Ah, crispy fried onions—those golden, crunchy bites of joy that take any dish to the next level. Whether you’re topping a casserole, adding some crunch to your salad, or snacking on them straight from the bowl (don’t worry, I won’t judge), this recipe for Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions is everything you need in a side dish. Trust me, they’re so easy to make, and the air fryer does all the hard work, giving you that perfect crisp without the mess of deep frying. You’ll never go back to store-bought again!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions
This recipe isn’t just about fried onions—it’s about bringing the crispy, flavorful crunch to your meals without the hassle. Whether you’re making a festive dish for a holiday gathering or just want something to spice up a simple weeknight dinner, this is the perfect recipe. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
Versatile: These crispy fried onions can be used in so many ways—topping soups, casseroles, burgers, or just enjoying them as a snack. The possibilities are endless!
Budget-Friendly: With just a few simple ingredients, you’re able to create a gourmet treat that tastes like a million bucks, but costs next to nothing.
Quick and Easy: Forget about heating up large vats of oil—your air fryer does the heavy lifting. In just a few minutes, you’ll have crispy fried onions ready to go.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Want a bit of spice? Add some cayenne pepper. Prefer a garlicky kick? Toss in some garlic powder.
Crowd-Pleasing: These crispy fried onions are always a hit. Whether you’re hosting a party or just serving dinner to the family, they’ll disappear in no time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy, golden delights:
Onions: The star of the show. You’ll want a couple of large onions, peeled and sliced thin to get that perfect crunch.
Flour: A light coating of flour is essential for that crispy outer layer.
Cornstarch: Helps to make the crust extra crispy—trust me, this is the secret to the perfect fried onion texture.
Seasonings: A dash of salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you love (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika). These flavors really elevate the dish.
Buttermilk or Milk: This is for dipping the onions and helping the flour mixture stick.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these crispy fried onions:
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. This ensures your onions cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown crisp.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you’re using. Stir until everything is well combined. This is what’s going to give those onions that crispy outer layer.
Dip the Onions: Take your sliced onions and dip them into the buttermilk (or milk). Make sure they’re fully coated. Then, dredge the onions in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the coating sticks.
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the coated onions in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Try not to overcrowd them so they can crisp up evenly. If needed, cook in batches.
Cook to Perfection: Air fry the onions for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn, and remove them once they’re golden brown and crispy.
Finishing Touches: Once they’re done, take the crispy onions out of the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. This helps the crispiness set in!
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy fried onions warm as a topping for your favorite dishes, or enjoy them as a snack on their own!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Environ 180 kcal
(Note: The full nutrition breakdown is available in the recipe card below.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
How to Serve Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions
These crispy fried onions are so versatile! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Topping for Casseroles: Add a delicious crunch to your favorite casseroles, especially green bean casseroles or mashed potatoes.
On a Burger: Place a handful of crispy fried onions on top of your burger for some extra flavor and texture.
Snack: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy these crispy fried onions is on their own, dipped in your favorite sauce or served alongside a bowl of soup.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Keep them crispy: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. To bring back their crispiness, just pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes before serving.
Cut them thin: For the crispiest result, make sure to slice the onions as thinly as possible. The thinner they are, the crunchier they’ll get.
FAQ’s
- Can I use regular onions for this recipe? Yes! While yellow onions are commonly used, you can experiment with red or white onions for different flavor profiles.
- Can I make these in advance? Yes! You can prep the onions, coat them, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry them.
- Do I need to use cornstarch? Cornstarch helps achieve a crispier texture, but if you don’t have it, you can make the recipe without it—just use more flour.
- Can I bake these instead of air frying? While the air fryer gives the best results, you can bake them on a sheet pan at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- What can I use instead of buttermilk? You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk, or mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar into 1 cup of milk to create a quick buttermilk substitute.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch to keep them gluten-free.
- How do I keep the onions crispy after cooking? Let them cool slightly before serving, and avoid covering them with a lid to prevent moisture from making them soggy.
- Can I use a different cooking method? If you don’t have an air fryer, you can fry these in oil on the stovetop for a more traditional approach.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crunch.
- Can I season the onions with different flavors? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or even Parmesan cheese for a unique twist.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions are a game-changer. Whether you’re using them as a topping, adding them to a dish, or munching on them as a snack, they’re sure to be a hit! Best part? You can make them quickly and easily, with minimal clean-up. I can’t wait for you to try them—trust me, they’ll become your new go-to snack or topping!
Print
Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 as a topping or snack 1x
- Category: Air Fryer, Crispy, Fried Onions, Healthy Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these deliciously crispy, golden-fried onions made healthier in your air fryer. Perfect as a topping for salads, burgers, casseroles, or simply as a crunchy snack, this recipe delivers the satisfying crunch and rich flavor of traditional fried onions with less oil.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Thinly slice the onions into rings.
- Place the onion rings in a bowl and soak in buttermilk for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal (if using), salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Drain the onions and toss them in the flour mixture until each ring is well coated.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil. Arrange the coated onions in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the onions are golden and crispy.
- Remove the onions from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy result, you can double-dip the onions by repeating the buttermilk and flour coating process.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preference.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg