Air Fryer Crispy Onions Recipe

If you love that golden, crunchy onion goodness but want to skip the deep fryer, these Air Fryer Crispy Onions are about to be your new favorite hack. They’re light, crisp, and bursting with flavor, all without the heavy grease. Trust me, once you sprinkle these beauties on soups, salads, or casseroles, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: All the crunch of fried onions without the excess oil.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Versatile: Perfect for topping burgers, wraps, casseroles, or even snacking straight from the bowl.
• Family-Friendly: A fun, flavorful way to get everyone excited about veggies.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these crispy onions (remember, exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Onions: The star of the show—sweet, sharp, and perfect for crisping up.
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Helps the onions brown without deep frying.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild kick.
• Garlic Powder (optional): For an extra savory punch.

Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.

How to Make the Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Step 1: Prep Your Onions

Slice onions into thin rings and separate them gently.

Step 2: Season & Coat

Toss the onions with a light drizzle of olive oil (or cooking spray) and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat evenly.

Step 3: Load the Air Fryer

Spread the onion slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed so they crisp up instead of steam.

Step 4: Air Fry Until Golden

Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Add extra time in 1-minute bursts if you like them extra crispy.

Step 5: Cool & Enjoy

Transfer onions to a paper towel–lined plate. They’ll crisp up more as they cool. Use immediately as a topping or store for later.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Slice Evenly: Uniform slices mean perfectly even crisping.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Keep onions in a single layer for the best crunch.
• Season Smart: Taste as you go—onions shrink as they cook, so start with a lighter hand on the salt.
• Make Them Extra Golden: A quick extra spritz of oil before the last minute of cooking boosts crunch.

How to Serve

These crispy onions are flavor powerhouses! Try them on:

• Soups like creamy mushroom or tomato basil.
• Salads for an irresistible crunch.
• Burgers, sandwiches, and wraps for extra flair.
• Classic casseroles like green bean casserole or mac and cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cooled onions in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate in a sealed container.

Freezing

Not recommended—the onions lose their crisp once thawed.

Reheating

Pop them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F to revive their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use red onions instead of yellow or white?
Yes! Red onions add a slightly sweeter, sharper bite and work wonderfully here.

Do I need to soak the onions before air frying?
Nope, no soaking required. Just slice, season, and crisp them right up.

Can I make these oil-free?
Absolutely. A light spray of cooking oil helps with browning, but you can skip it for an oil-free version—they’ll still crisp nicely.

How do I keep them from burning?
Keep a close eye after the 7-minute mark. Every air fryer is different, so give them a shake and adjust as needed.