Air-Fryer Birista: Quick, Crispy, And Golden!

Birista, or crispy fried onions, are a staple in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. They are used to garnish dishes like biryani, pulao, dal, soups, and salads. They can be deep-fried or made in an air fryer. The latter is a healthier alternative that uses less oil and is less time-consuming.

Choosing the right oil

When making birista in an air fryer, you can use any oil, but some are better than others. The key factors to consider are the smoke point of the oil, the temperature you are cooking at, and the type of food you are preparing.

Smoke Point

The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it begins to break down and emit smoke. When an oil reaches its smoke point, it can develop an undesirable burnt flavour, which can affect the taste of your food. Therefore, it is important to choose an oil with a higher smoke point than the temperature you are cooking at.

Temperature

Air fryers can reach high temperatures, similar to deep fryers. However, different recipes require different temperatures. For example, if you are cooking at a temperature above 375°F, you should avoid using extra virgin olive oil, as its smoke point is between 320-374°F. Instead, opt for oils with a higher smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil.

Type of Food

Another factor to consider is the type of food you are preparing. Some oils are neutral in flavour, meaning they will not alter the taste of your dish. These oils are ideal for spicy or strongly flavoured recipes. Examples of neutral oils include deodorized avocado oil, organic virgin sesame oil, and grapeseed oil. On the other hand, some oils have a stronger taste and can enhance the flavour of milder dishes. Extra virgin olive oil and organic cooking sunflower oil are good choices for this purpose.

Amount of Oil

When making birista in an air fryer, you only need a small amount of oil, typically between 5 ml to 30 ml. This is because air fryers use hot air to cook food, and the oil is mainly used to add a crispy texture and enhance the flavour.

Slicing the onions

When slicing the onions, it is best to cut them in half lengthwise from the stem side to the root side. Then, place one half of the onion on the chopping board, flat side down, and use a sharp knife to slice it into thin half-moons. It is important to trim off the root ends of the onions before slicing.

After slicing, separate the onion slices into individual pieces to prevent them from clumping together during cooking, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping. You can also use a slicer for uniform slices and quicker preparation.

Additionally, it is important to note that red onions may appear green after air frying, so yellow onions are generally recommended for birista. However, both types can be used.

Air fryer temperature

The ideal temperature for making birista in an air fryer is between 320°F and 400°F.

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. This initial high temperature gives the onions a crispy texture.
• After preheating, reduce the temperature to 320°F. Air fry the onions at this temperature for 20 minutes.
• Toss the onions every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Depending on your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature during the final 5 minutes of cooking.

It is important to note that every air fryer is different, so you may need to experiment with the temperature and timing to find the perfect settings for your machine.

Additionally, the slicing technique also plays a vital role in achieving the desired crispiness. Uniformly cut thicker juliennes of onions are recommended to prevent shrinkage and loss of volume during the air frying process.

Avoiding overcrowding

When making birista in an air fryer, it's important to avoid overcrowding the basket. This will ensure that the onions cook evenly and become crispy. Here are some tips to avoid overcrowding:

• Use the correct amount of onions: For a 5.8 QT Air Fryer, you can use 1 large onion or about 2 cups of thinly sliced onions without overcrowding. Adjust the quantity accordingly for your air fryer size.
• Work in batches: If you have a large quantity of onions, cook them in smaller batches to avoid overcrowding. This will ensure that the onions have enough space to get crispy.
• Spread the onions evenly: When placing the onions in the air fryer basket, spread them out evenly. This will help them cook uniformly and prevent overcrowding in certain areas.
• Toss or mix the onions: During the cooking process, mix or toss the onions every few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding in certain areas.
• Avoid stacking: Make sure the onions are in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other. This will allow hot air to circulate around each onion slice and promote even cooking.
• Use a larger air fryer: If you frequently make birista in large quantities, consider investing in a larger air fryer that can accommodate more onions without overcrowding.

By following these tips, you can avoid overcrowding and ensure that your birista turns out crispy and delicious every time!

Storing birista

Birista, or crispy fried onions, can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. It is important to let the birista cool down completely before storing it, to avoid soggy onions.

When you are ready to use the birista, there is no need to thaw it. Simply remove the container from the freezer, take out the desired amount, and return the container to the freezer.

Some sources suggest that birista can be stored in the freezer for up to six months, or even a year. However, one source recommends against storing birista in the refrigerator, as it can turn rancid within four to five days, reducing its shelf life and taste.

Frequently asked questions