Air Fryer Dried Onions: A Quick, Easy Guide

If you're looking for a tasty topping for your salads, soups, or burgers, then air-fried onions could be your new favourite snack. This healthier alternative to deep-fried onions can be made in a fraction of the time and with less oil.

But how do you make them? Well, it's pretty simple. First, peel and thinly slice your onions. Then, toss them in a bowl with a small amount of oil and a pinch of salt. Next, preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C) and spread the onions in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes, until they're golden brown and crispy. And there you have it! A delicious, crunchy topping to add to almost any dish.

Choosing the right onion

• Firmness and Aroma: Choose onions that are firm to the touch and have a strong aroma. This indicates freshness and will result in better-tasting fried onions.
• Variety: Yellow, red, and white onions are commonly used for air frying. Yellow onions are great if you want a sweeter taste, while red onions add a bit more flavour. White onions bring a bit more bite to your dish. Sweet onions, such as Vidalia, are also a good option for a milder, sweeter flavour.
• Layer Thickness: Look for onions with thin layers, as they will crisp up better in the air fryer. Shallots, for example, have thin layers and work well for this purpose.
• Size: Larger onions are preferable as they give you more to work with. They also make it easier to get evenly sized slices, which is important for even cooking.

Remember, the key to successful air-fried onions is to slice them thinly and evenly, and not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. With the right onion and proper preparation, you'll be on your way to making delicious, crispy onions!

Preparing the onion

Firstly, choose the right type of onion. Yellow onions are commonly used, but you can also opt for red or white onions. Select onions that are firm and have a strong aroma.

Now, it's time to peel the onion and remove its outer skin. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to thinly slice the onion. The key to getting crispy onions is to slice them as thinly and evenly as possible. If you want to speed up the cutting process and ensure even slices, a mandoline slicer is a perfect tool.

Once you have thinly sliced the onion, separate the slices to prevent clumping. This step is important as it ensures even heat distribution and allows air to flow through the slices evenly.

At this point, you have the option to soak the onion slices in cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This step is entirely optional, but it helps reduce the pungency of the onion and makes it slightly sweeter if you prefer a milder flavour.

After slicing, it's time to coat the onion with a small amount of cooking oil. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any other oil of your preference. Add the sliced onions to a mixing bowl, drizzle the oil, and gently toss to ensure each slice is coated.

Some recipes also suggest adding a pinch of salt at this stage to enhance the flavour of the onions. You can sprinkle a small amount of salt over the onions and gently toss again to distribute it evenly.

Now your onions are ready to be placed into the air fryer basket! Spread the onion slices in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap, as this will allow the hot air to circulate freely. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the onions in multiple batches.

Frying the onion

Firstly, it is important to select the right type of onion. Yellow onions are commonly used and are known for their sweetness, while red onions can add a little extra flavour. White onions are also an option, providing a bit more bite to the dish.

Before frying, the onion should be peeled and thinly sliced using a sharp knife, a mandolin, or even the slicer disk on a food processor to ensure even-sized pieces. Evenly cut slices are important as they help in achieving an even colour and texture after frying.

Next, separate the onion slices to prevent clumping. This step ensures that heat is distributed evenly and allows air to flow through the slices uniformly. At this stage, you can optionally soak the onion slices in cold water for about 10-15 minutes to mellow their flavour and make them slightly sweeter.

Now, it's time to toss the onion slices with oil and a pinch of salt. Drizzle a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, over the onions and gently toss to ensure each slice is coated. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and give them another gentle toss.

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the onions start cooking as soon as they're placed inside. The specific temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

When frying the onion, it's crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Spread the onion slices in a single layer, allowing hot air to circulate freely. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the onions in multiple batches. Place the basket in the air fryer and fry the onions for about 10-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Keep a close eye on the onions during the final stages of frying, as they can quickly turn from golden brown to burnt. Once they've reached your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. The paper towel will absorb any excess oil, ensuring the onions remain crispy.

Your crispy fried onions are now ready to be enjoyed! You can use them as toppings on salads, soups, or roasted vegetables, or add them to sandwiches, burgers, dips, and main courses for a delicious savoury touch.

Storing the onion

Once you've made your crispy onions, you'll want to make sure you store them properly to keep them fresh and crispy. Here are some tips for storing your air-fried onions:

• Let the onions cool down completely before storing. Placing hot onions in a container can cause condensation, making them soggy.
• Store the onions in an airtight container. This will keep them crisp and fresh for longer.
• Refrigerate the onions. Storing the onions in the refrigerator will extend their shelf life. They can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.
• Freeze the onions for longer storage. If you want to keep your crispy onions for longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 4-6 months.
• Re-crisp the onions if needed. If your onions have lost their crispness, you can re-crisp them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F/190°C for a few minutes before using them.
• Use within a few days if not refrigerating. If you don't plan on refrigerating or freezing your onions, it's best to use them within 4-5 days to ensure freshness and crispness.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer onions are a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your crispy creation:

• Toppings: Sprinkle the onions over salads, soups, roasted vegetables, casseroles, or homemade pizza to add a delightful crunch.
• Sandwiches and Burgers: Layer the onions in your favourite sandwiches, burgers, or hot dogs to add a burst of flavour and texture.
• Dips and Spreads: Mix the onions into dips or spreads such as guacamole, hummus, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for an extra savoury twist.
• Main Courses: Use the onions as a topping for grilled meats, stir-fries, rice dishes, pasta, or fajitas to enhance their taste and appearance.
• Breakfast: Throw them into an omelette or scrambled eggs for a flavourful twist to your morning meal.
• Sides: Serve the onions as a simple side dish with other roasted vegetables or meats such as steak or chicken.
• Snacks: Enjoy the onions on their own as a tasty and healthy snack alternative.

Frequently asked questions