Air Fryer Onions: Can You Fry Them?

Air fryer onions are a quick and easy way to add flavour to a variety of dishes. They can be used as a topping, garnish or side dish, and are perfect for hamburgers, hot dogs, pizzas, salads, and more. The air fryer also means less time cleaning up and more time to enjoy your delicious dish.

To make air fryer onions, simply slice an onion, toss it in oil and any desired seasonings, and cook in the air fryer for around 12-20 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. You can also make caramelised onions in the air fryer, which will take a little longer.

How to make caramelized onions in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion (about 8 oz / 227 g)
• 1-2 tbsp oil (e.g. avocado, olive, vegetable, canola)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Seasoning of choice (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) for 3-5 minutes.
• Peel and slice the onion into thin half-moons or strips.
• Place the onion in a bowl, drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add any other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder or smoked paprika. Toss until the onion is well-coated.
• Spread the onion out in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for a total of 12-20 minutes at 350°F (177°C), shaking the basket every 5 minutes to prevent burning. For softer onions, cook for around 8 minutes. For crispier, more caramelized onions, increase the cooking time up to 14 minutes.
• For golden brown onions, turn the heat down to 300°F (149°C) and air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Check for doneness. The onions are ready when they are golden brown and caramelized. If they are not quite there, continue cooking for a few more minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
• Transfer the onions to a bowl and enjoy! These caramelized onions are perfect for adding to burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, or stirring into pasta dishes.

Tips:

• It is important to slice the onion thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the onion in batches.
• Every air fryer is different, so make sure to keep an eye on the onions during the last few minutes of cooking and adjust the time as needed.
• You can store leftover caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their texture.

How to make crispy onions in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2-3 onions
• 1-1.5 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• Salt (optional)
• Seasoning of choice (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F.
• Slice the onions into thin wedges or strips, aiming for a medium thickness. Thinner slices will result in softer onions, while thicker slices may need a longer cooking time to reach the desired level of crispiness.
• Place the sliced onions in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with salt and any desired seasonings, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian herbs. Toss until the onions are well-coated.
• Spread the onions out in the air fryer basket or tray. Avoid overlapping the onions if possible, as this may affect the cooking time and evenness.
• Air fry the onions for 12-20 minutes at 350-400°F, stirring or shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even cooking. The total cooking time will depend on your desired level of crispiness.
• For golden brown and crispy onions, turn down the heat to 300°F and air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the onions to avoid burning.
• Once the onions are golden brown and crispy, transfer them to a serving dish and enjoy!

Tips:

• It is recommended to use a cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or olive oil.
• While seasoning is optional, it can enhance the flavor of your crispy onions. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite combinations.
• Stirring or shaking the air fryer basket periodically helps ensure even cooking and prevents the onions from burning.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your onion slices. Adjust the time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.

How to make sautéed onions in an air fryer

Sautéed onions are a great addition to burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. They can be used as a side dish or added to veggies to make fajitas. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make sautéed onions in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• 1 or 2 large onions (any variety)
• 1 tablespoon of avocado oil or olive oil
• Seasonings of choice (optional)
• ¼ cup water or broth

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F.
• Cut the tops off the onions and peel back the outer skin and the first layer.
• Slice the onions into thin wedges or strips, about ⅛-¼" thick.
• Place the sliced onions into a large bowl.
• Add oil to the bowl and toss the onions until they are well coated.
• Add salt and pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or balsamic vinegar).
• Place the onions into the air fryer basket and spread them out as much as possible.
• Cook for 10-12 minutes at 375°F, 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.
• Once the onions are golden brown and caramelized, they are ready!

Tips:

• Stir the onions about halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• All air fryers cook differently, so the cooking time may vary based on your air fryer and the thickness of your onion slices.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-7 days.

Enjoy your delicious and versatile sautéed onions!

What types of onions can you use in an air fryer?

Air fryer onions are a versatile dish that can be used as a topping, garnish, or side dish. You can use any type of onion you like, such as yellow, white, or red onions, and even shallots. Here are some common types of onions used in air fryers and some tips on how to prepare them:

Yellow Onions

Yellow onions are the most common type and are often referred to as all-purpose onions. They are perfect for air frying as they can be baked, smoked, sautéed, or diced. When sliced thinly and evenly, they can be cooked in the air fryer to a golden brown, crispy texture.

White Onions

White onions are another variety that can be used in an air fryer. They are slightly less sweet than yellow onions but still add a nice flavour to dishes. White onions can be used in the same way as yellow onions and are great for adding texture to recipes.

Red Onions

Red onions have a firmer texture and a slightly sweeter taste than yellow or white onions. They take a bit longer to cook in the air fryer but are a great addition to recipes such as chicken salad. Red onions also add a pop of colour to your dish.

Sweet Onions

Sweet onions, such as Vidalia onions, are a great option for air frying as they caramelize beautifully. They are perfect for recipes where you want a sweeter flavour, such as caramelized onions. Sweet onions can be used in the same way as other onion varieties and will add a depth of flavour to your dishes.

Preparing Onions for the Air Fryer

When preparing onions for the air fryer, it is important to slice them thinly and evenly for even cooking. You can use a sharp chef's knife or a mandolin to get uniform slices. It is also important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the onions in batches.

Additionally, you can toss the onions with olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil of your choice before air frying. This will help to ensure that the onions do not dry out and will add to the crispy texture. You can also add various seasonings to enhance the flavour, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.

How to store leftover air-fried onions

Air fryer onions are a great addition to any meal, and the best part is that you can store leftovers! Here are some tips on how to store leftover air-fried onions:

Let the onions cool down

Before storing your leftover onions, it's important to let them cool completely. If you store them while they're still hot, the onions will ""steam" and become soggy. So, make sure to give them enough time to cool down before putting them away.

Use an airtight container

Once the onions are cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out or becoming soggy.

Store at room temperature or in the fridge

There are differing opinions on whether to store leftover onions at room temperature or in the fridge. Some sources suggest that room temperature is best, especially if you plan on using the onions within a day. Others recommend storing them in the fridge, but make sure they are completely cool first to avoid condensation.

Use paper towels or a desiccant

To help absorb any excess moisture and keep the onions crisp, consider placing some paper towels in the container or using a desiccant. This will help extend their shelf life.

Reheat in the air fryer

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover onions, you can re-crisp them in the air fryer at 375ºF/190ºC for a few minutes. This will bring back that delicious crunch!

Leftover air-fried onions can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If stored in an airtight container, they will last for 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 2 weeks if stored in the freezer.

Frequently asked questions