popeyes may be most thrilled about is the reintroduction of its Cajun onion rings on November 2. Currently listed as a limited-time offering on the fast food chain's online menu, the thick-cut, fried onion rings seasoned with Popeyes' signature Cajun-themed spices have been off the menu for almost a decade or more. They were first introduced in the 1980s and flourished through the '90s, before slowly disappearing from franchise menus by the late 2010s. Naturally, fans who have long asked for the return of the onion rings have been eager to try them out. But there's one major complaint from Popeyes customers about this item's return in 2026 — the price.

For $3.99, you get about six large, thick-cut rings with Cajun-style spices in the batter and a side of ranch dipping sauce. Popeyes announced the news in a press release, as reported by USA Today, though there seems to have been a sneak-preview in test markets as early as July 2026, according to TikTok posts at the time. Whether it lands on a list of best fast food items remains to be seen, but many fans so far are enthusiastic. 

Of course, there are dissenters. The product, as released in November, includes fewer onion rings than in both the July test and in the past, with Redditors posting previous orders featuring a dozen or more. And not everyone feels that the relaunched version is worth the money: As with Popeyes' chicken tenders, the concern is one of shrinkflation.

Reviews posted within the first day or two of release of Popeyes' Cajun onion rings have been largely positive. TikToker B Wood Cooks noted that he's "not even a big onion ring fan," but said, "I would give them a solid 8." A user on the r/fastfood subreddit was also pleasantly surprised, commenting on a thread, "they were full rings with a flavorful and spicy coating." They did speculate that quality may vary by location. Others who sampled the new rings felt that there wasn't enough crunch.

Though it's not the most expensive fast food item out there, the price rankles some people. One person commenting on B Wood Cooks's post suggested using smaller onions would allow more rings per cup or bag. Another Reddit user on the r/fastfood thread wrote, "I'm sure they're great if you wanna pay $4 for 6 onion rings." Some early reviewers also received more than six rings in a cup.

If you're particular about your preferred dipping sauce, Popeyes lists buttermilk ranch as the side's accompanying dipping sauce, but more than one reviewer received the chain's blackened ranch instead, which includes paprika and other seasonings. Some note that the spice isn't immediately noticeable, but creeps up on you with each bite. If you're looking for extra heat, one Redditor suggested asking for a packet of Cajun Sparkle seasoning blend where available and tossing the rings in it. Others suggested asking for honey mustard or other sauces to go with them.