Air Fryer Crispy Onions are honestly the game-changer I didn’t know my kitchen needed. Ever face that sad moment when you open a store-bought can of fried onions and it’s more grease than crunch? Yeah, me too. I wanted real crispy, golden onions, but my “never deep fry in my house” policy stands firm. What actually works even better? Tossing ‘em in the air fryer. If you love a good shortcut, check out these air fryer zucchini or the crispy air fryer chicken breast recipes. Just like both of those, these onions are simple, guilt-free, and make regular dishes taste five-star, not even exaggerating. Here’s the no-fuss guide that’ll get you those crispies ASAP—without all the oil splatters.
What you will need?
You know what’s funny? This “recipe” is so barebones, I really can’t believe how good the result tastes. Here’s what you’ll pull out of your pantry (if you don’t have these, well, maybe time to shop):
- 1 large onion (yellow or white—use red if you’re feeling wild)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch, whatever is closest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Spritz of cooking spray or a tiny bit of oil
Literally that’s it. If you’re a spice person, feel free to toss in garlic powder or a little smoked paprika. But honestly, simplicity is perfection here.
| Usage | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Casseroles | Sprinkle crispy onions on top for added crunch and flavor. | Perfect for dishes like cheesy air fryer Hasselback potatoes. |
| Salads | Add to salads for a tasty crunch. | Great with mixed greens and vinaigrette. |
| Sandwiches & Burgers | Stuff between layers for an added texture. | Try on a veggie burger for a delightful twist. |
| Pizza Toppings | Use instead of traditional toppings for a unique flair. | Pairs well with BBQ sauce or regular tomato sauce. |
How to cut onion for making crispy onions in Air Fryer?
Alright, this step is crucial. Too thick and you’ll end up with soggy sadness. Too thin, everything just burns. My big tip? Slice your onion in half from top to tail, peel off the skin and then cut into half-moon slices—aim for not paper-thin, but not steak-thick either. Maybe try for about the width of a Matchbox car (what a weird thing to compare, but you get it). Break up the pieces with your fingers until you’ve got a bunch of skinny little guys. Don’t cry over the onion fumes—I always forget to avoid the eyes, every time! So quick rinse under cold water if you’re weeping like me.
How to prepare Air Fryer crispy onions?
Toss your sliced onions with the salt and flour (or cornstarch) in a mixing bowl. The idea is just to coat, not to batter—you don’t want them all clumpy. Spritz everything with a little oil or toss gently with a teaspoon if you don’t have a cooking spray.
Preheat your air fryer at 350°F (which honestly I forget every time so don’t stress if you do too) and add the onions in a thin layer. If they pile up on each other, shake the basket halfway through—it’s honestly almost fun. Cook them for around 10-14 minutes, giving them a toss here and there until they’re browned and crispy. Pull ‘em out before they cross the line into burnt territory!
Tips To Make Crispy Onions
I’m not usually one for “pro tips” but seriously, don’t pack the air fryer basket. Too many onions in there and you’ll just end up with steamed, floppy mess, not the crispy onions you’re picturing. Pat your onions dry after slicing, especially if you rinsed them to avoid tears. Damp onions = no crunch. Keep peeking in on them, especially at the end—they’ll go from perfect to overdone in like, two minutes flat.
Try a quick shake of the basket every five minutes or so. If you want a little extra color, spritz a touch more oil at the end. Also, don’t worry if they seem soft right out of the fryer—let them sit a minute. Magic happens, they harden up!
Storing
Let’s be honest, they’ll probably vanish before you remember to store them. But if somehow you made extra (who are you??), cool them totally before putting in an airtight container. Room temp is fine for a day or two, maybe tuck them in the fridge if you live somewhere muggy. Just re-crisp for a minute or so in the air fryer if they soften up. Please, no microwaving—trust me, sadness.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s where crispy onions go next-level (quick list incoming):
- Sprinkle lots over casseroles (cheesy air fryer Hasselback potatoes? You bet)
- Toss in salads for crunch, or even on pizza
- Stuff into sandwiches or burgers
- Use as a topping for all your quick air fryer recipes this week
They’re even amazing as a snack. Nobody judges here.
Common Questions
Can I use red onions?
Sure thing. Red onions get a sweeter vibe when they crisp up, which is pretty tasty.
Do I have to use oil?
Not much, but it helps with crunch and browning. Skip it if you’re on an oil strike, though results might be a little chewier.
Can you make these gluten-free?
Yep. Sub cornstarch for flour. Or if you’re a gluten-huntin’ ninja, try gluten-free flour blends.
How long do they actually stay crispy?
Honestly, about two days if you store them super airtight. Anything more and they’ll need a bounce back in the air fryer.
Any recipe ideas to use these on?
Try on air fryer zucchini or even these crispy-juicy air fryer chicken recipes for next-level flavor.
Not Your Average Onion Rings: Bring the Crunch Home
So, in a nutshell, you slice up your onions, dust them with flour and salt, then let your trusty air fryer work its magic. Keep an eye on them and toss for good measure. Pretty simple, zero fuss, and the result is crispy onions worth bragging about. If you found this walk-through helpful, don’t forget to check out this Air Fryer Crispy Onions | Low Fat Fried Onions to Use In Many Dishes recipe or this Air Fryer Crispy Onions Recipe too for a couple of other takes. Don’t wait for Thanksgiving to eat these—you’ll want them on everything now. Go on, fire up your air fryer and give it a whirl!
Air Fryer Crispy Onions
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy Air Fryer Crispy Onions that bring an irresistible crunch to your dishes without the deep-frying mess.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion (yellow or white)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Spritz of cooking spray or a tiny bit of oil
Instructions
- Slice the onion in half from top to tail, peel off the skin, and cut into half-moon slices.
- Break up the pieces and sprinkle with salt and flour (or cornstarch), mixing to coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Spritz the onions with oil or lightly toss them if using oil.
- Add the onions to the air fryer in a thin layer, ensuring they aren’t packed together.
- Cook for 10-14 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally until crispy and brown.
- Remove from the air fryer before they burn, and let cool before serving.
Notes
Pat the onions dry after slicing for best results. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg