If you’re an onion fan, air fryer onions are about to become your new kitchen obsession! These deliciously sweet, caramelized onions come together in a fraction of the time it takes on the stove, and they’re perfect for adding a flavorful boost to burgers, pasta, stir-fries, or sandwiches.
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Air Fried Onions
Sometimes I feel that I should have named my blog “Cooking with Onions” because I’m obsessed with them! I add onions to everything—soups, burgers, pasta, and stir-fries. Since discovering air fryer onions, I’m hooked on how sweet and caramelized they get, making all my favorite dishes even better. Air-fried onions are my new go-to, whether I’m cooking Onions with Mushrooms, peppers, Potatoes and Onions, or just on their own. One of my favorite creations is the Air Fryer Onion Melt—it takes a simple grilled cheese to the next level. Honestly, if onions worked in ice cream, I’d absolutely try it!
If you are looking for a healthier alternative to oil-fried onions, an air fryer is your best bet! Yes, air fryer onions not only reduce the calorie count but also offers a delicious crispy texture that exceeds traditional oil-fried onions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Get perfectly caramelized onions without all the stirring and babysitting the stove!
- Versatile: Use them in anything, from topping your burger to adding depth to French Onion Soup or Air Fryer Omelet.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just onions, a bit of oil, and optional seasoning—simple but packed with flavor.
- Healthier than traditional sauteing. When you saute onions in oil, the oil is absorbed by the onion and increases its calorie count. Air frying uses little to no oil, which means you can still enjoy the taste and texture of sauteed onions without all of the added fat and calories.
- For diet conscious. These onions are great for anyone on a diet or looking to lose weight. They’re versatile and can be added to salads, soups, frittatas, fajitas, and more. You can also enjoy them on a low-carb diet—just in moderate amounts.
How to Cook Onions in Air Fryer
You’ll need:
- 1 large onion, sliced. Note: Keep in mind that onions shrink as they cook during their caramelization stage (see pictures and notes below). If you’re looking to make a larger batch, start with more onion slices than you think you’ll need, as they will end up smaller after cooking.
- 1 TBS oil of choice. I like to use olive oil or avocado oil.
- 1 teaspoon seasoning of choice. I used Vegeta all-purpose seasoning.
It is really simple to air fry onions- just slice them into thin wedges, add a tablespoon of oil and a bit of seasoning and preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F for a couple of minutes. Then, arrange the onions in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes turning them halfway until golden brown. Voila! Your crispy and delicious air fryer onions are ready to be added to your dishes.
Please refer to the printable recipe card below where you’ll find the exact ingredients, instructions, and nutrition information.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer onions go with pretty much everything! They’re awesome on burgers or sandwiches, adding this sweet, caramelized flavor that makes everything taste better.
Tacos and Fajitas: Use air fryer onions in tacos, fajitas, or burritos for an extra punch of flavor.
Bowls and Sides: Add them to rice, grain bowls, or mashed potatoes for extra flavor, or serve as a simple side with other roasted veggies.
They’re also amazing on pizza or pasta—just sprinkle some on top, and you’re good to go. If you’re into breakfast, throw them in an omelet or with scrambled eggs. They even work as a side dish with steak or chicken. Basically, air fryer onions make any meal way more interesting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of onion in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Yellow onions are great for sweetness, red onions add a little extra flavor, and white onions bring a bit more bite. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand or try Air Fryer Red Onion Recipe.
Do I need to use oil?
A small amount of oil helps the onions caramelize and become tender, but you can skip it if you want a lighter version. Just be aware they might turn out a bit drier without oil.
Will the onions shrink while cooking?
Yes, onions will shrink as they cook because they lose moisture. They can shrink by about two-thirds of their original volume as the water evaporates, so it’s a good idea to slice more than you think you’ll need. In the picture below, you can see how much the whole onion on the left has shrunk—more than half of its original size!
Can I store leftover air fryer onions?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the texture.
Can I season the onions?
Definitely! Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or balsamic vinegar for a flavorful twist.
Is air fryer onion good for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, just enjoy them in moderation, as onions do contain some natural sugars.
More Onion Recipes You’ll Love
- Homemade Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Lipton Onion Potatoes
- Potato Fritters with Green Onions and Bacon
- Air Fryer Blooming onion
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Best Sautéed Caramelized Air Fryer Onions
Ingredients
- 1 large onion sliced. Note: Keep in mind that onions shrink as they cook during their caramelization stage. So slice more than you think you’ll need.
- 1 TBS Avocado oil or Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp seasoning of choice. I used Vegeta All-purpose seasoning.
- 1/4 tsp salt and pepper or to taste, optional
Instructions
- Prep the Onion: Peel the onion and slice it into rings or strips, depending on your preference. Aim for a medium thickness—too thin, and they may burn; too thick, and they may not caramelize well.
