Make Crispy Onions Without A Deep Fryer: Easy, Quick, Crunchy!

Crispy onions are a great topping for burgers, salads, casseroles, and more. Deep-fried onions can be unhealthy, however, as they absorb a lot of oil. But don't worry, you can still make crispy onions without a deep fryer! All you need are some onions, oil, and (optionally) flour, corn starch, or breadcrumbs. You can make them in an air fryer or in the oven.

Thinly slice the onions

Thinly slicing the onions is the first step in making crispy onions without a deep fryer. You can use a sharp knife, a mandolin, or the slicer disk on your food processor to cut the onions into thin slices or thin rings. The key is to ensure that the onion slices are even in thickness so that they cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

For air-frying, it is important to note that the basket should not be overcrowded, and the onions should be mixed and spread evenly every few minutes to ensure even cooking. A Cosori 5.8 QT Air Fryer, for instance, can fit one large onion or about 2 cups of thinly sliced onions without overcrowding.

If you are using an oven, spread the onions in a single layer on a baking tray. For both air-frying and oven-baking, the onions should be cooked until they are crispy and golden brown. This usually takes around 20-30 minutes, but the timing may vary depending on the method and the specific appliance used.

Additionally, when preparing the onions, it is recommended to soak them in buttermilk or a buttermilk alternative for 10-30 minutes before coating them in flour, cornstarch, or a flour mixture. This step is optional but can enhance the flavour and crispiness of the final product.

Soak the onions in buttermilk

Soaking onion slices in buttermilk is a key step in achieving the perfect crispy onion rings or French fried onions. This technique not only helps to tenderise the onions but also creates an extra crisp coating.

To start, prepare the buttermilk by pouring it into a large baking dish and seasoning it generously with salt and black pepper. You can use either low-fat or full-fat buttermilk for this step.

Next, peel and thinly slice your onions. You can use a sharp knife, a mandolin, or the slicer disk on your food processor to achieve even slices. Large, sweet onions tend to work best for this recipe, as they have a deeper flavour and won't disintegrate once fried.

Once you have your sliced onions, it's time to soak them in the buttermilk. Fully submerge the onion slices in the buttermilk, ensuring they are well coated. Let the onions soak for around 15-30 minutes. If you are making onion rings, you can separate the slices into individual rings and remove the papery thin membrane from the inside of each ring before soaking.

After the onions have finished soaking, you can proceed to the next step of dredging the onions in flour and frying them to crispy perfection!

Use a high-heat oil

When making crispy onions, it's important to select the right oil to ensure the best results. Using a high-heat oil is crucial to achieving the desired crispiness and avoiding a greasy texture. Here are some tips and guidelines for choosing and using high-heat oil for crispy onions:

Choosing the Right Oil

Select a neutral-smelling oil with a high smoking point. This is important because it ensures that your oil can withstand the high temperatures required for frying without smoking or burning. Good options include:

• Canola oil
• Sunflower oil
• Vegetable oil
• Coconut oil
• Peanut oil
• Avocado oil
• Rice bran oil
• Ghee

Amount of Oil to Use

You'll want to use enough oil to cover the bottom of your pan or pot by about an inch. This will ensure that your onions are fully submerged and cook evenly. If you're using a deep pot, you may need more oil to reach the desired depth.

Heating the Oil

Before adding the onions, heat the oil to a temperature of around 355ºF/180ºC. This is a general guideline, but you can also test the oil's readiness by dipping a toothpick or skewer into it. If the oil starts to bubble around the skewer, it's ready for frying. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as this can affect the taste and texture of your onions.

Frying the Onions

Once your oil is hot, it's time to add the onions. Fry them in small batches to ensure even cooking and to prevent overcrowding in the pan. Depending on the batch size and the thickness of your onion slices, the frying process should take around 2-4 minutes. Stir the onions occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan and to promote even browning.

Removing Excess Oil

When your onions are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate or tray to absorb any excess oil. You can also blot the top with a second paper towel if needed.

Seasoning

At this point, you can season your crispy onions with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the seasonings over the hot onions, and they will stick to the oily surface.

Storing Crispy Onions

Allow your crispy onions to cool completely before storing them. Storing them while still warm can lead to sogginess. You can store crispy onions in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for 4-6 months.

Use an air fryer

Using an air fryer is a great way to make crispy onions without deep frying. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the onions

Peel and thinly slice the onions. You can use a sharp knife, a mandolin, or the slicer disk on your food processor to get even-sized pieces. You can use red, white, yellow, or brown onions, or even shallots.

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer

Set your air fryer to 265°F (130°C) or 300°F and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. A higher temperature of 400°F (200°C) can also be used for a shorter cooking time.

Step 3: Prepare the air fryer basket

Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. This will help to ensure that the onions don't stick and will also help to crisp them up.

Step 4: Add the onions to the basket

Place the sliced onions in the basket and give them a light spray of oil or a drizzle of oil. Toss the onions to ensure they are evenly coated.

Step 5: Air fry the onions

Cook the onions for 20-30 minutes, tossing or stirring them every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The onions are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Cool and store the onions

Allow the onions to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 4 months.

Store in an airtight container

Storing your crispy onions is an important step to ensure they remain fresh and crispy. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your crispy onions in an airtight container:

Firstly, it is crucial to let the onions cool entirely before storing them. If you put them away while they're still warm, the onions can steam inside the container and turn soggy. So, spread them out on a plate or tray and let them cool down to room temperature. This will ensure they retain their crispiness.

Once the onions are cooled, you can transfer them to an airtight container. Make sure the container is dry and clean. You can line it with paper towels to absorb any excess oil and prevent the onions from becoming greasy. Place the onions inside and seal the container tightly.

Store the airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. This will help maintain the freshness of the onions. If you have space concerns or want to make a large batch, you can also store the crispy onions in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to 2 weeks when refrigerated.

Additionally, you can freeze crispy onions for longer-term storage. Allow the onions to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen crispy onions can last for up to 4-6 months. When you're ready to use them, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also re-crisp them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F/190°C for a few minutes.

By following these steps, you can ensure your crispy onions stay fresh, crunchy, and delicious!

Frequently asked questions