Air Fryer Crispy Onions | Low Fat Fried Onions to Use In Many Dishes
If you love crispy onions but want a healthier version, this Air Fryer Crispy Onions recipe is perfect! With the air fryer, you can make low-fat fried onions that are crispy, crunchy, and full of flavor, without the need for deep frying. These onions make a great topping for burgers, salads, casseroles, or even as a snack on their own. The best part? You get all the deliciousness with far less oil than traditional fried onions, making them a lighter choice for any dish.
Necessary Kitchen Equipment
- Air fryer
- Knife
- Bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray (optional)
Overview of Ingredients
- Onions – The base of the recipe, usually yellow or white onions work best for this crispy treat.
- Breadcrumbs – Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch or regular breadcrumbs for a finer texture.
- Flour – Helps the coating stick to the onions and gives them a light, crispy texture.
- Egg – Provides moisture to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the onions.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a savory, aromatic flavor.
- Paprika – Gives a subtle smoky taste and enhances the color of the onions.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning.
- Olive Oil Spray – Lightly sprays the onions with oil for crispiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Onions
Peel and slice 1 large onion into thin rings. Make sure the rings are uniform in size so they cook evenly.
Prepare the Breading Station
In one bowl, add 1/2 cup of flour. In another bowl, whisk 1 egg with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a third bowl, combine 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of salt.
Coat the Onions
Dip each onion ring first into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the onions are fully coated in breadcrumbs.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Air Fry the Onions
Spray the air fryer basket with a little olive oil spray. Place the breaded onion rings in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the onions in batches.
Serve
Once they are crispy and golden, remove the onions from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately as a garnish or snack.
Recipe Tips
- Coating Variations: For an extra crunch, you can use a combination of panko breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes.
- Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as onion powder, cayenne pepper for heat, or Italian seasoning for a herby flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.
- Batch Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure each onion ring gets crispy.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Crispy Onions
These crispy onions are incredibly versatile. Use them as a topping for burgers, salads, casseroles, or mashed potatoes. They’re also great alongside roasted meats or as a crunchy snack on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of onion for this recipe?
Yes, you can use yellow, white, or even red onions. However, yellow and white onions tend to be the best for making crispy onions because they have a natural sweetness.
Can I make these crispy onions ahead of time?
While crispy onions are best served fresh, you can make them in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. To re-crisp, just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes.
Can I make these without egg?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons of water), or you can use buttermilk for a different flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Slice the onion into thin rings.
- Prepare three bowls: flour in the first, beaten egg in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Coat each onion ring in flour, dip it in the egg, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Place the onion rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the onions from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
These Air Fryer Crispy Onions are a healthier and delicious alternative to traditional fried onions, with all the crunch and flavor you crave!
Air Fryer Crispy Onions recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Knife
- Bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 large onion
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Slice the onion into thin rings.
- Prepare three bowls: flour in the first, beaten egg in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Coat each onion ring in flour, dip it in the egg, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Place the onion rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