- Preheat air fryer to 375F/190C for 3 minutes
- Toss with Oil and Seasoning: In a bowl, add the sliced onions, then drizzle with 1–2 teaspoons of olive oil. Toss until the onions are well-coated. Add salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings like garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Air fry Onions: Place the onions in the air fryer basket, spreading them out as much as possible. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. For softer, golden onions, cook for around 8 minutes. For crispier, more caramelized onions, go up to 14 minutes.Check for Doneness: Once they’re golden brown and caramelized, they’re ready! If they’re not quite there, give them a couple more minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the onions to a bowl and enjoy them warm. They’re perfect on burgers, sandwiches, pizza, or stirred into pasta dishes!
Notes
- Ensure a perfect coating of seasoning and oil on the raw sliced onions. You can use your hands for mixing or a food-basting brush.
- Give a quick stir to the onions so that they will cook evenly. You can set the timer or set your air fryer for every 5-minute interval.
- Different air fryers may vary in temperature. So, it can take more or less time.
Recipe Variations
- Balsamic Air Fryer Onions: Drizzle a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar over the onions before air frying for a tangy-sweet flavor.
- Garlic and Herb: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder and dried Italian herbs to bring a savory kick.
- Spicy Onions: For a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Mixed Veggies: Combine the onions with bell peppers or mushrooms for a tasty vegetable mix perfect for fajitas, sandwiches, or as a side dish.
I love caramelized onions. These look fabulous!
Excellent method. :O)
Thank you! Love it too. The only way I cook onions
Cooked for 25 minutes a0nd still not golden brown. They eventually dehydrated.
It’s sad that a air fryer can make sautéed onions but if you go to a restaurant they can’t and they look at you funny and you try to tell them and they still can’t do it.
That is so true. I inquire from the restaurants if they serve air fried food (I’m always hoping for wings) but sadly no. I very much hope that soon.!
Question? I have taken several bread making and other cooking courses at local community colleges and have become used to using stainless metal bowels all the time. I notice in most of your recipe pictures you show glass or porcelline. Does this make a difference in the Air Frying recipe techniques as far as times and textures such as your onion preparation for soups and other uses you show and feature? I am fairly new to Air Fryers so am not sure? I am 85 going on 86 so probably will not change. I started cooking at home with my mother and then, by accident when I was 13 at a local restaurant, when the breakfast fry cook showed up under the weather and I called the owner and he took me off of the gas pumps and under his wing and taught me the rudiments of fast breakfast cooking for tourists and truckers. Ron
Hi Ron, When using air fryer I place the food and cook directly on air fryer basket (tray).
Stainless steel bowls are not ideal when photography or video is involved. Too many reflections.
Thank you for the tip!
Would this recipe work if I use silicone basket I stead of parchment?
Yes, it will. Still give them a stir or a shake in 5 minutes intervals.
I like the idea but am a little confused. You say spice your onion but the pictures look like chopped. Does air frying break them down that much?
Slice your onions in half circles. Please keep in mind that onions shrink after they are cooked.
These are more fried than carmelized onions. Was hoping for shortcut but low and slow in heavy pan still best
A tablespoon of oil for ONE onion! Sorry but I wont be trying it….
You can add a little bit of oil, or as per your taste.
Rude
That was to Janet
Leftovers how to store them and how long do the last
Store them in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 5 days. Reheat for 2-3 minutes, use in sandwiches, burgers, salads, melts.
Looking to purchase an air fryer. Can you please let me know the best to purchase? Thank you!
HI Lola, please try this Which Air fryer to buy?
I’m confused, you say not to overlap the onions so how much onion am cooking?
Depending on your basket/tray size. Start with one or cook in batches
So easy and perfect. I’ve never left a comment on a recipe before, that’s how much I liked them 🙂
So glad to hear that 🙌 I love Air Fryer Onions too. Thank you for sharing your experience
I love this recipe, my onions might not get quite like they do when done low and slow in a frying pan but they are super yummy, quick and easy. I am in the UK and use oil and Aromat seasoning. Great for burgers and hotdogs. I use a lot of your recipes. Thank you.
Kys. I followed the recipe and they came out burnt.
Hi Jay, thanks for trying the recipe and letting me know! I’m sorry the onions came out burnt. Air fryer temperatures and cooking times can vary between models, so I recommend reducing the temperature slightly or checking them a few minutes earlier next time. Also, make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even results. I hope this helps—let me know if you give it another shot!
The recipe was good, I would say if you use Vegata, do not put additional salt on it. It comes out a little bit to salty. Other than that, it was really good recipe.
This is air fryer sautéed onions, not caramelized
It’s about the change that occurs, doesn’t matter how you cook it
car·a·mel·ize
/ˈkärməˌlīz/
(with reference to food containing natural sugar) cook or be cooked so as to develop the characteristic brown color and nutty flavor of caramel.