Air-Frying French Fried Onions: A Healthy Crunch?

French fried onions are a beloved topping for many dishes, adding a delicious crunch and a savoury flavour. They are often used to top salads, casseroles, sandwiches, and burgers. Traditionally, they are made by deep-frying thinly sliced onions in oil, but this can be a messy and time-consuming process. An air fryer offers a convenient and healthier alternative, as it requires significantly less oil and cooks the onions more quickly and evenly.

How to cut onions for French frying

To cut onions for French frying, you'll want to start by selecting the right type of onion. Small yellow onions are recommended, but you can also use white onions.

Next, you'll want to thinly slice the onions. If you're using large onions, you may want to cut the slices into halves or rings. You can use a sharp chef's knife or a mandolin to cut the onions. If using a chef's knife, cut the onion in half from root to the opposite end, then use your knife or fingernails to peel away the skin. Trim the ends of the onion by about a quarter of an inch to remove the fibrous parts. Place the onion half, flat side down, on your chopping board, and slice straight down through the onion, cutting thin, quarter-inch slices that will come out as half-moon shapes. Stack these slices on top of each other and cut through the middle so that you're left with a pile of diced onions.

If you're using a mandolin, trim one end of the onion, leaving the other end intact to hold. Then, use the mandolin to slice the onion on its largest setting.

Once your onions are cut, you can soak them in buttermilk, dredge them in flour, and fry them in oil until crispy!

How to prepare the onions for frying

Preparing the onions is a crucial step in achieving the perfect French fried onions in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare the onions for frying:

Choosing the Right Onions:

Start by selecting the right type of onions. Yellow onions are the most commonly used variety for French fried onions as they result in a golden-brown colour after frying. However, you can also use red or white onions, or even shallots, depending on your preference and availability.

Slicing the Onions:

Peel the outer layer of the onions and trim one end. Leave the other end intact to hold while slicing. Using a mandolin, slice the onion on its largest setting to get even, round slices. You can also use a sharp knife to slice the onion as evenly as possible. The even slices ensure uniform cooking in the air fryer. After slicing, gently separate the onion rings before adding them to the air fryer.

Soaking the Onions:

For extra crispy French fried onions, you can optionally soak the sliced onions in buttermilk or milk for about 5-30 minutes. This step helps to soften the onions and reduce their strong flavour. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own substitute by mixing whole milk with a few teaspoons of lemon juice.

Coating the Onions:

After soaking, coat the onion rings with a thin layer of cooking oil or ghee. You can use a brush or your hands to evenly distribute the oil. This step ensures that the onions get crispy and golden in the air fryer.

Preparing the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 300°F (150°C). Some recipes suggest preheating to a higher temperature of 400°F (200°C) for a shorter time, about 5 minutes, to speed up the cooking process. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent the onions from sticking.

Now that you have prepared the onions and the air fryer, you are ready to start frying! Place the coated onion rings in the air fryer basket and follow the recommended frying instructions for crispy, golden French fried onions.

The best oils for frying onions

Frying onions in an air fryer is a great way to get that crispy, golden texture and taste without the need for a lot of oil. A small amount of oil is required to coat the onions and the air fryer basket, and the type of oil you use can vary depending on your preference. Here are some of the best oils to use for frying onions:

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying onions. It has a subtle flavour that won't overpower the taste of the onions. Grapeseed oil is also a healthy option, as it is rich in polyunsaturated fats and vitamin E.

Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil or regular olive oil can be a good choice for frying onions, especially if you want to add a distinct olive oil flavour to your dish. Olive oil has a relatively low smoke point compared to other oils, so it's important to fry your onions at a lower temperature to avoid burning the oil.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is another neutral-tasting oil that can be used for frying onions. It has a high smoke point and is often favoured for its versatility and affordability. While it has a mild flavour, some people may find it has a slightly more noticeable taste compared to other neutral oils.

Ghee

Ghee, or clarified butter, is commonly used in South Asian cooking and is perfect for frying onions. It has a rich, nutty flavour and a high smoke point, making it ideal for achieving the perfect golden brown onions. Ghee also adds a delicious aroma to your dish.

Other Options

Other oils that can be used for frying onions include avocado oil, which has a mild flavour and a high smoke point, and bacon fat, which will impart a smoky, savoury taste to your onions. Additionally, you can use cooking sprays or a neutral-tasting oil like vegetable oil.

How to get the perfect golden colour

Achieving the perfect golden colour for your French fried onions in an air fryer is an art. Here are some tips to help you master it:

Firstly, the type of onion you use matters. Yellow onions are the most popular choice for frying as they have a sweet flavour that caramelises beautifully, resulting in a golden-brown crust. White onions can be used for a sharper taste, while sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla offer a milder, sweeter profile.

Secondly, the thickness of your onion slices plays a crucial role. The thinner the slices, the crispier they will be, and the faster they will cook. Aim for uniform slices, about ⅙ inch thick, to ensure even cooking and a consistent golden colour.

Thirdly, the temperature and timing of the air fryer are essential. Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F to 380°F (175°C to 193°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the quantity of onions and the specific air fryer model, but it typically ranges from 10 to 25 minutes. Shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, as air circulation is crucial for that crunchy exterior.

Lastly, the oil you use can impact the colour and flavour of your onions. A neutral oil, such as avocado, vegetable, or canola oil, is ideal for deep frying. Ghee or clarified butter is also a great option, especially if you are frying a single batch. Additionally, you can use cooking spray or olive oil spray to coat the air fryer basket and prevent sticking.

By following these tips and adjusting the settings based on your air fryer's performance, you should be able to achieve the perfect golden colour for your French fried onions.

Storing and reheating fried onions

Storing fried onions correctly is essential to preserve their crispiness and flavour. Fried onions can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature, they will last for a day. Refrigerated fried onions can last for up to a week. For longer storage, fried onions can be frozen for up to three months.

When storing fried onions, it is crucial to let them cool down completely before placing them in an airtight container. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the onions soggy. To further prevent moisture, you can include a desiccant or paper towels in the container.

Now, let's move on to reheating fried onions. The best methods for reheating fried onions are using an oven or a stovetop. Reheating fried onions in the oven is ideal for larger batches, as it ensures even heat distribution. Here are the steps for reheating fried onions in the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of oil onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Spread your desired amount of fried onions evenly over the oiled surface, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Single layers work best for optimal crispness.
• Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and set a timer for 5 minutes.
• Check the onions after 5 minutes, and if they are not crispy enough, continue reheating in increments of 2-3 minutes until the desired crispness is achieved.

If you have a smaller quantity of fried onions or prefer a quicker method, you can use a stovetop. Here are the steps for reheating fried onions on the stovetop:

• Select a non-stick skillet or frying pan that comfortably fits your amount of fried onions.
• Add a thin layer of oil to the pan and heat it over medium-high heat.
• Gently spread out the leftover fried onions on the heated pan, ensuring they form an even layer.
• Sauté the onions for about 1-2 minutes without stirring extensively. This will allow browning and crispness to develop.

Frequently asked questions