Air-Frying Onions: Is It Possible?

Frying onions in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get caramelized onions for a variety of dishes. With a fraction of the oil and in a fraction of the time, air-fried onions are a convenient and tasty addition to burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, pastas, soups, curries, and more.

Air-fried onions are also a healthier alternative to traditionally fried onions, as they reduce the calorie count while offering a delicious crispy texture.

How long to fry onions in an air fryer

Frying onions in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get the perfect crunchy onions to top a variety of dishes. The cooking time depends on the type of onion, the thickness of the slices, and how crispy you want them.

For thinly sliced onions, a cooking time of around 12 to 15 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit is a good starting point. If you prefer softer, more caramelized onions, you can extend the cooking time by a few minutes. For crispier onions, reduce the cooking time slightly. Be sure to give the onions a stir every few minutes to help them cook evenly.

If you are using a red onion, you may get dark brown fried onions. Yellow onions will result in a golden brown color, and white onions will bring a bit more bite to your dish.

Some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the onions in the basket and cook for 5 minutes, shaking once halfway through, or until the desired level of tenderness is reached.

Another option is to preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes. Then, place the onions in the basket and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. For softer, golden onions, cook for around 8 minutes. For crispier, more caramelized onions, cook for up to 14 minutes.

If you are making crispy fried onions, you can preheat your air fryer to 265 degrees Fahrenheit while you slice the onions. Then, spray the basket with olive oil or cooking spray and add the sliced onions. Give the onions a spray of oil and toss to combine. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.

For crispy fried onions, you can also preheat your air fryer to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat the onion rings with some oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Fry at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 240 degrees Fahrenheit and continue frying until crispy, stirring every 5 minutes.

How to caramelize onions in an air fryer

Caramelizing onions in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add flavor to your dishes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Start by heating your air fryer to a temperature between 265°F (130°C) and 375°F (190°C). While the air fryer is heating up, slice your onions. You can use red, white, yellow onions, or even shallots. The larger the onion, the easier it will be to get evenly sized slices, which is important for even cooking.

Step 2: Toss with Oil and Seasonings

Place the sliced onions in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use ghee or cooking spray. Toss the onions until they are well coated. At this point, you can also add your desired seasonings. Salt and pepper are a good base, but you can also experiment with garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Step 3: Air Fry the Onions

Place the seasoned onions into the preheated air fryer basket, spreading them out as much as possible to ensure even cooking. For softer, golden onions, cook for around 8-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C). If you prefer your onions more caramelized and crispy, increase the cooking time to up to 15-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

Step 4: Stir and Check for Doneness

Stir or shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the onions, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to avoid burning. The onions are done when they are golden brown and caramelized to your liking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl and enjoy them warm. They make a delicious topping for burgers, hot dogs, brats, steaks, and more. You can also add them to soups, salads, pizzas, or stir them into pasta dishes.

Tips and Variations:

• For a tangy-sweet flavor, drizzle the onions with balsamic vinegar before air frying.
• For a savory twist, add garlic powder and dried Italian herbs.
• If you like your food spicy, toss in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Try combining the onions with bell peppers or mushrooms for a tasty vegetable mix perfect for fajitas or sandwiches.
• Leftover caramelized onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Enjoy your air-fried caramelized onions!

Best oil for frying onions in an air fryer

Frying onions in an air fryer is a great way to get that crispy, caramelized texture and flavor without using a ton of oil. You can use a variety of oils, including olive oil, avocado oil, or neutral cooking oils, to get the job done. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to fry onions in an air fryer and some tips on choosing the best oil for the task.

Choosing the Right Oil

When it comes to choosing the best oil for frying onions in an air fryer, you have several options:

• Olive oil is a popular choice for air frying onions. It has a relatively high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without burning. Olive oil also adds a nice, savory flavor to the onions.
• Avocado oil is another healthy option with a high smoke point. It has a neutral flavor, so it won't overpower the taste of your onions.
• Neutral cooking oils, such as canola oil, grapeseed oil, or vegetable oil, are also suitable. These oils have mild flavors and high smoke points, making them versatile for various dishes.

Preparing the Onions

To fry onions in an air fryer, start by peeling and slicing your onions into thin, even slices. You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer for this task. Then, toss the onions with a small amount of your chosen oil, ensuring they are lightly coated.

Cooking the Onions

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-375°F (180-190°C). Place the coated onion slices in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Cook for 10-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For softer, golden onions, aim for the shorter end of the cooking time. If you prefer your onions crispier and more caramelized, cook for a longer duration. Be sure to shake or stir the onions every 5 minutes or so to ensure even cooking and browning.

Storing and Serving

Once your onions are done, you can serve them immediately as a tasty side dish or topping for burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, or salads. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze cooked onions for later use; they will last for up to 6 months in the freezer.

What to do with leftover fried onions

Yes, you can fry onions in an air fryer. Here are some ideas for what to do with leftover fried onions:

Storage

Fried onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to three months.

Add to a Dish

• Sprinkle over baked potatoes with a dollop of sour cream or cheese
• Pile onto a plate of loaded fries or nachos
• Incorporate into an omelet or scrambled eggs
• Add to casseroles before baking to create a crispy crust
• Fold into creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt-based dips
• Use as a topping for hamburgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches
• Add to soups or salads as a garnish
• Use as a topping for tacos, brats, steak, or pork chops
• Mix into soup for extra flavor

Recipe Ideas

• French onion soup
• Frittata
• Summer squash skillet
• Onion dip
• Crispy onions and Parmesan chicken-broccoli casserole
• Zucchini-onion frittata
• Skillet pork chops with apples and onions
• Salsa
• Slaws
• Old-school squash casserole
• French onion chicken casserole
• Pasta with French onion soup
• Salsa
• Cheeseburger sliders

Can you fry other vegetables in an air fryer?

Yes, you can fry other vegetables in an air fryer!

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables without using a lot of oil. They work by circulating hot air around the food in a small compartment, similar to a convection oven but more contained. This means you can get crispy vegetables without the downsides of deep frying, such as the trouble of heating and discarding oil and the greasy smell it leaves behind.

You can use an air fryer to cook a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, parsnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and zucchini. The cooking process is simple and versatile: chop the vegetables into even pieces, toss them with oil and your choice of seasonings, and then place them in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Butternut squash and sweet potato fries: Cut potatoes or squash into fries, soak in water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, pat dry, toss with oil and seasonings, and air fry for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and green beans: Follow the same steps as above, but without the soaking step.
• Breaded vegetables: You can also bread vegetables before air frying. For example, you can make onion rings by slicing an onion, coating the slices in an egg mixture and seasoned breading, and then air frying until golden brown.

So, if you're looking for a healthier and easier way to enjoy crispy vegetables, an air fryer is a great option!

Frequently asked questions