Introduction
Crispy onions are a tasty addition to many dishes. They add a crunchy texture and a rich flavor to salads, burgers, soups, and casseroles. Usually, making crispy onions means frying them in oil, which can be messy and unhealthy. But what if you could make them quickly and easily with less oil?
That’s where the air fryer comes in! Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it, which gives you that crispiness without soaking your onions in oil. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make quick and delicious crispy onions using an air fryer. Ready to make your own crispy onions? Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Air Fryer Crispy Onions
For this recipe, you only need a few simple ingredients:
- 2 large onions (yellow or white onions work best)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (helps make onions crispy)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray (to help crispiness)
Step by Step Process – Air Fryer Crispy Onions
Step 1: Prepare the onions
Start by peeling the onions and slicing them thinly. The thinner the slices, the crispier they will get. Try to slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Step 2: Soak the onion slices
Place the sliced onions in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step helps remove some of the strong onion flavor and makes them crispier when cooked.
Step 3: Drain and dry the onions
After soaking, drain the onions and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Make sure they are as dry as possible. Excess water can make them soggy instead of crispy.
Step 4: Coat the onions
Put the dried onions in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the flour, salt, and pepper over them. Toss the onions gently to coat all the slices evenly with the flour and seasoning.
Step 5: Add oil
Add the olive oil or spray some cooking spray over the coated onions. Toss them again so the oil spreads evenly. This will help them crisp up in the air fryer.
Step 6: Preheat your air fryer
Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps the onions cook evenly and get crispy faster.
Step 7: Cook the onions
Place the coated onions in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to make sure they cook evenly. You might need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Air fry the onions for 10 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket or stir the onions every 5 minutes to help them cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
Step 8: Check for crispiness
After 10 minutes, check if the onions are golden brown and crispy. If not, cook for a few more minutes but watch carefully so they don’t burn.
Step 9: Cool down and serve
- Once cooked, remove the crispy onions from the air fryer and spread them on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up any extra oil.
- Let them cool for a few minutes. The onions will get even crispier as they cool down.
- Now your quick air fryer crispy onions are ready! Use them as a crunchy topping for salads, soups, burgers, or your favorite dishes.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per 1 serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Total Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use sweet onions for this recipe?
Yes, sweet onions like Vidalia work well and add a milder flavor. The crispiness will be just as good!
2. Can I make these without flour?
You can skip the flour, but it helps make the onions extra crispy and golden. Without it, they may be less crunchy.
3. How long do crispy onions last?
Store leftover crispy onions in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crispy for up to 2 days. If they get soft, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.
4. Can I add spices for flavor?
Absolutely! Try adding paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, or your favorite seasoning to the flour before coating.
5. Can I use other oils?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even cooking spray. Olive oil adds a nice flavor but any neutral oil works.
6. Can I make a big batch?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This helps the onions cook evenly and stay crispy.
Final Thoughts
Making crispy onions in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthier way to enjoy this crunchy treat. You get all the flavor and crunch without the mess and extra oil from deep frying. Plus, it only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish!
Whether you want to top your salads, soups, burgers, or casseroles, homemade air fryer crispy onions add a delicious crunch that everyone will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combo.
Give this quick air fryer crispy onions recipe a try today — it’s simple, tasty, and a great way to add texture to your meals. If you have any questions or want to share how your crispy onions turned out, feel free to ask!
