Air Fryer And Onions: A Tasty, Crispy Combo?

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, salads, pizzas, soups and more.

You can use any type of onion – yellow, white, red, sweet or even shallots – and the process is simple. After slicing the onions, toss them in a bowl with oil and your choice of seasoning, before transferring them to the air fryer basket and cooking for around 12 to 20 minutes.

Air fryer onions are a healthier alternative to oil-fried onions as they use little to no oil, and they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air-frying onions is a simple and healthy alternative to deep-frying them. The air fryer is able to produce evenly cooked and wonderfully crispy onions, which can be used to enhance a variety of meals.

The ideal temperature and timing for air-frying onions depend on the desired level of crispiness and the type of air fryer being used. Most recipes suggest preheating the air fryer between 350°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.

For caramelized onions, it is recommended to cook the onions for around 10 to 12 minutes at the set temperature, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. For softer onions, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes, and for crispier onions, increase the time by a few minutes.

If you are cooking at a lower temperature of 300°F (149°C), the cooking time will be longer, around 25 to 30 minutes, with regular shaking of the basket every 5 minutes.

It is important to note that different types and brands of air fryers may require adjustments to the time and temperature, so it is advisable to keep a close eye on the onions during the cooking process to prevent burning.

Additionally, the thickness of the onion slices will impact the cooking time. Thinly sliced onions will cook faster and may be ready in as little as 5 minutes, while thicker slices may take up to 15 minutes or more.

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Onions

• Use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to cut the onions into even slices, as this will ensure even cooking and browning.
• Drizzle oil over the onion slices and gently separate the rings before placing them in the air fryer to ensure an even coating of oil.
• Shake or stir the onions during cooking to prevent overlapping and promote even cooking and browning.
• For crispier onions, arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, allowing for proper air circulation.
• If cooking a large batch of onions, cook them in smaller batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure maximum crispiness.
• Different types of onions, such as red, white, or yellow onions, can be used, offering varying levels of sweetness and flavor to your dish.

Onion varieties

Onions are part of the genus Allium and are related to garlic, chives, shallots, and leeks. There are 600-920 species of onions, but here are some of the most common types:

Yellow Onions

Yellow onions are the most common type of onion and are easily the most versatile. They have a strong, sulphury, pungent flavor and aroma. If a recipe simply calls for an onion, a yellow onion is usually assumed. They are suitable for any use, including French onion soup, caramelized onions, and chilli.

White Onions

White onions have a papery white skin and a milder, sweeter flavor than yellow onions. This makes them good for serving raw in fresh salsa, guacamole, or as a garnish.

Red Onions

Red onions have a deep magenta color and a sharp flavor. They are commonly put on burgers and are great on salads, sandwiches, soups, and roasted Mediterranean dishes. They are also often pickled.

Sweet Onions

Sweet onions, such as Walla Walla, Maui, Vidalia, and Bermuda onions, have a lower concentration of sulfur, making them sweeter. They are good for caramelizing and are ideal for making onion rings. They can also be eaten raw and are commonly used in salads, on pizzas, and in pasta.

Spanish Onions

Spanish onions are similar to yellow onions but are considered one of the best onions for roasts. They are juicy and sweet and are good on sandwiches, in salads, and in onion rings.

Pearl Onions

Pearl onions are small onions with a sweet, mild taste and a thin skin. They are often pickled and used as a martini garnish. They are also good roasted, in stews, or glazed.

Cipollini Onions

Cipollini onions originated in Italy and are small onions, measuring 1-2 inches across. They vary in color from white to red to brown, but are always yellow inside. They are moderately sweet and are great in French onion soup, or roasted or caramelized.

Shallots

Shallots are small brown-skinned onions with purplish flesh. They are made up of multiple lobes, similar to garlic. They have a very intense flavor and can be minced and used in salad dressings and sauces. They are also great for roasting.

Green Onions

Green onions are immature onions that have not yet formed a bulb. They are usually used whole, including the tall green shoots, and are a wonderful garnish for soups, omelets, and tacos. They are also known as scallions, spring onions, cebollitas, salad onions, and French shallots.

Leeks

Leeks are similar to scallions but larger and milder in flavor. They are great in soups and sauces and are lovely à la gratinée—baked and topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and cheese.

