Air-Frying Caramelized Onions: A Quick, Easy Method?

Caramelized onions are a delicious addition to any meal, but making them can be a time-consuming process. Luckily, air fryers offer a quicker and easier way to achieve the same tasty result. With just a couple of simple ingredients and a short cooking time, you can make tender, savory, and sweet caramelized onions to add to a variety of dishes.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating between 370°F and 400°F. You can preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes or follow your air fryer's instructions.

Prepare the onions: Peel and slice the onions. Aim for a medium thickness of about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick slices. Cutting them too thin may cause burning, while thicker slices may not caramelize evenly. You can cut the onions into rings, strips, or wedges, depending on your preference.

Toss with oil and seasonings: Place the sliced onions in a bowl and drizzle with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any neutral high-heat oil such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Toss the onions until they are well-coated in oil. Add your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian herbs. You can also add a pinch of sugar or brown sugar to enhance caramelization and sweetness.

Arrange in the air fryer basket: Place the seasoned onions in the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer as much as possible. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. If you have a large batch of onions, you may need to cook them in batches.

Air fry the onions: Set the air fryer temperature and timing according to your desired level of caramelization. For softer, golden onions, cook at a higher temperature (around 400°F) for a shorter time, about 8-12 minutes. For deeper caramelization and a crispier texture, lower the temperature to 360°F and cook for up to 14-20 minutes. Stir or shake the basket halfway through cooking for even results.

Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the onions during the cooking process. Once they reach a golden brown color and your desired level of caramelization, they are ready! If they are not quite done, continue cooking in small intervals, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Serve and enjoy: Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl and enjoy their sweet and savory flavor. They make a delicious topping for burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, or a tasty addition to pasta dishes and omelets.

It's important to note that different air fryers may vary in temperature and cooking time, so adjust accordingly. Always refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best results.

Oil and seasoning

Caramelising onions in an air fryer is a great way to add a sweet and savoury flavour to your dishes. The process is simple and requires minimal ingredients.

The type of oil you use is important. You want to use an oil with a high smoke point, meaning it can withstand the high heat of the air fryer without burning. Some good options include:

• Avocado oil
• Olive oil
• Vegetable oil
• Canola oil
• Peanut oil

The amount of oil you use will depend on how many onions you are cooking. A good rule of thumb is to use enough oil to coat the onions lightly. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.

As for seasoning, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with other options such as:

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Italian herbs
• Cayenne pepper
• Onion powder
• Steak seasoning
• Worcestershire sauce

When seasoning your onions, it's best to toss them in a bowl with the oil and seasonings until they are well coated. This ensures that the onions absorb the flavours and cook evenly.

Once your onions are coated in oil and seasoning, you can arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook according to your desired level of doneness.

Onion varieties

Caramelizing onions in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add a burst of flavor to your dishes. You can use any type of onion for this purpose, and the variety you choose will depend on your preference for taste, texture, and color. Here are some common types of onions and their characteristics:

Yellow Onions

Yellow onions are the most common variety and are suitable for almost any dish. They have a strong, pungent flavor and aroma due to their high sulfur content. These onions are ideal for making French onion soup or classic caramelized onions. They are also the default onion in recipes that don't specify a type.

Sweet Onions

Sweet onions, including varieties like Walla Walla, Maui, Vidalia, and others, contain extra sugar, making them perfect for caramelizing. They are larger in size and have a milder flavor, which makes them ideal for onion rings. Sweet onions are less likely to make you cry when cutting due to their lower sulfur content.

White Onions

White onions have a papery white skin and a milder, slightly sweeter flavor than yellow onions. They are commonly used in fresh salsa, homemade guacamole, or served raw in salads and sandwiches.

Red Onions

With their deep magenta color, red onions add a splash of color to your dishes. They have a sweet and mild flavor and are commonly used in burgers, salads, sandwiches, soups, and fajitas. Red onions are also one of the most popular varieties for pickling.

Shallots

Shallots are small, brown-skinned onions with purplish flesh. They are composed of multiple lobes, similar to garlic cloves. Shallots have a very intense flavor and can be minced finely for use in salad dressings and sauces. They are also excellent for roasting.

Green Onions (Scallions)

Green onions, also known as scallions, are immature onions that have not yet formed a bulb or have a small bulb. Both the bulb and the green shoots are usable, adding a peppery taste to dishes like omelets, soups, tacos, and stir-fries.

