Air Fryer Roasted Onions: How Long And At What Temperature?

Onions are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers to pizzas to salads. Roasting onions in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook them, resulting in a tender, golden brown, and slightly crispy texture. This technique is especially useful if you don't want to heat up your entire kitchen by turning on the oven. By following some simple steps and adjusting the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness, you can make delicious roasted onions in your air fryer.

How to roast onions in an air fryer

Roasting onions in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook onions, and they can be used as a topping or side dish for a variety of meals. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast onions in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

You will need onions (white, yellow, red, or sweet onions) and oil (olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil). You can also add seasonings such as salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.

Step 1: Prepare the Onions:

Start by slicing off both ends of the onion. Then, chop the onion in half. Place the onion flat slice down and slice into thin, evenly sized slices, about ¼” thick. Removing the outer layer of the onion skin will result in a less crispy onion.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Some recipes suggest a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit for whole onions.

Step 3: Prepare the Onions for Cooking:

Place the onion slices in a large bowl and drizzle or brush oil over them. Toss or coat the onion slices with the oil. You can also add seasonings at this step.

Step 4: Cook the Onions:

Transfer the onions to the air fryer basket and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. For whole onions, cook for 20 minutes, then check if they need longer. For crispy onions, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at a higher temperature. Shake or toss the onions halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve and Store:

Once the onions are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. Serve as a side dish or topping for burgers, steaks, hot dogs, sandwiches, wraps, or baked potatoes. Store leftover onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for later use.

The best types of onions for air frying

Air-frying onions is a quick and easy way to add a delicious, crispy texture to your meals. The best types of onions for air frying are red, white, or yellow onions, and even shallots. You can also use sweet onions like Vidalia onions for extra sweetness.

When selecting onions for air frying, it is best to choose larger onions as they are easier to cut into evenly sized slices, which will ensure even cooking. You can slice, wedge, or chop the onions, but aim for a medium thickness to prevent burning or undercooking.

By air frying onions, you can achieve the perfect crunchy texture with minimal oil, similar to deep-fried onions but healthier and less time-consuming. You can use air-fried onions as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, or sprinkle them over rice dishes, eggs, roasted vegetables, or dips.

Overall, air frying is a convenient and versatile way to cook onions, and by choosing the right type of onion and preparing them properly, you can enhance your culinary creations.

How to store air-fried onions

Air-fried onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

It is important to allow the onions to cool entirely before storing them; otherwise, they can ""steam" and become soggy.

• Allow the onions to cool completely: It is crucial to let the onions cool down before putting them away. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the onions soggy.
• Use an airtight container: Place the cooled onions in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents odours from escaping or seeping into the onions.
• Refrigerate or freeze: Depending on when you plan to use the onions, you can either refrigerate or freeze them. Refrigerated onions will last for about a week, while frozen onions can be stored for up to three months.
• Reheat gently: When you're ready to use the onions, take them out of the refrigerator or freezer. If they are frozen, let them thaw. Then, reheat them gently in the air fryer, oven, or stovetop to restore their crispness.

Some additional tips for storing air-fried onions:

• Paper towels: Placing a paper towel within the airtight container can help absorb any excess moisture and keep the onions crisp.
• Consume within a few days: While refrigerated onions can last for up to a week, it is best to consume them within a few days for optimal freshness and texture.
• Freeze in portions: If you plan to freeze the onions, consider dividing them into portions before placing them into freezer bags. This way, you can easily take out the amount you need without having to thaw a large batch.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your air-fried onions remain tasty and crisp, ready to be enjoyed as a topping or ingredient in your favourite dishes!

How to make crispy onions in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Onions (red, white, yellow, or sweet)
• Oil (extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil)
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
• Prepare the onions by slicing off both ends and cutting them in half.
• Peel the onions and slice them into long, thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick. Aim for even slices to ensure even cooking.
• Place the onion slices in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss to coat the onions evenly.
• Transfer the onions to the air fryer basket. If desired, season with salt and pepper.
• Air fry for 20 minutes at 350°F, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to prevent burning.
• For the last 2-3 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F to help the onions become golden and crispy.
• Remove the onions from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
• Enjoy your crispy onions as a topping, garnish, or side dish!

Tips:

• You can also brush the onions with balsamic vinegar before air frying for extra flavor.
• For more browning and caramelization, reduce the heat by 10 degrees and cook for an additional 5 minutes at a time.
• Keep an eye on the onions as air fryer temperatures can vary, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• To store, place the crispy onions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.

Enjoy your crispy, golden onions!

Recipes to use air-fried onions in

Air-fried onions are a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate them into your cooking:

Burgers and Sandwiches

Air-fried onions can be used to top burgers and sandwiches, adding a burst of flavour and texture. They can be paired with a variety of proteins, such as beef, chicken, or veggie patties.

Fajitas and Tacos

For a Mexican twist, add air-fried onions to your fajitas or tacos. They pair well with grilled meats, such as steak or chicken, and can be served with a variety of toppings and sauces.

Omelettes and Scrambled Eggs

For a flavourful breakfast option, incorporate air-fried onions into your omelette or scrambled eggs. They add a savoury twist to your morning meal.

Casseroles

Sprinkle air-fried onions on top of casseroles before baking to create a crispy and delicious crust. This adds both flavour and texture to your one-dish meal.

Dips

For a unique snack option, fold air-fried onions into sour cream or Greek yogurt-based dips. They add a crunchy texture and savoury flavour to your favourite dip.

Salads and Soups

Air-fried onions make a great topping for salads and soups. They add a crunchy element and a burst of flavour to your bowl.

Pizza

Air-fried onions can be added as a topping to your pizza, giving it a sweet and savoury boost. They pair well with a variety of other toppings, such as meats and vegetables.

Sides

Air-fried onions can also be served as a side dish on their own. They are a tasty and healthy option to accompany your meal.

Frequently asked questions