Air-Fryer French Fried Onions: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

French fried onions are a tasty treat, perfect for a green bean casserole or any type of topping. They are usually deep-fried, but you can make a healthier version in an air fryer. Here's a basic recipe: slice onions thinly, soak them in milk or buttermilk, coat them in flour and seasoning, then air fry until crispy. You can also add breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Enjoy as a snack or topping!

Choosing and preparing your onions

• Onion Variety: You can use any type of onion you prefer, such as yellow, white, red, or Spanish onions. Yellow onions are a popular choice for French-fried onions as they offer a nice balance of sharp and sweet flavours. However, white onions have a sharper, more pungent taste, while red onions can add a darker colour to your fried onions.
• Thickness of Slices: It is important to slice the onions thinly and evenly. The thinner the slices, the crispier they will be, and the faster they will cook. Aim for slices that are about 1/8th of an inch thick or use the largest setting on a mandolin slicer for uniform slices.
• Soaking the Onions: Some people choose to soak their onion slices in ice water or a mixture of milk and vinegar for about 10 minutes before coating them. This step can help reduce the pungency of the onions and keep them crispier after frying.
• Coating the Onions: After slicing or soaking the onions, you can coat them with a light amount of cooking oil or a flour mixture. For a simple option, drizzle oil over the slices and gently separate the rings. Alternatively, you can dip the onion slices in a flour mixture, buttermilk or milk, and then back into the flour to create a crispy coating.
• Air Fryer Basket: Before placing the onions in the air fryer, ensure that you have a fryer basket that can be pulled out. This will make it easier to add and remove the onions during the cooking process. Lightly spray or coat the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Cooking Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 300°F to 375°F. The specific temperature will depend on your recipe and air fryer model.
• Cooking Time and Stirring: The cooking time for French-fried onions can vary, but it generally takes around 10-20 minutes. It is important to stir or shake the onions every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed for your desired level of crispiness and colour.

Remember to always follow food safety guidelines when handling and storing onions. By choosing the right onions, preparing them properly, and using the correct techniques, you'll be well on your way to making delicious French-fried onions in your air fryer!

Making a batter

Next, prepare a mixture of milk and vinegar in a bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, add the sliced onions to the bowl and let them soak for around 10 minutes. This step helps to create a crispy texture and reduce the pungency of the onions.

After that, it's time to make the batter. In a separate bowl, combine your choice of flour (all-purpose, gluten-free, or a combination of gluten-free flours) with seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, and any other spices you prefer. You can also add breadcrumbs to the batter for an extra crunchy texture. Mix everything together until well combined.

Now, it's time to coat the onions. Remove them from the milk mixture using a slotted spoon and toss them in the flour batter. Make sure they are thoroughly coated. You can do this directly in the bowl or put the flour and onions in a ziplock bag, shake it, and voila! Your onions are ready for the fryer.

Lightly spray or coat the air fryer basket with oil before carefully adding the battered onions. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Air fry at a temperature between 320-375F for 8-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Be sure to shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy French-fried onions made right in your air fryer. Enjoy them as a snack or use them to top your favourite dishes like green bean casseroles, burgers, or salads.

Adding flavour

Choosing the right onion

First, let's talk about choosing the right onion. You can use any type of onion you want, such as yellow, white, red, or Spanish onions. It won't have a significant impact on the taste or results. However, if you want a more savory flavour, yellow onions are a good choice as they offer a nice balance of sharp and sweet. White onions, on the other hand, have a sharper and more pungent flavour.

Soaking the onions

To enhance the flavour of your fried onions, you can soak them before frying. Mix milk with vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, pour the mixture over the onions and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step will add a tangy flavour to your onions.

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, you can keep it simple with just some paprika, black pepper, and salt. Or, you can get creative and experiment with other seasonings such as chili powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, or garlic powder. You can also add some heat with Cajun seasonings or Creole seasoning.

Breading

The breading process also adds flavour to your fried onions. You can use a combination of flours, such as brown rice flour, amaranth flour, or tapioca starch. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour or whole wheat flour. You can also add some Italian bread crumbs to keep them crunchy.

Cooking method

The cooking method itself can also affect the flavour of your fried onions. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, but if you want the traditional flavour, you can try frying your onions in oil. Peanut oil is a great option as it has a high smoke point and fries clean and crispy. Other oils that work well include safflower, grape seed, or canola oil.

Cooking in the air fryer

To make French-fried onions in an air fryer, start by thinly slicing your onions. You can use a mandolin to get even slices, which will help the onions cook evenly.

Next, you'll need to make a batter. Different recipes suggest different ingredients, but a simple batter can be made by mixing together flour, salt, and pepper. You can also add in other seasonings like paprika, chili powder, onion powder, or garlic powder. If you want to make your fried onions extra crispy, you can soak the onions in buttermilk or a mixture of non-dairy milk and vinegar before coating them in the batter.

Once your onions are sliced and your batter is ready, it's time to start frying! Lightly spray or coat the air fryer basket with oil, then add the onions in batches so they're not overcrowded. Fry at around 300-375°F for 8-20 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes, until the onions are crispy and golden brown.

You can serve these French-fried onions as a snack or use them as a topping for salads, soups, burgers, hot dogs, or casseroles like green bean casserole. Enjoy!

Storing your onions

Firstly, it is important to let the onions cool down completely before storing them. Place them on a large tray or plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Spread the onions out evenly and allow them to cool down. This process is crucial for the onions to crisp up properly. Once they have cooled, you can gently press the onions together, and you should hear a gentle crisp, indicating that your efforts have paid off!

Now, it's time to store the onions. Place them in an airtight container. If you plan to use the onions within a few days, you can store them at room temperature in a jar for up to a week. However, if you want to extend their shelf life, it is best to refrigerate them. They will stay fresh in the fridge for about a week.

If you have made a large batch, you can also freeze your French-fried onions. They will last indefinitely in the freezer, but it is recommended to use them within four months for the best quality. When you are ready to use them, simply let them thaw at room temperature, and they will be ready to add a delicious crunch to your dishes!

With proper storage, you can enjoy your homemade French-fried onions for weeks or even months. Remember to follow food safety guidelines and always store your onions in airtight containers to maintain their freshness and crispiness.

Frequently asked questions