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

Crispy onions are a versatile topping that can be used to elevate the flavour of a variety of dishes. They are typically deep-fried, but using an air fryer is a healthier alternative that requires less oil and time. Air-fried onions are perfect for adding a crunchy texture to your meals and can be made in large batches, which can be stored and used whenever needed.

Choosing the right onion

• Type of Onion: Yellow, white, and red onions are commonly used for air frying. Yellow onions are great if you want a sweet taste, while red onions will add a little extra flavour. White onions will bring a bit more bite to your dish. If you are making a blooming onion, a large Vidalia onion is a good choice as they are milder and sweeter.
• Size: For certain dishes like blooming onions, you will need a large onion. However, for other recipes, you can use medium to large onions.
• Thickness: When slicing the onion, aim for a medium thickness. Slices that are too thin may burn, while those that are too thick may not caramelize properly.
• Consistency: Try to slice the onion as evenly as possible. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent uneven colour and texture after frying. A mandolin slicer can be helpful in achieving even slices.
• Personal Preference: Consider your taste preferences when choosing an onion. If you like a milder flavour, opt for a sweeter variety like Vidalia. If you want a stronger flavour, yellow or white onions may be a better choice.

Remember, you can always experiment with different types of onions to find the variety that best suits your taste and the dish you are preparing.

Slicing the onion

• A sharp knife: Using a sharp knife allows you to cut the onion into thin slices by hand. It is important to cut the slices as evenly as possible to ensure even cooking.
• Mandolin: A mandolin is a kitchen tool that can be used to slice the onion into thin, even slices. It is helpful to use the largest setting on the mandolin, which is typically around 3mm. This will create slices that are thin enough to cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.
• Food processor: You can also use the slicer disk on your food processor to slice the onion into thin, even pieces. This method can be more efficient if you are preparing a large quantity of onions.

Once you have selected your tool of choice, here is a step-by-step guide to slicing the onion:

• Peel the onion: Remove the papery skin from the onion.
• Trim one end: Cut off a small portion of one end of the onion. This will create a flat surface to help you slice the onion evenly.
• Hold the onion: Leave the other end of the onion intact to provide a handle to hold while slicing.
• Slice the onion: Using your chosen tool, slice the onion into thin, even slices. If using a knife, be sure to cut the slices as evenly as possible. If using a mandolin, adjust the setting to the largest slice thickness, typically around 3mm.
• Separate the rings: After slicing, gently separate the onion rings. This will ensure that the onion cooks evenly and individually in the air fryer.

By following these steps and using the appropriate tools, you will be able to slice the onion effectively for making crispy onions in an air fryer. Remember to aim for thin and even slices to achieve the best results.

Oil temperature

Preheat the Air fryer:

Before adding the onions, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 265°F (130°C) and 350°F (177°C). This will ensure that the air fryer is hot enough to cook the onions effectively. Allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.

Spray the basket with oil:

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil. This step is crucial as it helps to prevent the onions from sticking to the basket and ensures even cooking.

Oil the onions:

After slicing your onions, drizzle or spray a small amount of oil over them. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or a neutral, high-heat oil like vegetable oil (sunflower/canola) or coconut oil. The oil will help the onions crisp up and enhance their flavour.

Don't overcrowd the basket:

When adding the onions to the air fryer, ensure you don't overcrowd the basket. Leave enough space for the hot air to circulate around the onions. If needed, cook the onions in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cooking time and temperature:

The cooking time and temperature will vary slightly depending on the desired level of crispiness and the type of air fryer you are using. As a general guideline, cook the onions at the preheated temperature of 265°F (130°C) to 350°F (177°C) for 20 to 30 minutes.

Toss or shake the onions:

During the cooking process, it is important to toss or shake the onions every 4 to 5 minutes. This ensures that the onions cook evenly and prevents them from burning.