Onion shapes and sizes

Onions come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the type you choose for your air fryer will depend on your preferences and the recipe you're following. Here's a guide to help you select the right onion for your needs:

Small Onion: A small onion is comparable in size to a billiard ball. When chopped, it yields around 3/4 cup, which is perfect for adding a punch of flavour to dips or sauces without overwhelming other ingredients.

Medium Onion: The default onion in most recipes, a medium onion, is similar in size to a tennis ball. It's the standard size for a reason: it provides a good balance of flavour and yields approximately 1 cup when chopped, making it versatile for a range of dishes.

Large Onion: If you're cooking for a crowd or need a generous amount of onions for your dish, opt for a large onion. These are analogous to softballs and will give you around 1 1/2 cups when chopped.

Sweet Onion: Sweet onions, such as Walla Walla, Maui, or Vidalia, are larger and slightly flatter than yellow onions. Their mild flavour and extra sugar content make them ideal for caramelising and creating sweet and savoury onion rings.

White Onion: White onions have a papery white skin and a milder, slightly sweeter taste than yellow onions. They are excellent for serving raw in fresh salsa or homemade guacamole, where their crisp texture and subtle flavour can shine.

Red Onion: With both the exterior skin and flesh in a deep magenta colour, red onions are sweet and mild enough to be eaten raw. They add a splash of colour and a mild onion flavour to salads, sandwiches, and burgers.

Shallots: Small, brown-skinned onions with purplish flesh, shallots are similar to garlic in that their bulbs are divided into multiple lobes. They have a pungent, garlicky flavour and can be minced finely for salad dressings and sauces or roasted to bring out their sweetness.

Green Onions: Green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, are immature onions that have not yet formed a bulb or have only partially done so. The entire plant is usually used, including the tall green shoots, and they make a wonderful garnish for soups, omelettes, and tacos. They add a mild onion flavour and a crisp texture to dishes.

Onion toppings

Onions are a versatile ingredient that can be used to add flavour and texture to a variety of dishes. Here are some ways in which you can use air-fried onions as toppings:

On burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs

Air-fried onions can be used as toppings on burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs, adding a sweet, caramelised flavour. They can also be used to top sausages and steaks.

On pizza and pasta

Sprinkle some air-fried onions on top of your pizza or pasta for an extra punch of flavour.

In omelettes and scrambled eggs

Throw some air-fried onions into your omelette or scrambled eggs for a flavourful twist at breakfast.

In soups

Add air-fried onions to soups for a richer, savoury flavour. They work particularly well in French onion soup and Air Fryer Omelet.

In dips

Fold fried onions into creamy sour cream or Greek yoghurt-based dips for added texture and flavour.

On baked potatoes

Use air-fried onions as a savoury crunch on baked potatoes, along with sour cream or cheese.

On tacos, fajitas, burritos and nachos

Use air-fried onions in tacos, fajitas, burritos or nachos for an extra punch of flavour.

On chilli

Add air-fried onions to chilli for a delicious, sweet flavour.

On salads

Air-fried onions can be used as a topping on salads, especially when paired with proteins such as chicken or pork chops.

On casseroles

Sprinkle air-fried onions on top of casseroles before baking to create a crispy and irresistible crust.

Onion storage

Onions are a key ingredient in many recipes, and can be stored in a few different ways to keep them fresh. Here are some tips for storing onions:

• Whole onions should be stored at room temperature in a well-ventilated container such as a wire basket, perforated plastic bag, or open paper bag.
• The storage area should be dry, dark, and cool, with good air circulation.
• Keep onions away from direct sunlight and other heat sources, as well as potatoes and other produce items that release moisture.
• The ideal storage temperature for onions is between 45-55°F (or 30-50°F if you want them to last for up to a year).
• Do not wrap onions in plastic or store them in plastic bags, as a lack of air circulation will reduce their shelf life.
• Handle onions with care and avoid dropping them, as this can cause bruising and internal decay.
• Store cut onions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for several months.
• For scallions, spring onions, leeks, and other fresh alliums, store them in the refrigerator, unfurled and wrapped in a damp paper towel, then placed in a bag or airtight container.
• Caramelized onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Frequently asked questions