This Air fryer red onions recipe is a personal favorite. Quick and easy to make, the air fryer helps caramelize the onion, creating a mouthwatering flavor that can be enjoyed as a side dish that is full of flavor and just perfect when paired with steaks, burgers, salads, or grilled chicken. If you’re like me and love cooking with onions, please try Air Fryer Potatoes and Onions, and Irresistible Grilled Onion Melt.
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Red onion is incredibly flavorful, however, it can often be difficult to cook with due to its strong smell, aggressive and spicy taste, and tendency to burn. My favorite way to sautee onions is in the air fryer. I found that caramelizing onions in the air fryer eliminates these issues.
I love how diced onion or onion slices get crispy on the outside while keeping the soft texture on the inside without burning them. I love to cook many dishes with onions in my air fryer. Some of my faves are Mushrooms and Onions, and Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Also try air-fried onions with Steak Melt or Hot Dog Melt – you won’t regret it.
Are Red Onions Healthy?
Red onions are an amazing superfood and have high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that have been linked to numerous potential health benefits, such as improved heart health and powerful cancer-fighting properties.
Air-fried red onions also retain most of their vitamins compared to other cooking processes, making them a healthy way to satisfy your craving for something savory.
How to Cook Red Onion in the Air Fryer
- Prep & Slice: I slice them in half circles, about ¼ inch thick. You can slice them in whichever shape you like, just make sure the slices are large enough not to fall through the holes of the air fryer basket. The half-circle shape usually works great.
- Season: Toss onion slices in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. I also use a pinch of All-Purpose seasoning.
- Air fry: Place the onions in an even layer in the air fryer basket in the preheated air fryer to 390°F (or 195°C). Do not overcrowd the basket.
- How long: Cook for 10 minutes, turning or shaking the basket halfway through. Feel free to turn more than once. I think it is always a good idea to take a peek at how the onions are cooking and to determine if further time is needed.
- Flip, turn, and cook more if needed: After 10 minutes, check that they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides. If not, shake them again and continue cooking for a few more minutes until the desired crispiness is achieved. I usually cook for another 2-3 minutes. So a total of 13 minutes for my liking.
- Enjoy: When done, remove from the air fryer and serve as desired! These delicious red onions can be served as a side dish or used in salads or sandwiches for added flavor. You can also experiment with different seasonings such as garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor!
Ways to Use the Sauteed Red Onions
Sauteéd onions are a wonderful way to add sweet, caramelized flavor to any dish. From French Onion Soup to salads and pasta dishes, there is no end to the culinary possibilities that you can explore with sautéed onions.
- Sauteed red onions are the perfect accompaniment to hamburgers and air fryer hot dogs,
- Enhance steak dinner with red wine sauce.
- Add sautéed onions to a simple side of mashed potatoes for a delicious companion or couscous.
- Put together an easy Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad then top it off with some crunchy sautéed onions and walnuts for contrast – delicious!
- Add them to cooked brown rice or quinoa.
- If you decide to serve it as a side dish alone, all you need is a bit of salt and pepper to get the flavors singing!
How Long will Cooked Onions Last?
Cooked onions will last in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to two months. Cool them completely before transferring them to an airtight container, or a freezer bag. When you’re ready to reheat, you can air fry from frozen for 1-2 minutes per side until heated through.
More Recipes with Onions You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Omelette or Frittata
- Air-fryer Onion Rings
- Turmeric Cumin Roasted Potatoes
- Serve over Crispy Pork Chops – Delish!
- Lipton Onion Air fryer Potatoes
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Air Fryer Red Onions
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion or 2 medium onions. Sliced in half-circle. Note: Keep in mind that onions shrink as they cook during their caramelization stage. I usually cook 2 or 3 onions at a time. Or cook onions in batches, if needed.
- 1 TBS Olive oil oil of choice. Olive oil or avocado oil work great for this recipe
- 1 teaspoon seasoning Seasoning of choice. I currently use Mrs. Dash Seasoning blend or Vegeta All-purpose seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper to taste, optional
Instructions
- Prep & Slice: I slice them in half-circles, about ¼ inch thick. You can cut them in whichever shape you like, just make sure the slices are large enough not to fall through the holes of the air fryer basket. The half-circle shape usually works great.Season: Toss them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. I also use a pinch of All-Purpose seasoning.
- Air fry: Place the onions in an even layer in the air fryer basket in the preheated air fryer to 390°F (or 195°C). Do not overcrowd the basket.
- How long: Cook for 10 minutes, turning or shaking the basket halfway through. Feel free to turn more than once. I think it is always a good idea to take a peek at how the onions are cooking and to determine if further time is needed.Flip, turn, and cook more if needed: After 10 minutes, check that they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides. If not, shake them again and continue cooking for a few more minutes until the desired crispiness is achieved. I usually cook for another 2-3 minutes. So a total of 13 minutes for my liking.
- Enjoy: When done, remove from the air fryer and serve as desired! These delicious red onions can be served as a side dish or used in salads or sandwiches for added flavor. You can also experiment with different seasonings such as garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor!
Just a note. You do not say. What mode of cooking in Air fryer eg Air fry. Bake extra crisp. Etc. Thanks K
I use air fry mode