Who doesn’t love the golden crunch of crispy fried onions? They add a tasty kick to burgers, casseroles, soups, and more. Now, you can make them healthier and easier with an air fryer! With way less oil and no mess, these Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions are quick, crunchy, and perfect for topping anything.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make these tasty onions step-by-step, what ingredients you need, helpful tips, and how to use them in your favorite dishes.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions
Healthier Than Deep Fried
Traditional fried onions soak up lots of oil. But air fryer crispy fried onions use just a light spray of oil—no deep fryer needed!
Quick & Easy Prep
From slicing to air frying, you can have crispy onions in under 20 minutes. It’s a simple recipe even beginners can master.
Perfect Topping for Any Dish
Crispy fried onions go with everything—casseroles, burgers, soups, and more. They add texture and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 large yellow or sweet onions – thinly sliced
½ cup all-purpose flour – or use panko for extra crunch
½ tsp salt – to taste
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder – optional
Cooking spray or oil spray – use avocado or olive oil spray
👉 Substitution tip: You can use gluten-free flour or crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free version!
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Slice the Onions Thin
Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice onions into thin, even pieces. Thinner slices = crispier texture!
Step 2: Soak and Drain for Extra Crisp
Soak onions in cold water for 10 minutes. This helps remove bitterness and makes them crispier. Drain well and pat dry.
Step 3: Coat with Seasoned Flour or Panko
In a bowl, mix flour (or panko) with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss onions to coat evenly.
Step 4: Spray with Oil and Air Fry
Place coated onions in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil for that golden finish.
Step 5: Flip and Finish to Golden Brown
Air fry at **375°F (190°C)** for **12-15 minutes**, flipping halfway. Cook until crispy and golden brown.
Tips for Extra Crispy Results
Use sweet or yellow onions for the best flavor
Preheat your air fryer for even cooking
Avoid overcrowding the basket – cook in batches if needed
Pat onions dry before coating to help crisping
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover onions in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to crisp them back up
👉 Avoid microwaving—they’ll get soggy!
Creative Ways to Use Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions
Topping Ideas
– Green bean casserole – Mashed potatoes – Burgers and hot dogs – Creamy soups
Salads and Sandwiches
Toss them on top of Caesar salad or use them in wraps and sliders for extra crunch.
As a Snack
Eat them as-is! These crispy bites are addictively good straight from the basket.
Common Questions About Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Use almond flour, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or crushed gluten-free cornflakes.
What if I don’t have cooking spray?
Brush lightly with oil using a pastry brush—it works just as well!
Can I freeze them?
Not recommended. They may lose crispiness. It’s best to enjoy fresh or within 2 days.
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
How To Make Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer
Air Fryer Pasta Chips: The Ultimate Guide to a Crispy Snack
Garlic Cheese Bombs With Pizza Dough
For another tasty twist on crispy onions, check out this delicious recipe for air-fried onion rings from AllRecipes.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions are everything you love about classic fried onions—just lighter, faster, and easier to make at home. No deep fryer, no mess, and definitely no heavy oil smell in your kitchen. Whether you’re adding a crunchy kick to green bean casserole, layering them over burgers, or munching on them straight out of the basket, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation.
Plus, they’re fun to make! It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for beginners, busy weeknights, or even getting the kids involved in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can enjoy golden, crispy onions in no time.
So go ahead—give them a try today and taste the difference yourself! Don’t forget to leave a comment, rate the recipe, or tag your crispy creations on social media. Sharing is caring—and trust us, everyone will want a bite once they see these beauties on your plate!
📌 Pin this recipe for later or save it to your meal prep ideas—you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
Light, golden, and crispy, these Air Fryer Crispy Fried Onions are the perfect topping for casseroles, burgers, salads, or a crunchy snack—made in just minutes with less oil.
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Cooking spray (oil-based)
Instructions
- Slice the onions thinly and separate the rings.
- Soak the onion rings in water for 10-15 minutes, then drain well.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the onion rings in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer.
- Spray the onion rings with a light coat of cooking spray.
- Air fry the onion rings at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Continue cooking until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispy results, make sure to soak the onions in water for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Use a light hand when spraying oil to prevent the onions from becoming too greasy.
For the best texture, make sure the onion rings are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
You can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
If you prefer, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika to the seasoning mix for a little extra kick.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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