Check for doneness:

After the recommended cooking time, check the onions to ensure they have reached the desired level of crispiness. If they are not crispy enough, you can continue cooking in additional 4 to 5-minute intervals until they are done to your liking.

Cooling and storing:

Allow the crispy onions to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and store them 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

When making crispy onions in an air fryer, the temperature setting will impact the cooking time and the final texture of the onions. Different recipes may vary slightly, but generally, the air fryer temperature should be set within the range of 240°F to 350°F (115°C to 175°C). This temperature range will allow the onions to cook through and achieve the desired crispiness without burning.

It's important to note that not all air fryers heat up to the same temperature. Some models may have a maximum temperature of 300°F (150°C), while others can go up to 400°F (200°C). Adjust the temperature accordingly based on your air fryer's capabilities.

Here's a step-by-step guide on air fryer temperature for crispy onions:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Before adding the onions, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 320°F to 350°F (160°C to 175°C). This step ensures that the onions start cooking at the right temperature for even results.
• Initial Fry: Place the prepared onion slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Set the temperature to the desired level within the recommended range. For example, you can start at 320°F (160°C) and then adjust as needed. The initial frying time will depend on the thickness of your onion slices and the power of your air fryer, but it usually ranges from 10 to 20 minutes.
• Reduce Temperature: After the initial fry, reduce the temperature to a lower setting within the recommended range. For instance, you can decrease it to 240°F (115°C) to continue cooking the onions without burning them. This step helps dehydrate the onions further and ensures they become crispy without overheating.
• Regularly Toss and Check the Onions: Regardless of the temperature setting, it's crucial to toss or shake the air fryer basket regularly, usually every 5 minutes. This prevents the onions from sticking together and ensures even cooking and browning. Keep a close eye on the onions, especially during the final stages of cooking, as they can go from golden brown to burnt very quickly.
• Adjust Temperature as Needed: Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your onion slices, you may need to adjust the temperature up or down slightly to achieve the perfect crispiness. If your onions are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature. If they are taking too long to crisp up, increase the temperature slightly.
• Final Crisping: In the last few minutes of cooking, you can increase the temperature slightly to give the onions a final crisping boost. This step is optional but can help enhance the texture.
• Cooling and Storage: Once the onions are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely before storing. Proper cooling ensures that the onions don't become soggy. Store the crispy onions in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Remember, the key to successful crispy onions in an air fryer is to monitor the cooking process closely and adjust the temperature as needed. Every air fryer is slightly different, so you may need to experiment with the temperature settings to find the sweet spot for perfect crispy onions.

Storage

Storing your crispy onions correctly is key to maintaining their freshness and crunch. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store them:

Firstly, let the onions cool down completely. Spreading them out on a tray or plate lined with paper towels is a good way to ensure they cool down evenly and effectively. Once cooled, you can gently press the onions together and, if they are crispy, you will hear a gentle crisp—a satisfying reward for your efforts!

Next, transfer the onions to an airtight container. Glass jars or zip-lock bags are good options. It is important that the container is sealed properly to prevent any moisture from getting in, which could make the onions soggy.

Now, decide on your storage method. Crispy fried onions can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. If you plan to use them within a week, store them in the refrigerator. They will last in the fridge for up to a month. However, if you don't plan on using them that frequently, the freezer is a better option. They can be frozen for up to 4 months and will remain crispy.

Finally, a few extra tips:

• Avoid prolonged storage. Try to use the onions within the recommended time frames to ensure maximum freshness and crunch.
• Do not store fried onions with other fried foods. This is to prevent odours and oil oxidation from contaminating each other.
• Protect from sunlight. Keep the container in a dark place to prevent the onions from spoiling.
• Do not cover the onions immediately after frying. Wait until they have cooled down, as covering them while still hot will create moisture and make them soggy.
• Use a vacuum sealer for extended storage. If you want to store the onions for several weeks, using a vacuum sealer can help prolong their freshness.

Frequently asked questions