Leeks

Leeks are similar in appearance to green onions but are larger and milder in flavor. They require longer cook times to become tender and are commonly used in soups, sauces, and gratins.

Maui Onions

Maui onions are native to the slopes of the Mount Haleakala volcano in Maui, Hawaii. They are very sweet and juicy, and their low sulfuric acid content means they won't make you cry when cutting. They are often eaten raw but can also be grilled or caramelized, becoming even sweeter when cooked.

Mayan Sweet Onions

Mayan sweet onions are native to the coastal deserts of Peru, where the dry climate and low sulfur soil yield sweet and juicy onions. Like Maui onions, they become sweeter when cooked and are excellent for caramelizing or making onion rings.

Pearl Onions (Baby Onions, Button Onions)

Pearl onions are small onions with a sweet and mild taste. They are often peeled before eating or cooking and are commonly used in roasting, pickling, stews, or glazing.

Pickling Onions

Pickling onions are usually small, thin-layered onions with a strong and pungent flavor. As the name suggests, they are commonly used for pickling, a technique that has been used for food preservation for thousands of years.

Red Creole Onions

Red Creole onions, also known as Cajun onions, are small, spicy red onions commonly used in Creole and Cajun cuisine. They can be used raw to add a kick to your dishes or cooked to mellow out their flavor.

Egyptian Onions (Tree Onions)

Egyptian onions, also known as tree onions, are small onions that grow in bunches called bulblets. They have a strong flavor, although there is variation, and some can be sweet and mild. They are said to taste similar to shallots and can be used in a similar manner.

Bermuda Onions

Bermuda onions are flat-topped and bottomed with short bodies. They can be white or brown and are sweet and juicy, making them ideal for raw applications like salads and sandwich toppings.

Cipollini Onions

Cipollini onions originated in Italy and can vary in color from white to brown. They are very sweet and are often used in French onion soup, roasting, or caramelizing.

Cocktail Onions

Cocktail onions are usually pearl onions or white Bermuda onions that have been pickled. They are harvested while still immature, ensuring they remain small and crunchy.

Red Wing Onions

Red Wing onions have a deep red color and a mild, sweet flavor. Like red onions, they are versatile and can be used in various cooked dishes or enjoyed raw in salads and sandwiches.

Spanish Onions

Spanish onions are similar to yellow onions and are considered excellent for roasts. They have a sweet and juicy flavor, making them suitable for sandwiches, salads, or other raw applications.

Torpedo Onions

Torpedo onions are an ancient Italian variety with a mild, sweet flavor. They can be eaten raw or used in various cooked dishes, including pickling, grilling, roasting, and sautéing.

Tropea Lunga Onions

Tropea Lunga onions are another Italian variety with an elongated red bulb and a mild flavor. They are commonly used raw but can also be grilled or roasted.

Welsh Onions

Despite their name, Welsh onions are native to China and are not related to Welsh cuisine. They resemble large green onions and are commonly used in Asian cuisines.

White Sweet Spanish Onions

As the name suggests, these onions are sweet and mild, making them perfect for raw applications. They have large, sweet bulbs with heavy, golden-brown skin and crisp white flesh.

Yellow Sweet Spanish Onions

Yellow Sweet Spanish onions are similar to their white counterparts but with yellow bulbs. They are large and sweet, making them ideal for raw dishes or onion rings.

Texas Supersweet 1015Y Onions

Texas Supersweet 1015Y onions are an intermediate-day variety that grows well in northern states. They produce bulbs up to 1 pound in weight and are known for their excellent storage capabilities.

Rossa di Toscana Onions

Rossa di Toscana onions are Italian storage/salad onions. They have flattened red bulbs that store well and are commonly used in salads.

Red Grano Onions

Red Grano onions are a short-day variety with soft, mild flesh. They are tolerant of pink rot and are often used in storage.

Yellow Granex Onions

Yellow Granex onions, also known as Georgia Sweet, Maui, or Noonday onions, are a short-day variety. They are used to grow "Vidalia" onions and are resistant to pink root.

Ailsa Craig Exhibition Onions

Ailsa Craig Exhibition onions are large, with straw-yellow skin and sweet, snow-white flesh. They store well and are commonly used in various dishes.

