Frying Onions In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Frying onions in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, golden brown onions without the need for a lot of oil or time spent over the stove. Air-fried onions are a healthy alternative to deep-fried onions and can be used in a variety of dishes, including Indian biryanis, curries, soups, salads, burgers, and more. With just a hint of oil, you can achieve the perfect crunchy texture and a concentrated flavor that will take your dishes to the next level.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for frying onions in an air fryer depend on the type of onion, the desired texture, and the specific air fryer model. Here are some general guidelines to achieve the perfect fried onions:

Temperature Settings:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the onions.
• For most recipes, a temperature between 350-400°F (180-200°C) is recommended for frying onions.
• If you want a deeper caramelization, you can preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

Timing Guidelines:

• The cooking time depends on the thickness of the onion slices and your desired level of doneness.
• For thinly sliced onions, a cooking time of around 12 to 15 minutes at 300°F is a good starting point.
• If you prefer softer, more caramelized onions, extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
• For crispier onions, reduce the cooking time slightly.
• It is important to stir or shake the onions every few minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.
• For crispy golden brown onions, cook for around 25-30 minutes at 265°F (130°C).

Additional Tips:

• Keep in mind that different air fryer brands may require adjustments to the time and temperature settings.
• Always slice the onions evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for maximum crispiness.
• If you have a large quantity of onions, cook them in batches.
• Keep a close eye on the onions during the final minutes of cooking to prevent burning, especially if your onion slices are thin.

Onion varieties and preparation

There are several varieties of onions, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Here is a guide to help you choose the right type of onion for your air-fried onion dish:

Yellow Onions: Yellow onions are the most common type of onion and are considered the standard cooking onion. They have a strong, pungent flavour and aroma, with ivory white flesh inside a heavy brown parchment skin. Yellow onions are versatile and can be used in various dishes, including French onion soup, caramelised onions, Indian stir-fry, Italian red sauce, and Spanish paella. They are also excellent for caramelising due to their high sugar content.

Red Onions: Red onions have a bright reddish-purple skin and a sharp, peppery flavour. They are often used raw in salads, sandwiches, and other raw preparations because of their appealing colour. Red onions can also be grilled, roasted, or pickled. When using raw red onions, it is recommended to chill them in ice water or rinse them to soften their taste.

White Onions: White onions have a milder and sweeter flavour compared to yellow onions. They are commonly used in Latin and Central American dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, salsa, and guacamole. White onions add a juicy crunch to these dishes and are often used as a garnish.

Sweet Onions: Sweet onions, such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, and Maui onions, have a lower concentration of sulfur, making them sweeter and less strong-tasting. They are excellent for caramelising and making onion rings. Sweet onions are best stored in the fridge and used quickly, as they don't keep as long as other varieties.

Shallots: Shallots are small, brown-skinned onions with purplish flesh and a bulbous cluster similar to garlic. They have a sweet and mild flavour with a pungent, garlicky kick. Shallots are commonly used in French and Southeast Asian cuisines, adding delicate savouriness to vinaigrettes, sauces, and salad dressings. They can also be roasted or minced finely for salad dressings and sauces.

Scallions (Green Onions): Scallions consist of long green leaves shooting up from a small bulb and are usually sold in bunches. They have a savory-fresh bite and are commonly used in East Asian cooking, such as the Korean pancake pajeon. Scallions can be used in their entirety, including the green leaves, and are best stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel.

Leeks: Leeks resemble large scallions, with dark green leaves that are usually discarded or used in stock. They have a pungent, earthy flavour and are commonly used in soups and sauces. Leeks should be cut and washed thoroughly to remove any trapped sand or dirt.

When preparing onions for air frying, it is important to slice them thinly and evenly. You can use a sharp chef's knife or a mandolin. Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer and toss the onions with olive oil or cooking spray before placing them in the basket.

Oil and seasoning

When frying onions in an air fryer, you only need a light coating of oil. You can use cooking spray, olive oil, or avocado oil. You can also use ghee or coconut oil. The oil can be added to a bowl and mixed with the onions, or you can place the onions in the air fryer basket and then spray or drizzle the oil on top.

Seasoning is entirely optional, but you can add salt and pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or onion powder.

Storage

Storing your fried onions is an important step to ensure they remain edible and tasty for as long as possible. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store your fried onions:

Refrigeration

Fried onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to five days if stored properly. This method is ideal if you plan to consume the onions within a few days.

Freezer Storage

If you want to keep your fried onions for longer, consider freezing them. Place the fried onions in a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer. Frozen fried onions can last for up to three to four months if stored properly.

Thawing and Reheating

When you're ready to use your frozen fried onions, it's best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can then reheat them on the stove or in the air fryer to bring them back to their original texture and taste.

• Allow the fried onions to cool completely before storing them.
• Make sure the container you use is airtight to prevent moisture and odour absorption.
• Label the container with the date of storage so you know how long they have been stored.
• Use the stored fried onions within the recommended time frame for the best taste and texture.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried onions. They can be added to salads, soups, or topped onto homemade pizzas or veggie flatbreads for added flavour. They can also be used in Indian dishes like chicken biryani or vegetable biryani, and curries like chicken tikka masala, lamb korma, lentil curry, and palak paneer. You can even use them as a topping for hamburgers, hot dogs, or as a side dish. They can also be sprinkled over casseroles, baked potatoes, omelets, scrambled eggs, or loaded fries and nachos.

Air-fried onions can also be used in dips, such as folding them into creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt-based dips. They can also be added to marinades or ground along with other aromatics and spices to make a curry paste.

Frequently asked questions