Dehydrating Onions In An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Yes, you can dehydrate onions in an air fryer. It is a great way to preserve onions and ensure you always have dried onion flakes or onion powder to hand for your recipes. The process is simple: cut the onions into thin slices or small pieces, place them in the air fryer at a low temperature for several hours, and then blend into a powder, if desired.

The benefits of dehydrating onions

Dehydrating onions is a great way to preserve them for future use. Dehydrated onions have a long shelf life and can be stored in airtight containers for up to a year or two without needing refrigeration. This makes them a convenient option for cooking, especially when camping or on road trips.

Dehydrated onions are also highly nutritious. They contain antioxidants, which help prevent heart diseases and improve circulatory systems. They are also a good source of vitamin C, sulphur, vitamins, iron, and prebiotics, which can improve gut health and sleep quality.

Dehydrated onions are also used for their medicinal properties. They can act as an antiseptic for wounds and have stronger antibiotics than penicillin, sulphate, and uremayocine. They can help treat various diseases, including hepatitis, asthma, pneumonia, prostate issues, cancer, and allergies.

Dehydrated onions are also versatile and can be used in various dishes, including soups, casseroles, salads, burgers, wraps, and more. They can be rehydrated and used as fresh onions or blended into a powder and used as a seasoning or spice mix.

Finally, dehydrating onions is a cost-effective way to make the most of seasonal produce and reduce food waste.

How to dehydrate onions in an air fryer

Dehydrating onions in an air fryer is a great way to preserve them and have them ready to use in recipes. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing it successfully:

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Start by selecting the onions you want to dehydrate. You can use any type of onion, such as white, yellow, red, green onions, or shallots. Remove the outer skin, cut off the root and stem, and then slice the onion into thin pieces. The slices should be around a quarter of an inch thick, and you can use a sharp knife or a food processor to cut them. Freezing the onions for 10 minutes before cutting can help reduce the tears!

Step 2: Place Onions in the Air Fryer

Place the sliced onions in the air fryer basket or on the trays, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. If using a basket-style air fryer, you may need to cook the onions in batches. Depending on your air fryer model, you might need to use a dehydrator accessory or setting.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

Set the air fryer to a low temperature, typically between 125°F and 160°F (55°C/130°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your onion slices and the power of your air fryer, but it usually takes around 4 to 6 hours for the onions to dehydrate fully.

Step 4: Stir and Check Onions Regularly

During the dehydration process, stir the onions every 15 to 30 minutes to ensure even drying. Check the onions halfway through the cooking time to see if any are stuck to the air fryer or to each other. You may need to separate them gently.

Step 5: Test for Doneness

Your onions are done when they have a dry, paper-like texture and feel rock hard to the touch. You can also taste one to make sure it is crunchy and has no moisture left inside. If the onions are not fully dry, return them to the air fryer and check again after 15-30 minute intervals.

Step 6: Store the Dehydrated Onions

Once the onions are fully dehydrated, let them cool to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or ziplock bag. Dehydrated onions can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to two years.

Optional: If you want to make onion powder, simply blend the dehydrated onions in a food processor or blender until you achieve the desired consistency.

How to make onion powder

Making onion powder is a great way to preserve onions. You can use a food dehydrator, air fryer, oven, or even the sun to dry out the onions before grinding them into a powder.

Ingredients

• Onions
• (Optional) Salt

Method

• Peel and slice the onions. For the air fryer, aim for medium slices. For the sun, slice into thin onion streaks.
• For the air fryer: place the slices in the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 125°F (52°C) and air fry for four hours. Stir the onions every 15 to 30 minutes so they dry evenly. For the sun: place the onion slices on a clean muslin cloth in a shaded area for 2-3 hours, then leave them in the sun for 4-5 days.
• Once the onions are dried, place them in a food processor or use a mortar and pestle to make onion powder.
• Place the onion powder in an airtight container. It will last about 6 months on the shelf but will draw moisture from the air, so be sure to keep it in a dry place.

How to dehydrate onions without an air fryer

Dehydrating onions is a great way to preserve your harvest. The process of drying removes moisture so the food doesn't spoil when stored at room temperature. Dried food takes up less space and can be easily reconstituted without losing flavour. Here's how to dehydrate onions without an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare your onions

Remove the onion skins, trim the ends, and slice into evenly sized pieces. You can cut the onions into rings, chunks, or whatever is easiest. Just try to keep the pieces large enough so they don't fall through the screens of your dehydrator.

Step 2: Spread the onions out on the dehydrating screens

Separate the onion segments and spread them out evenly on your dehydrator tray. The onion pieces can touch, but try not to overlap them, or they may not dehydrate evenly.

Step 3: Dry your onions

Dehydrate at 125˚F until completely dry. This should take about 3 to 9 hours, depending on the size of your pieces and the moisture content of your onions. The dehydrated onions should be crisp and snap when you break them.

Step 4: Package and store your dried onions

Let the onions cool after dehydrating, then crush them into onion flakes with your hands or a mallet, and package them into airtight glass containers.

Label, date, and store the jars of dried onion flakes in a dark, cool area. Check the jars a few days later to ensure there isn't any moisture accumulating on the glass.

Tips

• Use a food processor to slice the onions quickly.
• Wear kitchen goggles to protect your eyes from the gases released by the onions.
• Chill the onions before cutting to minimize the amount of gas released into the air.
• Use a sharp knife, as cutting onions with a sharp knife will release fewer enzymes into the air.
• Cut the root end last, as it has a higher concentration of enzymes.
• Place your dehydrator outside, as the smell of drying onions is very strong and will linger in your home.

Other methods

If you don't have a dehydrator, you can also dry onions in the oven or using the sun. To dry onions in an oven, spread the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and dry in a preheated, 150-200˚F (67-93˚C) oven for 1-2 hours until the pieces snap when you break them.

You can also place your sliced or chopped onions in a shaded place in your garden on a warm, sunny day. Alternatively, you can place them on a heater covered with a newspaper or paper towel, and they should dry within a few days.

How to store dehydrated onions

Dehydrated onions can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. They will generally last for two years but can last much longer if stored properly. It is important to condition dehydrated onions before storing them long-term. This involves placing the dried onions in a jar and shaking it once a day for about a week. If you notice moisture buildup or mould, the onions should be dehydrated further.

Frequently asked questions