Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Get perfectly caramelized onions without all the stirring and babysitting the stove!
- Versatile: Use them in anything, from topping your burger to adding depth to French Onion Soup or Air Fryer Omelet.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just onions, a bit of oil, and optional seasoning—simple but packed with flavor.
- Healthier than traditional sauteing. When you saute onions in oil, the oil is absorbed by the onion and increases its calorie count. Air frying uses little to no oil, which means you can still enjoy the taste and texture of sauteed onions without all of the added fat and calories.
- For diet conscious. These onions are great for anyone on a diet or looking to lose weight. They’re versatile and can be added to salads, soups, frittatas, fajitas, and more. You can also enjoy them on a low-carb diet—just in moderate amounts.
How to Cook Onions in Air Fryer
You’ll need:
1 large onion, sliced. Note: Keep in mind that onions shrink as they cook during their caramelization stage (see pictures and notes below).
If you’re looking to make a larger batch, start with more onion slices than you think you’ll need, as they will end up smaller after cooking.
1 TBS oil of choice. I like to use olive oil or avocado oil.
1 teaspoon seasoning of choice. I used
It is really simple to air fry onions- just slice them into thin wedges, add a tablespoon of oil and a bit of seasoning and preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F for a couple of minutes.
Then, arrange the onions in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes turning them halfway until golden brown.
Voila! Your crispy and delicious air fryer onions are ready to be added to your dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer onions go with pretty much everything! They’re awesome on burgers or sandwiches, adding this sweet, caramelized flavor that makes everything taste better.
Tacos and Fajitas: Use air fryer onions in tacos, fajitas, or burritos for an extra punch of flavor.
Bowls and Sides: Add them to rice, grain bowls, or mashed potatoes for extra flavor, or serve as a simple side with other roasted veggies.
They’re also amazing on pizza or pasta—just sprinkle some on top, and you’re good to go. If you’re into breakfast, throw them in an omelet or with scrambled eggs.
They even work as a side dish with steak or chicken. Basically, air fryer onions make any meal way more interesting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of onion in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Yellow onions are great for sweetness, red onions add a little extra flavor, and white onions bring a bit more bite.
Feel free to use whatever you have on hand or try
Do I need to use oil?
A small amount of oil helps the onions caramelize and become tender, but you can skip it if you want a lighter version.
Just be aware they might turn out a bit drier without oil.
Will the onions shrink while cooking?
Yes, onions will shrink as they cook because they lose moisture.
They can shrink by about two-thirds of their original volume as the water evaporates, so it’s a good idea to slice more than you think you’ll need.
In the picture below, you can see how much the whole onion on the left has shrunk—more than half of its original size!
Can I store leftover air fryer onions?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the texture.
Can I season the onions?
Definitely! Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or balsamic vinegar for a flavorful twist.
Is air fryer onion good for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, just enjoy them in moderation, as onions do contain some natural sugars.
