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Best Sautéed Caramelized Air Fryer Onions

DailyYum.com
Air Fryer onions are perfectly caramelized, golden brown in color, tender, full of flavor, with crispy edges. They are delicious to top on burgers, sandwiches and salads, great as a side dish or add to veggies to make fajitas.   
4.02 from 70 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Course Side Dish, Vegetables
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 44 kcal

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.
    sliced onions with seasoning
  • 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.
    sautéing onions in Ninja air fryer
  • 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 44kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 860mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.
Keyword air fryer onions
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