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

Caramelized onions are a delicious addition to any meal, but the process of making them can be tedious and time-consuming. However, with an air fryer, you can achieve perfect caramelized onions in a fraction of the time and with minimal effort. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about caramelizing onions in an air fryer, from the best types of onions to use to the ideal cooking temperature and time.

How to caramelize onions in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Onion
• Oil (extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Butter (optional)

Method

• Prep: Peel and slice the onion into thin strips or rings. If you want to caramelize the onions, cut them into rings. If you prefer them crispy, cut them into strips.
• Toss with oil and seasoning: In a bowl, add the sliced onions and drizzle with oil. Toss until the onions are well-coated. You can use your hands for mixing or a food-basting brush. Add salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings like garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
• Preheat air fryer: Set the air fryer to 370-400°F.
• Air fry onions: Place the onions in the air fryer basket, spreading them out as much as possible. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For softer, golden onions, cook for around 8 minutes. For crispier, more caramelized onions, cook for up to 14 minutes.
• Check for doneness: Once the onions are golden brown and caramelized, they are ready! If they need a little longer, give them a couple more minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
• Serve: Transfer the onions to a bowl and enjoy them warm. They are perfect on burgers, sandwiches, pizza, or stirred into pasta dishes.

Tips

• Use a large onion, as they will shrink during cooking.
• Different air fryers may vary in temperature, so adjust the time and temperature as needed.
• For a tangy-sweet flavor, drizzle a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar over the onions before air frying.
• For garlic and herb onions, add garlic powder and dried Italian herbs.
• For spicy onions, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• For mixed veggies, combine the onions with bell peppers or mushrooms.

How long does it take to cook caramelized onions in an air fryer?

Caramelizing onions in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add a flavorful boost to your burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, salads, and more. The time it takes to cook caramelized onions in an air fryer depends on the desired level of doneness and the specific air fryer model. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to caramelize onions in an air fryer, along with some tips to achieve the best results:

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Start by peeling and slicing the onions. You can cut them into thin strips or rings, aiming for a medium thickness. If you cut them too thin, they might burn, and if they're too thick, they may not caramelize properly.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360°F and 400°F. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions if necessary.

Step 3: Toss Onions with Oil and Seasonings

Place the sliced onions in a bowl and drizzle them with oil. You can use extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or any other high-heat neutral oil such as vegetable or canola oil. Toss the onions until they are well-coated in oil.

At this stage, you can also add salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Some popular options include garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or a pinch of brown sugar to enhance the caramelization.

Step 4: Arrange Onions in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned onions in the air fryer basket, spreading them out as much as possible. Avoid overlapping the onions to ensure even cooking. If needed, cook the onions in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 5: Air Fry the Onions

Close the air fryer and cook the onions for about 8-10 minutes at the higher temperature (around 400°F) to soften them. Then, lower the temperature to 360°F and continue cooking for an additional 10-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

During the cooking process, remember to shake or stir the onions every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent them from drying out.

Step 6: Check for Doneness and Serve

Once the onions are golden brown and caramelized to your liking, they are ready to be served. Transfer them to a bowl and enjoy them as a side dish or topping for your favorite meals.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Caramelized Onions:

• Different air fryer models may vary in temperature and cooking time, so adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.
• To make balsamic air fryer onions, drizzle a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar over the onions before air frying for a tangy-sweet flavor.
• For garlic and herb onions, add garlic powder and dried Italian herbs.
• If you prefer spicy onions, toss in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• For mixed veggies, combine the onions with bell peppers or mushrooms to make fajitas, sandwiches, or a tasty side dish.
• Always stir the onions every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

What type of onions can be used?

Caramelizing onions in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this versatile food. But what types of onions can be used?

The good news is that you can use pretty much any type of onion in an air fryer. Yellow onions are great if you want a sweet taste, while red onions will add a little extra flavor. White onions will bring a bit more bite to your dish. Sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, are perfect for caramelizing and will give you a rich, sweet flavor. If you want to add a bit of spice to your dish, try using red onions, which have a higher concentration of the chemical that makes your eyes water and your mouth feel hotter.

You can also use different types of onions in combination to create unique flavor profiles. For example, try caramelizing a mix of yellow and red onions for a balance of sweetness and spice. Or experiment with other varieties like white, Vidalia, or Walla Walla onions to find the combination that suits your taste buds.

No matter which type of onion you choose, the air fryer is a great way to prepare them. You can control the level of caramelization and crispiness, and the onions will cook more quickly and with less oil than traditional methods. So feel free to experiment with different types of onions and find the ones that work best for your taste preferences and the dish you are preparing.

What are the health benefits of using an air fryer?

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-fat frying. They offer many health benefits, such as:

Weight Loss

Deep-fried foods are high in fat and calories, so switching to air-fried foods may help lower your calorie intake and promote weight loss.

Safety

Deep-frying foods involves heating a large container of scalding oil, which can be dangerous. Air fryers, when used correctly, do not pose the same hazards as there is no risk of spilling, splashing, or accidentally touching hot oil.

Reduced Risk of Toxic Acrylamide Formation

Frying food in oil can lead to the formation of acrylamide, a compound that may be linked to various types of cancer. Air frying reduces the risk of acrylamide formation by up to 90%.

Preservation of Nutrients

Convection heat, such as that used in air fryers, may help preserve certain nutrients during the cooking process, including vitamin C and protective plant compounds called polyphenols.

Reduced Disease Risk

Regular consumption of oil-fried foods has been linked to adverse health conditions. Replacing deep frying with air frying can help reduce the risk of complications such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Caramelizing Onions in an Air Fryer

Air fryer onions can be caramelized to perfection in just a few minutes. The circulating hot air in the fryer caramelizes the onions, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor. To make caramelized onions in an air fryer, simply:

• Preheat the air fryer to 370-400°F.
• Toss sliced onions with olive oil and salt until well coated.
• Place the onions in the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 5-15 minutes, shaking or stirring occasionally for even cooking and browning.
• Serve warm as a side dish or topping for burgers, hot dogs, casseroles, or dips.

How to store leftover caramelized onions?

Caramelized onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four to seven days. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, portion the onions into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the portions to a freezer bag. This way, you can easily grab as much as you need without having to thaw a large block of onions.

When you're ready to use frozen caramelized onions, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. You can then reheat them on the stove or in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions