Air-Fryer Onions: Cooking Time And Crispy Results

Air fryer onions are a quick and easy way to cook onions. You can use any type of onion, from sweet to red, and the larger the better. It's also easier to get evenly sized slices, allowing them to cook evenly. Cooking times vary depending on the type of onion and the desired texture, but generally, onions should be cooked in an air fryer for 15 to 20 minutes at 300-350°F.

Cooking times for thinly sliced onions

Thinly sliced onions can be cooked in an air fryer in around 12 to 15 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to shake or stir the onions during cooking to ensure they cook evenly and achieve an even golden brown colour. If you want your onions to be tender and slightly caramelised, you can cook them for 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want crispier onions, you can continue air frying in 5-minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

When cooking onions in an air fryer, it's important to flip them halfway through the cooking time and give them a good stir once they're done. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent burning. You can also add melted butter along with olive oil to coat the onion slices before cooking.

Cooked onions can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 365 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds until warm.

How to prevent onions from burning

Cooking onions in an air fryer is a quick and easy process, but it's important to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Firstly, it's important to note that cooking times can vary depending on the type of onion, the size of the onion, and the specific model of air fryer being used. As a general rule, onions should be cooked in the air fryer for around 15 to 20 minutes at a temperature of 300-350℉. However, it's important to shake or stir the onions during cooking to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning. For this reason, it's recommended to shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes. If the onions are browning too quickly, the heat can be reduced.

To prevent onions from sticking to the air fryer basket, it's important to ensure the basket is preheated, as this creates a non-stick surface. Additionally, it's crucial to measure the oil to ensure you're using just enough; typically, a tablespoon is sufficient for a medium-sized onion. This balance is important to achieve a crispy texture without the heaviness of too much oil.

When cooking onion rings in an air fryer, it's important to place a single layer of onion rings in the basket with space between each ring for the hot air to circulate, promoting even cooking. Depending on the size of the air fryer, it may be necessary to cook the onion rings in batches. Lightly spraying the onion rings with cooking spray or brushing them with a small amount of oil can help to enhance browning and crispiness. However, it's important to keep a close watch to prevent burning, especially as air fryers can vary in intensity.

Reheating onions

If you have cooked onions in an air fryer and want to reheat them, you can do so in the air fryer at 365 degrees for 2 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds.

If you are cooking onions from scratch in an air fryer, you can cook them for 15-20 minutes at 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to caramelise the onions, cook them for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to prevent burning. If you want crispier onions, continue cooking in 5-minute increments.

Types of onions to use

When it comes to choosing the right type of onion to use in your air fryer, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use larger onions as they give you more to work with and it is easier to get evenly sized slices, which is important for even cooking.

In terms of onion varieties, you can use yellow, white, sweet, or red onions. Sweet onions, in particular, are a popular choice for air fryer caramelized onions as they add a delicious extra layer of flavour. If you're looking for a specific variety, Vidalia onions are a great option for caramelized onions.

However, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of onions to find your favourite. The air frying method is versatile and works well with a range of onion varieties. Whether you prefer white, red, or sweet onions, you can achieve tasty results.

Remember, the key to successful air fryer onions is even cooking. So, regardless of the type of onion you choose, be sure to slice them evenly and stir or shake them during cooking to ensure they cook evenly and achieve a uniform golden brown colour.

How to store cooked onions

Cooking onions in an air fryer takes between 12 and 20 minutes, depending on the desired texture and the thickness of the slices. For thinly sliced onions, a cooking time of around 12 to 15 minutes at 300°F is a good starting point. For tender, slightly caramelised onions, cook at 350°F for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to prevent burning. For crispier onions, continue air frying in 5-minute increments.

Cooked onions can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, or up to 7 to 10 days for sliced or cut onions. Place them in an airtight container or resealable bag within a few hours of cooking. If left outside for long periods, they may harbour bacteria.

Cooked onions can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Pickling is another way to extend the shelf life of onions. It involves storing them in a solution that hinders the growth of bacteria that typically spoil vegetables.

Frequently asked questions