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Air Fryer Onions: Easy Air Fryer Recipe

Air fryer onions are the easiest and most delicious recipe to make in the air fryer.

The result is stunning without dirtying the kitchen.

sliced onions air fryer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

There are very few steps to prepare this recipe, and these caramelized onions cooked in an air fryer are a great addition to many recipes.

Air Fryer Onions Ingredients

Onions

You can use the onions you like best: yellow onions, red onions, white onions, sweet onions, or sweet onions Vidalia.

All onions fit this recipe of sauteed onions; some may come out more caramelized than others.

Salt & black pepper

I chose the simple salt and black pepper for this recipe, but these onions are customizable.

You can add the spice you like best. But I assure you that even seasoned with just oil, salt, and pepper, they have a great flavor.

Oil

I used olive oil, but avocado oil is also fine.

What Kind Of Onions To Use?

Types Of Onions To Use

How to Air Fry Onions

Step 1

Clean the onion by cutting off the two ends and removing the peel.

Cut it in half and then into slices with a sharp knife.

sliced onions

I recommend wetting the knife blade with cold water because it reduces the typical risk of weeping from cutting the onion.

The operation can be done several times and not only before starting to cut.

Step 2

In a shallow bowl, put the onions, season with oil, salt, and pepper, and mix well so that the oil covers all the onions.

mix well the onions with oil and spices

Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer.

Step 3

Transfer the onions to the air fryer basket. Don’t worry if they overlap; you don’t need a single layer, as the onion will shrink while cooking. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally during the cooking process.

_onions in the air fryer basket uncook
_onions in the air fryer basket

Leftovers

Store: You can store air fryer onions for up to 4 days after cooking. Let them cool, cover, and refrigerate in an airtight container.

Reheat: You can reheat onions in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Expert Tips 

  • Make sure the seasoning and oil are perfectly distributed over the onions. 
  • Preheat the air fryer.
  • Stir the onions while cooking to ensure even cooking.
  • Air fryers can vary in temperature. Therefore, more or less time may be needed.
  • Cut onions into similar sizes.
  • Spray the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray to prevent the onions from sticking. 

What goes with air fryer onions? Serving Tips

These onions are the perfect topping on salads, hot dogs, and air fryer burgers, but they are also added to air fryer potatoes

You can also use this onion to prepare this delicious German onion tart (Zwiebelkuchen) or this chicken fajita salad.

Or serve them as an easy side dish for these pork chops, perhaps along with a salad.

Variations to Try For Air Fryer Onion

Onions are a super versatile food, and with the combination of air fryers, you can create so many recipes with onions.

Air fryer onion rings

A delicious recipe to make in the air fryer with onion is onion rings, which are super easy to make.

You will need simpler ingredients for a crispy coating: panko breadcrumbs or Italian breadcrumbs and flour mixture.

This recipe is quick, easy, and so delicious you’ll never believe they’re made in an air fryer. It’s even better than a deep-fried onion ring!

Air fryer onion rings recipe

Blooming onion in air fryer

A blooming onion is an indulgent treat that’s usually deep-fried in oil, but for a healthier version, you can make an air-fried blooming onion instead!

Using an air-fryer, you can still enjoy the crunchy and delicious flavors of a blooming onion without all the unhealthy fats.

Crispy onions petal

Another delicious recipe is onion petals. Cut the onion into petals (cut it into four parts, like onion wedges, and then separate them).

You can make them crispy and covered with crumbs for a delicious snack with your favorite dipping sauce!

FAQ’s

Are onions good in the air fryer?

The answer is definitely yes. The onion in the air fryer is cooked and caramelized perfectly. 

How do you air fry onions without oil?

Oil is added to start the browning process but is not essential (which is excellent for those who want to reduce or omit oil from their cooking!) Air fry the onions for 12 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Do onions shrink during cooking?

Yes, onions shrink during cooking, losing about 2/3 of their volume as the water evaporates. I used an 8.3 Oz large onion and got 3.3 oz of sautéed onions, so slice more than you think you will need.

Can You Caramelize Onions In Air Fryer?

Yes, you start on high heat to soften them, then continue on lower heat so that they slowly caramelize.

How To Slice Onions For Air Fryer?

You can cut them any way you like: in slices, chunks, and wedges (larger slices).

Air Fryer Onions: Easy Air Fryer Recipe

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Yield: 3.3 oz

Air Fryer Onions Recipe

air fryer onions close photo

Air fryer onions are a delicious, easy, and foolproof way to enjoy crispy and flavorful onions at home with minimal effort.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 Onion ( 8.3 oz)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil or avocado oil

Instructions

  1. Cut off the two ends of the onion, peel the onion, cut it in half, and then slice it. The thickness of the slices should be about 1/8 inch.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).  
  3. Place the onions in a small bowl, add the oil sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and mix well. 
  4. Spread the onions in the air fryer basket.
  5. Air fry the onions for a total of 8 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Add 3 minutes at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C), for golden brown onions.
  6. Stir the onions occasionally with a wooden spoon while cooking.
  7. For crispy onion slices, extend the air frying time.

Notes

All the tricks for cutting onion without crying

  • Cold onion: Put the onion in the refrigerator at least an hour beforehand.
  • Soaking onion: Soaking the onion, after peeling and splitting it in 2, serves to denature the irritant enzyme. Also good for sweetening the flavor of the onion.
  • Wet knife blade: Wet the knife blade with cold water; you can wet the blade several times. 
  • Use a steam source: Bringing a jug of hot water close to the cutting board for work can reduce tearing.
  • Eat a piece of bread: Grandmother's remedy of slowly chewing a piece of bread while cutting the onion. 

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 144Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 530mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g

Nutrition is automatically calculated by Nutritionix - please verify all nutrition information independently and consult with a doctor or nutritionist for any and all medical and diet advice.

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