Air Fryer Onions: How Long Until Crispy?

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to deep frying onions. They can be used to make crispy onions, chicken wings, or roasted garlic. The cooking time varies depending on the desired level of crispiness, type of air fryer, and thickness of the onion slices. For crunchy, golden onions, air fry for about 20 to 23 minutes. For tender and soft onions, cook for only 10 to 15 minutes. It is important to shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

How to make crispy onions in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion
• 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil
• Salt to taste
• Seasoning of choice (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F for 3-5 minutes.
• Thinly slice the onion using a mandolin or a sharp chef's knife.
• Place the sliced onions in a mixing bowl and add ghee or oil. You can also add salt and seasoning to taste. Mix well.
• Spread the onions evenly in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 320-375°F for 15-25 minutes. Mix and spread the onions every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispy onions, turn up the temperature to 400°F for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
• Transfer the onions to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
• Enjoy your crispy onions as a topping or garnish!

Tips:

• Use any type of onion you prefer, such as yellow, white, red, or sweet onions.
• You can also use shallots or garlic powder for extra flavor.
• If you want to caramelize the onions, add a bit of water or broth to the air fryer and increase the cooking time.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-7 days, or freeze for up to 3-4 months.

How to caramelize onions in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion
• 1-2 tablespoons of oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil)
• Seasoning of your choice (optional)

Method:

First, preheat your air fryer to around 370°F. While the air fryer is heating up, slice the onion thinly and evenly. You can use a sharp chef's knife or a mandolin.

Next, place the sliced onions in a mixing bowl and add the oil. Mix well using a silicone spatula or your hands to ensure the onions are evenly coated. You can also add seasoning at this stage if you wish, such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning.

Now, spread the onions out in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Air fry at the desired temperature (see below) for around 15-20 minutes, stirring or shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Temperature and Timing:

The temperature and timing will depend on your desired level of doneness. For softer, more caramelized onions, aim for a lower temperature of around 300°F and cook for 15-20 minutes. If you want the onions to be crispier, increase the temperature to 370-400°F and cook for a shorter time, around 10-15 minutes. Keep in mind that different air fryers may vary in temperature, so adjust the time and temperature as needed.

Serving Suggestions:

These caramelized onions are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Try them on burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, salads, omelets, soups, or as a topping for bruschetta or grilled cheese. They add a rich, savory flavor to any dish.

Storage:

Allow the onions to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3-4 months. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.

Air fryer onions: cooking time and temperature

Air-fried onions are a great, healthier alternative to traditionally fried onions. They can be used as toppings on burgers, pizzas, salads, and more. The air fryer reduces the calorie count of the onions while offering a delicious crispy texture.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried onions depend on how crispy you like them. For crunchy, golden onions, air fry at 300°F for about 20 to 23 minutes. For tender and soft onions, cook at 370°F for 15-20 minutes. If you want your onions to be even crispier, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.

It's important to note that different air fryers may vary in temperature, so the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, the thickness of the onion slices will also impact the cooking time. For thinly sliced onions, a cooking time of around 12 to 15 minutes at 300°F is recommended.

Tips for cooking onions in an air fryer

• Slice the onions thinly and evenly.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Mix and spread the onions every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Shake or stir the onions during cooking to prevent burning and achieve an even colour.
• Spray the basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Season the onions with garlic powder, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or smoked paprika for added flavour.

Storing air-fried onions

Air-fried onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3-4 months. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.

Air fryer onions: storing and reheating

Air fryer onions are a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes, and they can be easily stored and reheated. Here's everything you need to know about storing and reheating your air fryer onions.

Storing Air Fryer Onions

Once you've cooked your onions in the air fryer, it's important to let them cool down before storing them. Place the onions in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four to seven days.

If you don't plan on using the onions within a week, you can freeze them. Place the cooled onions in an airtight container or a freezer bag, and they will last for up to three to four months in the freezer.

Reheating Air Fryer Onions

When you're ready to enjoy your air fryer onions again, there are a few simple ways to reheat them:

• Stovetop: Place the onions in a pan over medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed through.
• Air fryer: Put the onions back into the air fryer and heat them at 300-370°F for 2-5 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer the onions to a microwave-safe dish and heat them in short intervals, stirring in between, until they reach your desired temperature.

It's important to note that the onions may lose their crispy texture after being chilled. To restore their crunch, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

Additionally, if you're reheating frozen onions, it's best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them using one of the above methods.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

• Always ensure your onions are completely cooled before storing them.
• Use airtight containers to prevent odours from escaping and to keep the onions fresh.
• Label your containers with the date of storage to keep track of how long they've been stored.
• When reheating, stir or shake the onions occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Add a little oil or butter when reheating to enhance the flavour and texture.

By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy your air fryer onions multiple times and elevate your meals with their delicious flavour and crunch!

Air fryer onions: seasoning and flavour ideas

Air-fried onions are a great way to add flavour and texture to your dishes. They can be used as a topping, garnish, or side dish, and are perfect for burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, salads, and more. Here are some ideas for seasoning and flavouring your air fryer onions:

Garlic powder

A little garlic powder can enhance the flavour of your air fryer onions and make them even more delicious.

Brown sugar

Using brown sugar instead of white granulated sugar can deepen the caramelized flavour of your onions. This is a great way to add a sweet and savoury touch to your dish.

Italian seasoning

Infuse your air fryer onions with an aromatic blend of oregano, parsley, and rosemary. This combination will add a Mediterranean flair to your dish.

Cajun seasoning

If you're looking for a spicy kick, Cajun seasoning is the way to go. It will give your onions a bold and flavourful touch.

Smoked paprika

For a smoky flavour and deeper colour, smoked paprika is an excellent choice. It adds a subtle smokiness that pairs well with the sweetness of the onions.

Other seasoning ideas

You can also experiment with different combinations of salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, or umami seasoning. Get creative and find the perfect blend that suits your taste preferences.

Oil choices

When it comes to oil, you have a variety of options to choose from. Olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, and cooking spray are all great choices for air frying onions.

Onion varieties

Feel free to use any type of onion you prefer, such as yellow onions, red onions, white onions, sweet onions, or even shallots. Mixing different types of onions can also add depth and complexity to your dish.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer onions are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a topping on burgers, hot dogs, sausages, pizzas, or baked potatoes. They also go well with perogies and sour cream, and they can add a savoury crunch to soups and salads. Don't be afraid to experiment and try them with various dishes.

Frequently asked questions