Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions – Golden, Crunchy, and Healthier

If you love the irresistible crunch of fried onions but want a healthier, oil-light alternative, this Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions recipe is the perfect solution. Using an air fryer gives you that same golden, crispy texture without the excess oil from deep-frying. They’re perfect for burgers, salads, soups, casseroles (like green bean casserole), or simply enjoyed as a crunchy snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative – Uses just a tablespoon of oil.

• Crispy & Flavorful – Perfect texture without deep-frying.

• Versatile Topping – Great for adding crunch to savory dishes.

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20–25 minutes.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10–15 minutes

• Total Time: 20–25 minutes

• Servings: About 4

Ingredients

• 2 medium to large yellow onions (about 1 lb)

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil)

Ingredient Notes

• Onions – Yellow onions give a classic savory flavor; red onions work too but will turn darker when cooked.

• Oil – Use just enough to coat the onions lightly; the air fryer does the crisping work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Onions

1. Peel the onions.

2. Slice them into thin, even rings to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 2 – Separate and Coat

1. Gently separate the rings with your fingers.

2. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil over the rings and toss until evenly coated.

Step 3 – Air Fry at Initial Heat

1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).

2. Place the onion rings in the basket in a loose layer (avoid overcrowding).

3. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring or shaking the basket at 5-minute intervals to ensure even crisping.

Step 4 – Lower the Temperature

1. Reduce the air fryer temperature to 240°F (115°C).

2. Continue cooking for 15–18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.

3. Stop when the onions are golden brown and crisp.

Step 5 – Serve or Store

Once crispy, remove from the basket and serve immediately as a topping, or let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Notes & Tips

• Batch Size – Cooking times are for ~1 lb of onions; for larger batches, add more cooking time, checking every 5 minutes.

• Texture Control – For softer fried onions, reduce final cooking time. For extra crispiness, cook 2–3 minutes longer at 240°F.

• Color Variations – Red onions will yield a darker fried onion, while yellow onions give a golden hue.

Serving Ideas

Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions are incredibly versatile:

• Sprinkle over green bean casserole.

• Add crunch to burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.

• Use as a topping for soups, stews, and curries.

• Garnish salads and grain bowls for extra texture.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator – Keep for up to 5 days in a sealed container.

• Reheat – Air fry for 2–3 minutes at 300°F to restore crispiness.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions deliver all the flavor and crunch of classic fried onions but with a fraction of the oil. They’re simple to prepare, cook quickly, and make the perfect topping for almost any savory dish.

enjoy!