From hotdog toppers to fajita fillers, crispy onions always add a little something special. And rather than frying them off in a slick of cooking oil, why not try this air fryer technique instead?

Whether you’re already handy with an air fryer or this is your first rodeo, we’ll have you creating perfect crispy onions in no time. So, aprons on and let’s get cooking!

How to make crispy onions in an air fryer

First things first, let’s gather what we need. You’ll probably have everything you need in the kitchen already. Unless you’re out of onions, then you might struggle!

Ingredients and equipment needed

Ingredients:

• 2 large onions (preferably yellow or white)

• 2 tablespoons of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)

• 2 tsp of cornflour

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Equipment:

• Air fryer

• Cutting board

• Chef’s knife

• Mixing bowl

• Parchment paper (optional)

Step-by-step guide to air-frying onions

1. Prep the onions:

   • Start by peeling the onions and slicing them into thin, even rings. Thin and even slices are key to crispy onions, so take your time and don’t rush it. If that sounds like a faff, a mandolin or food processor can help you slice those onions to perfection.

2. Season the onions:

   • In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced onions with the oil, cornflour, salt and black pepper. Make sure each slice is well-coated. This will help them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

3. Preheat the air fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for a few minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.

4. Cook the onions:

   • Place the seasoned onion slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a lot of onions, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

   • Air fry the onions for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The onions should turn golden brown and crispy.

5. Check for doneness:

   • After 10-15 minutes, check the onions to see if they’re crispy. If they’re not quite there, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

6. Serve and enjoy:

   • Once the onions are perfectly crispy, remove them from the air fryer, pop them onto some kitchen towel and let them cool for a few minutes. They’re ready to be enjoyed on their own or as a delicious topping.

Tips for achieving perfect crispy onions

• Choose the right onions: Not all onions are created equal. Choose a firm, dry onion for the best results.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Make sure the onions have enough space to cook evenly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, which won’t give you that crispy texture.

• Coat your onions: If you don’t have flour around, you can go without. But a dusting of flour in the mix really helps your onions get that crunchy outer layer.

• Shake the basket: Shaking the basket every few minutes helps the onions cook evenly and prevents them from sticking.

• Use parchment paper: If you’re having trouble with the onions sticking to the basket, try lining it with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze and keep your onions from sticking. The only downside is that it can stop proper airflow around the air fryer – which may stop your onions from cooking and crisping evenly.

Creative uses for air-fried crispy onions

Imagine these crispy onions atop a juicy burger or sprinkled over a warm salad. Here are a few more ideas:

• Tacos and burritos: Add a crunchy element to your favourite Mexican dishes.

• Soups and stews: Sprinkle them over a bowl of hot soup for a delicious crunch.

• Pizzas: Use them as a topping for a homemade pizza or to make a frozen pizza a bit more exciting.

• Snacks: Enjoy them on their own as a super crispy snack.

FAQs

Can you air fry onions without oil?

• While it’s possible to air fry onions without oil, using even a small splash of oil helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use a light spray of oil instead.

How long to cook onions in an air fryer

• The cooking time for onions in an air fryer is typically 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). However, this can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the specific model of your air fryer. Check them frequently to ensure they don’t burn.

How to store and reheat crispy air-fried onions?

• Store the crispy onions in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispiness.

What’s next?

For more air fryer goodness, check out our guides on Dual air fryers and Air fryer vs oven - which is better?