Air-Fryer Crispy Onions: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making crispy onions in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying them in oil. They can be used as a topping for burgers, salads, soups, and more. To make them, slice onions thinly and evenly, coat them with oil, and air fry at around 265-350°F for 20-30 minutes, tossing them every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Choosing the right onion

Onion Type

Yellow onions are the most common variety used in cooking and make up around 87% of the US onion crop. They have a sharp, mildly spicy flavour with a hint of sweetness. When cooked, they lose their sharpness and turn a light brown colour, making them perfect for crispy onions.

Red onions are milder in taste and smell and are less pungent than yellow onions. They are a good choice if you want to add a bit of colour to your dish, as they have a deep red hue. However, they may discolour light-coloured ingredients like eggs, potatoes, and beans. Red onions are also a good choice for grilling, as they char nicely and have a jammy texture.

White onions are less common and are mostly used in Mexican cooking. They are larger, with thin, papery skin, and have a sharp, astringent taste. They are very crispy due to their high water content, so they are a good choice if you want your crispy onions to have an extra crunch.

Sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla onions, are similar to yellow onions but have thicker layers, making them ideal for slicing into rings. They have a high sugar content and a low sulphur content, making them very sweet without being too pungent. They are an excellent choice for frying and will add a delicious sweetness to your crispy onions.

Onion Size

Another factor to consider is the size of the onion. Larger onions, such as Spanish onions, can be a good choice if you need to make a big batch of crispy onions. Smaller onions, like Cipolline onions, are naturally petite and squat and are ideal for roasting whole.

Onion Texture

The texture of the onion can also affect the final product. Onions with thinner layers, such as sweet onions, are better for slicing into rings and will give you a more delicate crispy onion. Onions with thicker layers, like yellow onions, will give you a heartier crispy onion.

Onion Flavour

Each type of onion has a distinct flavour that can enhance your dish. Yellow onions have a sharp, spicy flavour, while sweet onions, as the name suggests, have a sweeter taste. White onions are sharp and astringent, and red onions are milder with a slightly bitter aftertaste.

Recipe Requirements

Finally, consider the requirements of the recipe you are using. If it calls for a specific type of onion, it is generally best to follow that recommendation. If the recipe does not specify, yellow onions are a safe choice as they are very versatile and commonly used.

In summary, while you can use any type of onion to make crispy onions in your air fryer, yellow and sweet onions are the most versatile and commonly used. White onions will add extra crunch, and red onions will add colour and a milder flavour.

Slicing the onion

First, select your onion. You can use red, white, yellow onions, or even shallots. Peel the outer layer of the onion and trim one end, leaving the other end intact to provide a handle for holding. Using a mandolin, slice the onion on its largest setting. This helps achieve even, round slices, which is important for even cooking in the air fryer. If you don't have a mandolin, you can use a sharp knife to slice the onion as evenly as possible.

For the perfect crispy onion rings, separate the rings before adding them to the air fryer. You can also drizzle oil over the slices and then gently separate the rings. This helps distribute the oil evenly.

If you want to make French-fried onions, you can soak the onion slices in buttermilk or a buttermilk alternative for 15-30 minutes before frying. This adds a delicious twist to your crispy onions!

Now that you have your sliced onions, it's time to move on to the next step: preparing the air fryer and cooking these delicious treats!

Oil temperature

• Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 300°F (150°C). You can do this by setting your air fryer to the desired temperature and allowing it to heat up for a few minutes before adding the onions.
• Oil choice: Select an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, olive oil, or grapeseed oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without smoking or burning.
• Lightly coat the onions: After slicing your onions, place them in a mixing bowl and drizzle a small amount of oil over them. Toss the onions gently to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also spray the air fryer basket with oil before adding the onions.
• Air fryer settings: Set your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 240°F to 350°F (115°C to 180°C). The higher the temperature, the crispier your onions will be. However, be careful not to burn them.
• Cooking time: The cooking time will vary depending on the quantity of onions and the desired level of crispiness. On average, it takes around 10 to 20 minutes to cook crispy onions in an air fryer.
• Stir and shake: During the cooking process, it is important to stir or shake the air fryer basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking. This prevents the onions from burning and helps them cook evenly on all sides.
• Doneness: Keep a close eye on the onions during the final minutes of cooking. The onions are done when they turn golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can burn easily.
• Cooling and storing: Allow the crispy onions to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

By following these instructions and paying close attention to the oil temperature and cooking process, you'll be able to make delicious, crispy onions in your air fryer every time.

Air fryer temperature

The air fryer temperature you should use to make crispy onions depends on the type of air fryer you have, the quantity of onions you are frying, and how crispy you like them.

Some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to 400ºF for 5 minutes before adding the onions. However, this is not always necessary, and some recipes simply instruct you to set your air fryer to 300ºF and add the onions straight away.

If you are using a Cosori 5.8 QT Air Fryer, you should fry your onions at 320ºF for 20 minutes, mixing and spreading them every 5 minutes.

If you are using a different air fryer, you should fry your onions at 300ºF for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 240ºF and continue frying until crispy. Again, you should mix the onions every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

If you like your onions very crispy, you can increase the temperature to 400ºF for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

It's important to note that every air fryer works differently, so you should keep a close eye on your onions during the last 5 minutes of cooking and adjust the temperature and timing as needed.

Storage

Storing your crispy onions correctly is essential to keep them fresh and crunchy. Here is a detailed guide on how to store your air-fried crispy onions:

Refrigeration

Allow the onions to cool down completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or a jar and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to a week if stored properly.

Freezing

If you want to store your crispy onions for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Again, let the onions cool down completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Frozen crispy onions can last for up to four to six months.

Re-crisping

If your crispy onions have lost their crunch, you can easily re-crisp them. Place them in the oven or air fryer at 375ºF/190ºC for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Vacuum Sealing

If you have a vacuum sealer, you can use it to store your crispy onions for several weeks, as suggested by a user on the Watch What U Eat blog.

• Make sure the onions are completely cool before storing to avoid sogginess.
• Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness and crunch.
• Label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Use clean utensils when handling the onions to prevent contamination.
• Keep an eye on the humidity levels in your storage area. Onions tend to absorb moisture, which can affect their texture.

By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy your air-fried crispy onions for longer and make the most of this delicious and versatile topping.

Frequently asked questions