Red Long of Tropea Onions

Red Long of Tropea onions, also known as Tropeana Lunga or Tropea Rossa Tonda, are heirloom onions with elongated red bulbs. They are a medium/long day type and are not suitable for storage.

Italian Torpedo Onions

Italian Torpedo onions, also known as Red Torpedo, are Italian bottle onions. They produce 1-pound, torpedo-shaped, bronzy-red bulbs with light-red flesh. These onions are commonly used in salads and pickling.

Borettana Cipollini Onions

Borettana Cipollini onions, also known as Borenttana Cipolini Button or Cipolini, are Italian heirloom onions. They produce flattened, yellowish-bronze bulbs and are commonly used in pickling.

Siskiyou Sweet Onions

Siskiyou Sweet Onions are a long-day, heirloom variety from Walla Walla, Washington. They produce large, mild, white bulbs and are excellent for storage.

Red Candy Apple Onions

Red Candy Apple onions are an intermediate-day, storage/cooking, and sweet/salad hybrid. They produce 4-inch, magenta/maroon bulbs with alternating maroon and white flesh.

Red Burgermaster Onions

Red Burgermaster onions are a hybrid variety with large purple-red bulbs and red and white flesh. They keep well but are not recommended for long-term storage.

Yellow Ebenezer Onions

Yellow Ebenezer onions are an early-maturing, long-day, yellow, cooking/storage onion. They produce slightly flattened, brown-skinned bulbs with yellow-white flesh and store well.

Red Delicious Onions

Red Delicious onions are large red globe onions with red and white flesh.

Yellow of Parma Onions

Yellow of Parma onions are Italian cooking/storage onions. They produce golden, globe-shaped 1-pound bulbs and are good for storage.

Southport Red Onions

Southport Red Onions are heirloom sweet/salad and storage/cooking onions. They produce glossy, dark purple-red bulbs with firm, whitish-pink flesh and are good for storage.

Stockton Sweet Onions

Stockton Sweet Onions are Italian red onions that produce large, flattened, globe-shaped bulbs.

Pacific Pearl Onions

Pacific Pearl Onions, also known as pearly onions, produce white, marble-sized bulbs. They are more day-neutral, so they can be planted almost any time and still produce bulbs.

Riverside Sweet Onions

Riverside Sweet Onions are Spanish-type onions with thick-skinned, 5-inch bulbs.

Siskiyou Sweet Onions

Siskiyou Sweet Onions are a long-day, heirloom variety from Walla Walla, Washington. They produce large, mild, white bulbs and are excellent for storage.

Flat of Italy Onions

Flat of Italy Onions are Italian heirloom red "cipollini" onions. They are early-maturing and produce flat, bright red bulbs.

Burrell's Yellow Valencia Onions

Burrell's Yellow Valencia Onions are sweet Spanish onions ideal for fall harvest and storage. They produce large, globe-shaped bulbs with deep bronze skin.

Texas Early Grano 502 Onions

Texas Early Grano 502 Onions are a sweet Vidalia-type onion bred for the south.

Imai Early Yellow Onions

Imai Early Yellow Onions are a medium-day early "Senshyu" type. They produce yellowish bulbs.

Rossa di Lucca Onions

Rossa di Lucca Onions are mid-early sweet/salad onions that produce small red bulbs. They have a short storage life.

Bianca di Lucca Onions

Bianca di Lucca Onions are mid-early sweet/salad onions with small white bulbs. They have a short storage life.

Rossa di Milano Onions

Rossa di Milano Onions are red Italian storage onions with flat-topped bulbs that taper to a barrel shape. They have a pungent flavor.

Giallo Di Milano Onions

Giallo Di Milano Onions are yellow Italian storage onions similar to Rossa di Milano but with yellowish-bronze skin and flesh. They have a pungent flavor.

NuMex Radiance Onions

NuMex Radiance Onions are a short-day white onion variety suitable for fall seeding in the southern United States and New Mexico. They produce high-globe-shaped bulbs with white scales.

Pumba Onions

Pumba onions are a hybrid yellow storage onion variety. They produce jumbo to colossal globe-shaped bulbs with light brown skins and a moderate to mild flavor.

Red Sweet Onions

Red Sweet Onions are a hybrid red storage, short-day onion variety. They have intensely red skin and firm, mild flesh.

