Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Air Fryer Crispy Onions: Perfectly Crunchy, Golden-Brown Goodness

Crispy onions add a delicious crunch and a rich, savory flavor to many dishes, from burgers and salads to casseroles and soups. While deep-frying produces excellent results, using an air fryer offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing the crunch. In this article, we’ll cover several methods for making air fryer crispy onions, including classic crispy onions, gluten-free versions, and flavorful spiced variations.

Why Make Crispy Onions in the Air Fryer?

• Healthier alternative: Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying.
• Crispier texture: The circulating hot air ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Less mess: No need to deal with large amounts of oil or excessive cleanup.
• Quick cooking time: Most recipes take just 10-15 minutes.

Classic Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion (yellow or white), thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the onions: Slice the onion into thin rings or strips.
2. Soak in buttermilk: Place the onion slices in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let soak for 15-20 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
3. Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
4. Coat the onions: Remove onions from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess.
5. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
6. Arrange onions: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Spread the coated onion slices in a single layer.
7. Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve immediately as a topping for burgers, salads, or as a crispy snack.

Gluten-Free Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
• 1/2 cup gluten-free flour (such as almond flour or chickpea flour)
• 1/2 cup gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cornflakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Soak the onions: Place the sliced onions in a bowl and cover with almond milk. Let sit for 15 minutes.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine gluten-free flour, gluten-free panko, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Coat onions: Remove onions from the milk, shake off excess, and toss in the flour mixture.
4. Preheat air fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
5. Air fry: Lightly spray the basket, then spread onions in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Serve warm and crispy.

Spicy Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, sliced into thin rings
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Soak onions in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the coating by combining flour, panko, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and chili powder.
3. Coat the onions, ensuring an even layer.
4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
5. Cook the onions at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
6. Serve with a dipping sauce like spicy mayo or ranch.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Crispy Onions

• Cut onions evenly: This ensures uniform cooking and prevents burning.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use a light spray of oil: Helps achieve a deep golden-brown color.
• Shake the basket halfway through: Ensures even crisping.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.

How to Use Air Fryer Crispy Onions

• On burgers and sandwiches for an added crunch.
• Topping casseroles like green bean casserole or baked mac and cheese.
• Sprinkled on salads for a crispy texture.
• Served as a snack with a dip like chipotle aioli or tzatziki.

By using an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy onions with less oil and a shorter cooking time, making them a convenient and healthier alternative to deep-frying. Whether you prefer classic, gluten-free, or spicy variations, these crispy onions will elevate your meals with their irresistible crunch and flavor