Air-Fried Tobacco Onions: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Tobacco onions are a popular and versatile ingredient that can be used to elevate the flavour of any dish. They can be used as a crunchy topping for salads, a tasty garnish for soups, or even as a savoury ingredient in the main course. Traditionally, they are prepared by deep-frying thinly sliced onions until golden and crispy. However, with the rising popularity of air fryers, you can now make them with less oil and in a shorter amount of time.

Choosing the right onions

First, look for onions with a firm texture and a strong aroma. This indicates that they are fresh and full of flavour. You can use red, yellow, or white onions, depending on your preference and the colour you want your fried onions to be. Red onions will give you darker brown fried onions, while yellow onions will result in a golden brown colour. White onions are also an option, and if you want your onions to caramelize the best, choose sweet onions.

Second, consider the size of the onions. Larger onions will yield more slices, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Aim for onions that are medium to large in size to ensure even cooking.

Third, when slicing the onions, use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to cut them into thin, even slices. The thinner the slices, the crispier they will become. Aim for slices that are about ⅛-inch (0.3 cm) thick.

Finally, separate the onion slices to prevent clumping. This will ensure even heat distribution and allow the air to flow through the slices evenly, resulting in uniform cooking.

By choosing the right onions and following these simple preparation steps, you'll be well on your way to making delicious tobacco onions in your air fryer!

Preparing the onions for frying

Once peeled, use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to thinly slice the onions. The thickness of the slices will impact the crispiness of the final product, so it is recommended to aim for even, thin slices. If you are using a knife, make sure to cut the slices as evenly as possible. Mandoline slicers are useful for achieving uniform round slices, which helps with even cooking in the air fryer.

After slicing, separate the onion slices to prevent clumping. This step ensures that heat is distributed evenly during cooking, and it allows air to flow through the slices uniformly. You can also choose to soak the onion slices in cold water for about 10-15 minutes to mellow their flavour and make them slightly sweeter.

Before placing the onions in the air fryer, drizzle them with a small amount of oil and gently toss to ensure each slice is coated. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or any other oil of your preference. A thin coating of oil will help the onions crisp up during frying. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the onions and give them another gentle toss to enhance their flavour.

Frying the onions

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 300°F (149°C). This step is important as it ensures that the onions start cooking as soon as they are placed in the air fryer. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your onions by slicing them thinly and evenly. You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to achieve even slices. The thickness of the slices should be around ⅛-inch (0.3 cm). Take your time with this step, as thinner slices tend to result in crispier onions.

Once your onions are sliced, 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. You can also choose to soak the onion slices in cold water for about 10-15 minutes to milden their flavour and make them slightly sweeter. However, this step is optional.

Next, drizzle a small amount of oil over the onion slices and gently toss them to ensure each slice is coated. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any other oil of your preference. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the onions and give them another gentle toss.

Now it's time to place the onions in the air fryer. Spread the onion slices in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. 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 set the temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the onions for about 10-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. To ensure even cooking, shake the basket every few minutes to prevent the onions from sticking together. After 10 minutes, check the onions to see if they have reached your desired level of crispiness. If you prefer them crunchier, cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Once the onions are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. The paper towel will absorb any excess oil and help the onions remain crispy.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy tobacco onions that can be used as a topping or garnish for a variety of dishes. Enjoy experimenting with this scrumptious twist on a classic dish!

Storing the onions

If you want to keep your tobacco onions for longer, you can freeze them. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and they will last for up to three to four months.

It is important to note that leftover crispy onions may become soggy, so only make the amount you need. Additionally, air fryer crispy fried onions should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, as they are more perishable than store-bought fried onions.

Using the onions

Tobacco onions can be used in a variety of dishes to add a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor. They are especially popular as toppings for salads, soups, and roasted vegetables, but can also be added to sandwiches, dips, and main courses such as grilled meats, stir-fries, and rice dishes. Here are some specific examples and tips for using tobacco onions:

• Sprinkle them over Indian dishes like chicken biryani, vegetable biryani, curries, and pulao. They add a must-have classic deliciousness to these rice dishes.
• Use them as a topping for burgers and sandwiches to take them to the next level.
• Add them to dips and spreads like guacamole or hummus for an extra savory twist.
• Mix them into curries like chicken tikka masala, lentil curry, or palak paneer. You can skip the step of sautéing the onion in the recipe, saving some time.
• Sprinkle them on top of casseroles, eggs, or roasted veggies.
• Use them as a topping for any rice dish, such as Chicken Machboos, Chicken Kabsa, Lamb Haneeth, or Lamb Mandi.
• If you're feeling creative, experiment with using tobacco onions in various dishes to incorporate their delectable flavor and crunchy texture.

Tobacco onions are a versatile ingredient that can elevate the flavor and texture of many dishes. Enjoy experimenting with their use and feel free to adjust the recipes to your taste preferences!

Frequently asked questions