Air Fryer Crispy Onions | Low Fat Fried Onions to Use In Many Dishes
There’s something magical about crispy fried onions—the way they add a satisfying crunch to salads, soups, and even casseroles is downright irresistible. But let’s be honest: traditional deep-fried onions come with a side of guilt (and a whole lot of oil). That’s where your trusty air fryer swoops in to save the day! These Air Fryer Crispy Onions deliver all the crunch with a fraction of the fat, making them a pantry staple you’ll want to sprinkle on everything.
I first fell in love with crispy onions while traveling in Southeast Asia, where they’re piled high on bowls of steaming pho and fragrant curries. Back home, I craved that same texture but wanted a lighter, fuss-free method. Enter: the air fryer. After a few experiments (and a couple of overly charred batches—oops!), I nailed this simple, low-fat version. Now, I keep a jar of these golden beauties in my fridge at all times. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Crispy Onions
If you’re still on the fence about making your own crispy onions, here’s why this recipe is a game-changer:
- Healthier than deep-fried: Uses just a light spritz of oil instead of cups of it.
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 15 minutes—no babysitting a pot of hot oil.
- Versatile: Perfect for topping green bean casserole, burgers, baked potatoes, or even air-fryer roasted veggies.
- Budget-friendly: Way cheaper than store-bought fried onions, and you control the ingredients.
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 large yellow or sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the onions: Slice the onion as thinly as possible (a mandoline works wonders here). Separate the rings and pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps them crisp up!
- Toss with oil & seasonings: In a bowl, drizzle the onions with oil and sprinkle with salt (and garlic powder, if using). Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Air fry: Spread the onions in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket every 2–3 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cool & crisp: Transfer the onions to a paper towel-lined plate. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool!
Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Onions
Want restaurant-level results every time? Keep these tricks in mind:
- Don’t overcrowd: Work in batches if needed—overlapping onions steam instead of crisp.
- Watch closely: Air fryers vary, so check frequently after the 6-minute mark to avoid over-browning.
- Storage hack: Store cooled onions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Ways to Use Your Air Fryer Crispy Onions
These little flavor bombs aren’t just for green bean casserole (though they’re amazing on it). Here are a few delicious ideas:
- Top avocado toast for an extra crunch.
- Garnish creamy soups like butternut squash or potato leek.
- Add to grain bowls or vegetarian grain bowls for texture.
- Mix into meatloaf or meatballs for a subtle oniony bite.
FAQs About Air Fryer Crispy Onions
Can I use red onions instead? Absolutely! Red onions work well but may taste slightly sharper when cooked.
Why are my onions soggy? They were likely too crowded or not dried well before cooking. Pat them dry and air fry in smaller batches.
Can I make these oil-free? Yes, though they won’t get as crispy. Try a light mist of cooking spray instead.
How do I reheat leftover crispy onions? Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 1–2 minutes to revive their crunch.
Are these gluten-free? Yes! Unlike some store-bought brands, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze crispy onions? Technically yes, but they lose crispiness. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Once you’ve mastered these air fryer crispy onions, you’ll find excuses to add them to everything—I’ve even caught my kids sneaking handfuls straight from the jar! They’re proof that healthy swaps don’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or fun. Keep a batch on hand, and you’ll never look at a salad (or a sandwich, or a soup…) the same way again. Happy air frying!
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Air Fryer Crispy Onions | Low Fat Fried Onions to Use In Many Dishes
Description
These crispy onions made in the air fryer are a healthier alternative to deep-fried onions. Perfect for topping salads, burgers, soups, or as a crunchy snack. Low in fat but high in flavor!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- For the onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the coating:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- 1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- 2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced onions with olive oil until evenly coated.
- 3. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- 4. Add the flour mixture to the onions and toss until all slices are lightly coated.
- 5. Place onions in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches).
- 6. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time.
- 7. Check for crispiness – cook 1-2 minutes more if needed.
- 8. Remove from air fryer and let cool on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
- 9. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
For extra crispy onions, you can spray them lightly with cooking spray before air frying. These work great as a topping for green bean casserole, baked potatoes, or even as a salad topper. If you prefer spicier onions, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
