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Home » Air Fryer

Air Fryer Onions

Published: Apr 18, 2024 · Modified: May 30, 2024 by Kristina Tipps · This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn a small commission.

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These are the best caramelized Air Fryer Onions! It doesn't long and you can make them as soft or as crispy as you'd like. My trick is using sweet onions so they're extra delicious!

caramelized onions on a white plate
Table Of Contents
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients
  • Step-By-Step Instructions
  • Chef's Tips
  • Ways To Use Roasted Onions
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Recipe
  • Recipe Reviews

Caramelized onions take little time to roast to sweet and savory perfection in the air fryer. This is a versatile recipe, where the onions can be air fried til crispy and crunchy or just until they are softened and golden brown. The choice is yours depending on how you plan to use them, like in a homemade bread or as a breading for chicken cutlets. Nonetheless, air frying onions takes little time and just 2 ingredients, just like air fried garlic.

If you have an abundance of sweet onions and no plans to use them, air frying them and freezing for later is very convenient. They can be used as a cheat way to quickly make french onion chicken or french onion soup, bypassing the need to caramelize onions on the spot and saving time on dinner.

We also love air frying blooming onion petals, coated in a crunchy batter. They are so good!

Why This Recipe Works

  • You need just 2 ingredients: sweet onions and oil.
  • Caramelized onions can be used in a variety of ways in place of fresh onions for enhanced flavor.
  • The air fryer brings out the sweet roasted flavor of onions in little time.
  • Quick preparation- only a little chopping and tossing.
  • There's no need to watch over a hot pan of onions sauteeing on the stovetop.
air fried caramelized onions on a white plate

Ingredients

All you need to make air fried roasted onions is sweet onions and oil. I use extra virgin olive oil but any neutral cooking oil works. For a more savory flavor than sweet, use red onions or yellow onions.

Step-By-Step Instructions

  1. Peel onions and slice into short strips or dice into ½ inch pieces.
  2. Toss cut onions with extra virgin olive oil to evenly coat. Add to the air fryer basket.
  3. Set the air fryer to 350℉ for 20 minutes. Shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes to prevent onions from burning. Cook for 20 minutes for tender slightly caramelized onions. Continue air frying in 5 minute durations if desired for crispier onions.
  4. Remove air fried onions from the basket and store for later use or use in your favorite recipes that call for onions.
roasted onions in the air fryer basket

Chef's Tips

  1. Chop or dice the onions into any size pieces or shape that you'd like. The smaller they are, the quicker they make cook so keep a close eye on the air fryer to avoid overcooking or burning.
  2. Shake the air fryer basket or toss the onions halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Ways To Use Roasted Onions

Air fried onions can be used in so many ways, from adding to soups, salads and breads, especially bread machine onion bread, to using instead of raw onions when making stews and pasta dishes. Here are a few recipes where caramelized onions can be used to make them even tastier:

  • Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup
  • Slow Cooker Baby Potatoes
  • Instant Pot Spring Minestrone Soup
  • Instant Pot Marinara Sauce
  • Crockpot Pepper Steak
  • Kielbasa and Pepper Pasta with Tomatoes
  • Slow Cooker Cabbage

Recipe FAQs

How To Store Caramelized Onions

Store air fried onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They are freezer-friendly for 6 months when stored in a freezer safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge or add to recipes directly from frozen.

Can You Make Crispy Onions In The Air Fryer?

Yes! Rather than caramelized onions, make them crispy by dicing into small pieces, mixing with oil and air frying until browned and crunchy, about 30-35 minutes. Shake the basket or tray every so often to ensure evenly crisp onions.

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to give it a star rating and let me know what you thought in the comments! And follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for more delicious recipes!

Recipe

air fryer onions image

Air Fryer Onions

Kristina Tipps
These are the best caramelized Air Fryer Onions! It doesn't long and you can make them as soft or as crispy as you'd like. My trick is using sweet onions so they're extra delicious!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 25 minutes minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 115 kcal

Equipment

  • air fryer

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet onions
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Peel onions and slice into short strips or dice into ½ inch pieces.
  • Toss cut onions with extra virgin olive oil to evenly coat. Add to the air fryer basket.
  • Set the air fryer to 350℉ for 20 minutes. Shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes to prevent onions from burning. Cook for 20 minutes for tender slightly caramelized onions. Continue air frying in 5 minute durations if desired for crispier onions.
  • Remove air fried onions from the basket and store for later use or use in your favorite recipes that call for onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ozCalories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 13mgPotassium: 197mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 0.5mg
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Hello, I'm Kristina! I'm here to show you how to take your favorite recipes and adapt them to all your kitchen appliances!

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