Hybrid Vidalia Onions

Hybrid Vidalia onions are a hybrid red sweet, short-day onion variety. They have very dark red skin and flesh and are rated as the sweetest on the market.

Walla Walla Sweet Onions

Walla Walla Sweet Onions are native to the Island of Corsica but were introduced to Washington State. They are a popular sweet onion variety commonly used raw in salads, on pizza, and pasta. They are also low in sulfuric acid, so they won't make you cry when cutting.

White Portugal Onions

White Portugal Onions are best used as green onions or scallions.

Bianca Di Maggio Onions

Bianca Di Maggio Onions are mid-small, white, flat onions, about 2-3 inches in size. They have a mild flavor and are suitable for raw applications or mild cooking.

Giant Red Hamburger Onions

Giant Red Hamburger Onions are large red-skinned onions with sweet red and white flesh.

Yellow Potato Onion Onions

Yellow Potato Onion Onions are multiplier onions that produce 3-4 inch bulbs and store well.

Siskiyou Sweet Onions

Siskiyou Sweet Onions are a long-day, heirloom, sweet Spanish-type onion. They produce large, mild, white bulbs and are excellent for storage.

Southport White Onions

Southport White Onions are a long-day type that can be harvested as green bunching onions or spaced for large Spanish cooking/storage onions.

Fukagawa Japanese Bunching Onions

Fukagawa Japanese Bunching Onions are slim, straight, non-bulbing, sweet-flavored onions.

Australian Brown Onions

Australian Brown Onions are heirloom storage/cooking onions. They produce medium-sized, flattened globes with yellow, firm, pungent flesh and store well.

Yellow Multiplier Onions

Yellow Multiplier Onions are multiplier onions that produce clusters of yellow-skinned, white-fleshed bulbs tinged with purple. They can also be harvested for bunching onions in spring.

Stockton Sweet Onions

Stockton Sweet Onions are Italian red onions that produce large, flattened, globe-shaped bulbs.

Pacific Pearl Onions

Pacific Pearl Onions, also known as pearly onions, produce white, marble-sized bulbs. They are more day-neutral and can be planted almost any time.

New York Early Onions

New York Early Onions are open-pollinated, heavy-yielding onions with medium-sized, copper-skinned bulbs. They have good storage capabilities.

Red Wethersfield Onions

Red Wethersfield Onions are long-day, heirloom, storage/cooking, sweet/salad onions. They produce flattened globe-shaped bulbs with deep purple-red skin and pinkish-white flesh. They have a memorable flavor and store well.

Sweet Vidalia Onions

Sweet Vidalia Onions are a hybrid sweet/salad onion variety. They produce large, sweet, mild bulbs.

Scarlet Bandit Onions

Scarlet Bandit Onions are a bunching or scallion-type onion with slender bulbs streaked in red at the base.

Egyptian Walking Onions

Egyptian Walking Onions produce distinctive red topsets.

Early Yellow Globe Onions

Early Yellow Globe Onions are a yellow storage/cooking variety for muck soils. They produce medium-sized, deep bronze-yellow-skinned bulbs with white flesh and store fairly well.

Rossa di Milano Onions

Rossa di Milano Onions are red Italian storage onions with flat-topped bulbs that taper to a barrel shape. They have a pungent flavor.

Rossa di Toscana Onions

Rossa di Toscana Onions are Italian storage/salad onions with flattened red bulbs that store well.

Yellow Ebenezer Onions

Yellow Ebenezer Onions are an early-maturing, long-day, yellow, cooking/storage onion variety. They produce slightly flattened bulbs with brown skins and yellow-white flesh. They store well.

Yellow Sweet Spanish Onions

Yellow Sweet Spanish Onions are large, sweet bulbs with heavy, golden-brown skin and crisp white flesh. They are a long-day type and good for storage.

Texas Supersweet 1015Y Onions

Texas Supersweet 1015Y Onions are an intermediate-day, Grano-type variety that grows well in northern states. They produce bulbs up to 1 pound and store well.

Rossa di Lucca Onions

Rossa di Lucca Onions are mid-early sweet/salad onions with small red bulbs. They have a short storage life.

Bianca di Lucca Onions

Bianca di Lucca Onions are mid-early sweet/salad onions with small white bulbs. They have a short storage life.

