Air Fryer Crispy Onions | Low Fat Fried Onions to Use In Many Dishes

These air fryer crispy onions are light, crunchy, and full of deep, savory flavor—just like traditional fried onions but with way less oil. I love using them as a topping for casseroles, burgers, salads, and soups. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and the perfect way to add texture to any dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I turn to this recipe when I want that golden fried onion crunch without deep-frying. The air fryer makes them perfectly crisp with just a light coating of oil. They’re simple, affordable, and make a big impact when sprinkled over anything from green beans to mashed potatoes. I also love how I can make a big batch ahead of time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Yellow or white onions, thinly sliced

• All-purpose flour

• Cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)

• Salt

• Pepper

• Paprika or garlic powder (optional, for flavor)

• Olive oil spray or a light drizzle of oil

Directions

1. I start by slicing the onions thinly using a knife or mandoline.

2. I toss the slices in a bowl with flour, cornstarch (if using), salt, pepper, and any extra seasonings. I make sure the onions are well-coated.

3. I lightly spray or drizzle the onion slices with olive oil and toss again to ensure even coating.

4. I preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

5. I place the onions in the basket in a thin, even layer (working in batches if needed), then air fry for 8–12 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to prevent clumping and ensure even browning.

6. I remove them once they’re golden and crisp, and let them cool—they’ll crisp up even more as they sit.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 1 to 1½ cups of crispy onions. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and another 8–12 minutes to cook per batch. I can have them ready in under 25 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add cayenne pepper for heat or use seasoned salt instead of plain salt. I’ve also used gluten-free flour or almond flour to suit dietary needs. For a touch of sweetness, I’ve even used sweet onions or added a pinch of sugar to the coating.

storage/reheating

Once completely cooled, I store the crispy onions in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they lose crispness, I pop them back in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 2–3 minutes to refresh them.

FAQs

Can I use red onions?

Yes, I’ve used red onions, and they work great. They have a slightly sweeter flavor and still get nice and crispy.

Why aren’t my onions getting crispy?

It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer. I cook them in small batches and shake the basket often to help them crisp evenly.

Can I skip the flour?

The flour helps create that crunchy coating, but I’ve made a lighter version without it. They turn out more like caramelized onions with a bit of crisp.

Are these healthier than traditional fried onions?

Yes, since I use very little oil and the air fryer doesn’t require deep frying, they’re much lower in fat and calories.

What can I use crispy onions for?

I top green bean casserole, burgers, soups, salads, mashed potatoes, or even scrambled eggs with them—they add flavor and crunch to almost anything.

Conclusion

These air fryer crispy onions are a quick and easy way to add texture and flavor to my favorite dishes. They’re crunchy, golden, and much lighter than deep-fried versions. Once I started making them this way, I stopped buying the store-bought kind—and I love how they make everything taste just a little bit better.

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