Crispy Air Fryer Onions – Crunchy, Golden & Totally Addictive

Have you been searching for the perfect crispy onion topping that doesn’t involve deep frying in oil? Your search ends here.

Air fryer crispy onions are the game-changing topping that will elevate everything from burgers and salads to casseroles and holiday sides.

This recipe delivers that satisfying crunch and golden-brown color with significantly less oil than traditional methods, making it a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 as a topping
• Calories: 120 per serving

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Silicone spatula or tongs
• Paper towels
• Airtight container for storage

Ingredients

• 2 large yellow onions (about 1 pound total)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil based)

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• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Better Than Takeout
• Perfect Air Fryer French Fries – Crispy, Golden, No Oil Needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Onions

1. Peel the onions and remove both ends. Slice the onions as thinly as possible, ideally around 1/8 inch thick. A sharp knife works well, but a mandoline slicer will give you the most consistent results.
2. Place the sliced onions in a large bowl and separate the rings with your fingers. This helps ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
3. Fill the bowl with cold water and let the onions soak for about 10 minutes. This step removes some of the harsh onion flavor and starts the process of removing excess starch, which helps them crisp up better.
4. Drain the onions thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. The drier the onions, the crispier they’ll become in the air fryer.

Coating the Onions

5. In a clean, dry mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Mix well to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
6. Add the dried onion slices to the bowl with the flour mixture. Drizzle the olive oil over the onions.
7. Using your hands or a silicone spatula, toss everything together until the onions are evenly coated with the flour mixture and oil. Make sure to separate any clumped rings to ensure even cooking.

Air Frying Process

8. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
9. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
10. Place a single layer of coated onion rings in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the onions in 2-3 batches.
11. Lightly spray the top of the onions with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
12. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then shake the basket or use tongs to flip the onions. Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
13. Check the onions frequently during the last few minutes of cooking, as they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quite quickly.
14. Once done, remove the crispy onions from the air fryer and spread them on a plate lined with paper towels to cool and absorb any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining batches.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Getting the Right Texture

The key to achieving perfectly crispy onions in the air fryer lies in the preparation. Here are some tips to ensure your onions come out with that satisfying crunch:

• Slice the onions as thinly and uniformly as possible. This ensures they will cook evenly and become crispy throughout.
• Don’t skip the soaking step. Soaking removes excess starch and moisture, allowing the onions to crisp up more effectively in the air fryer.
• Make sure to thoroughly dry the onions after soaking. Any excess moisture will create steam in the air fryer, making it harder for the onions to crisp.
• Work in small batches. Overcrowding the air fryer basket will result in steaming rather than crisping.
• Keep a close eye on the onions during the last few minutes of cooking. The difference between perfectly crispy and burnt can be just a minute or two.

Flavor Variations

While the basic recipe creates delicious crispy onions, you can experiment with different flavors to complement various dishes:

• Spicy Crispy Onions: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour mixture for a bit of heat.
• Italian Herb Crispy Onions: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) to the flour mixture.
• Curry Crispy Onions: Add 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder to the flour mixture for an aromatic twist.
• Ranch-Flavored Crispy Onions: Mix in 1 teaspoon of dry ranch seasoning to the flour mixture for a tangy flavor that pairs well with salads.
• Sweet Crispy Onions: Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar to the flour mixture for a slight sweetness that works well as a burger topping.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Crispy onions are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them properly to maintain their crunch:

• Allow the crispy onions to cool completely before storing.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Adding a paper towel to the container helps absorb any moisture and keeps the onions crispy.
• If the onions lose some of their crispness, you can refresh them by putting them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• These crispy onions can be made a day ahead for holiday dishes like green bean casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer crispy onions are incredibly versatile and can elevate a wide range of dishes:

• Top green bean casserole for a healthier twist on the classic holiday dish.
• Add crunch to burgers, sandwiches, and wraps.
• Sprinkle over salads for texture and flavor contrast.
• Use as a garnish for soups, especially creamy varieties like potato or mushroom soup.
• Mix into mashed potatoes for added texture and flavor.
• Top macaroni and cheese or other pasta dishes.
• Garnish roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans.
• Add to tacos or nachos for extra crunch.
• Sprinkle over deviled eggs or egg salad.
• Mix into rice or grain bowls for added texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My Onions Aren’t Getting Crispy

If your onions aren’t crisping up as expected, consider these solutions:

• Make sure the onions are thoroughly dried after soaking.
• Check that your air fryer is reaching the correct temperature.
• Try cooking in smaller batches to ensure proper air circulation.
• Increase cooking time by 1-2 minute increments, checking frequently.
• Apply a bit more oil spray before cooking.

My Onions Are Burning Before Getting Crispy

If your onions are burning before they become crispy:

• Lower the air fryer temperature to 325°F (165°C) and cook for a slightly longer time.
• Make sure your onion slices are of consistent thickness.
• Check and shake the basket more frequently during cooking.
• Position the onions in a single layer with some space between them.

Health Benefits of Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Switching from deep-fried to air-fried onions offers several health advantages:

• Significantly reduced oil usage, resulting in lower fat and calorie content.
• Onions themselves are rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Air frying preserves more nutrients than deep frying at high temperatures.
• Lower acrylamide formation, a potentially harmful compound formed when frying foods at high temperatures.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of flour and cornstarch creates the perfect coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. The cornstarch adds extra crunch, while the flour provides structure and helps the seasoning adhere to the onions.

Soaking the onions not only removes some of the harsh raw onion flavor but also removes excess starch and moisture, allowing for better crisping. The light coating of oil helps achieve that golden-brown color and crispy texture without the need for deep frying.

The air fryer’s rapid air circulation technology creates the perfect environment for crisping foods with minimal oil, making it the ideal tool for creating crispy onions that are lighter and healthier than their deep-fried counterparts.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer crispy onions are a game-changer for anyone looking to add crunch and flavor to their dishes without the guilt and mess of deep frying. Once you master this basic recipe, you’ll find yourself making these crispy delights regularly and discovering new ways to incorporate them into your meals.

With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can create a versatile topping that transforms ordinary dishes into something special. The reduced oil content makes these crispy onions a healthier alternative to store-bought fried onions, which often contain preservatives and higher amounts of fat.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, a weeknight dinner, or looking to add some excitement to your lunch, these air fryer crispy onions deserve a place in your culinary repertoire. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll never go back to store-bought fried onions again!