Rossa di Milano Onions

Rossa di Milano Onions are red Italian storage onions with flat-topped bulbs that taper to a barrel shape. They have a pungent flavor.

Yellow Granex Onions

Yellow Granex Onions, also known as Georgia Sweet, Maui, or Noonday onions, are a short-day variety. They are used to grow "Vidalia" onions and are resistant to pink root.

Ailsa Craig Exhibition Onions

Ailsa Craig Exhibition Onions are large onions with straw-yellow skin and sweet, snow-white flesh. They store well and are commonly used in various dishes.

Red Long of Tropea Onions

Red Long of Tropea Onions, also known as Tropeana Lunga or Tropea Rossa Tonda, are heirloom onions with elongated red bulbs. They are a medium/long day type and are not suitable for storage.

Italian Torpedo Onions

Italian Torpedo Onions, also known as Red Torpedo, are Italian bottle onions. They produce torpedo-shaped, bronzy-red bulbs and are commonly used in salads and pickling.

Borettana Cipollini Onions

Borettana Cipollini Onions, also known as Borenttana Cipolini Button or Cipolini, are Italian heirloom onions. They produce flattened yellowish-bronze bulbs and are used in pickling.

Siskiyou Sweet Onions

Siskiyou Sweet Onions are a long-day, heirloom, sweet Spanish-type onion from Walla Walla, Washington. They produce large, mild, white bulbs and are excellent for storage.

Southport Red Onions

Southport Red Onions are heirloom sweet/salad and storage/cooking onions. They produce glossy, dark purple-red bulbs with firm, whitish-pink flesh and store well.

White Sweet Spanish Onions

White

Caramelisation vs sautéing

Caramelization and sautéing are two distinct cooking techniques that can be used to prepare onions, each resulting in unique flavours and textures.

Caramelization is a process of browning sugar, which gives food a rich, buttery flavour and a brown colour. This technique is often used to prepare caramelized onions, which are a key ingredient in dishes like French onion soup. The process involves slowly cooking the onions over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing the natural sugars in the onions to break down and caramelize, resulting in a sweet and tender texture.

On the other hand, sautéing involves cooking onions over high heat, leading to quick browning and a more intense flavour. Sautéed onions are commonly used as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, and salads, or as an ingredient in dishes like stir-fries and pasta. This technique requires less time compared to caramelization, making it a faster option for adding flavour to various dishes.

Both methods have their advantages. Caramelization results in a sweeter flavour and a softer texture, making it ideal for dishes that require a more subtle onion presence. Sautéing, on the other hand, produces a more robust onion flavour and is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of slightly crisp onions.

When it comes to air frying, it is indeed possible to caramelize onions in an air fryer. This method offers a quicker way to achieve caramelized onions compared to traditional stovetop methods. By slicing the onions, adding a small amount of oil and seasonings, and air frying at the right temperature, you can achieve delicious, crispy, and caramelized onions in a fraction of the time.

In summary, both caramelization and sautéing are valuable techniques in the kitchen, each offering distinct flavours and textures to enhance your dishes. The choice between the two depends on the desired outcome and the time available for preparation.

Storing and reheating

Storing Air Fryer Onions:

• Place the leftover onions in an airtight container: This will prevent moisture and odors from affecting their quality during storage. Ensure the container is clean and dry before adding the onions.
• Store in smaller portions: Storing the onions in smaller portions makes it easier to reheat the exact amount you need and prevents unnecessary waste.
• Label the container with the date: This helps you keep track of the onions' freshness.
• Store in the refrigerator: Air fryer caramelized onions can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.

Reheating Air Fryer Onions:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set the air fryer to a lower temperature, around 325°F or 160°C.
• Spread the onions evenly: Place the desired amount of onions in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Reheat for a few minutes: Check the onions occasionally to ensure they reach your desired level of warmth.
• Use in your favorite dishes: Once the onions are warmed through, remove them from the air fryer and add them to sandwiches, burgers, salads, or any other dish you prefer.

Tips for Best Results:

• Thaw frozen onions: If you are reheating frozen onions, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before placing them in the air fryer. This ensures even heating and preserves their texture.
• Reheat in small batches: For best results, reheat the onions in small batches to ensure even warming.
• Adjust the reheating time: Depending on the desired warmth and the initial temperature of the onions, you may need to adjust the reheating time.

Frequently asked questions