If you’re a fan of onions, air fryer onions are about to become your new favorite kitchen hack! These sweet, caramelized onions cook in a fraction of the time it takes on the stovetop and are perfect for adding a burst of flavor to burgers, pasta, stir-fries, or sandwiches.
INGREDIENTS (FOR 1 SERVING)
- 1 large onion, sliced (Note: Onions shrink as they caramelize, so slice more than you think you’ll need)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of your choice of seasoning (I used Vegeta All-Purpose Seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper (optional, to taste)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Onion: Peel the onion and slice it into rings or strips, depending on your preference. Aim for medium thickness—if they’re too thin, they’ll burn; if too thick, they may not caramelize well.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
- Toss with Oil and Seasoning: In a bowl, combine the sliced onions with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil. Toss to coat them evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings like garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Air Fry the Onions: Place the seasoned 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 about 8 minutes. For crispier, more caramelized onions, cook up to 14 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: Once the onions are golden brown and caramelized, they’re ready! If they’re not quite there, cook for a few more minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the onions to a bowl and enjoy them warm. They’re perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, pizza, or stirring into pasta dishes!
NOTES
- Be sure to coat the onions evenly with oil and seasoning. You can mix with your hands or use a food-basting brush.
- Stir the onions halfway through cooking to ensure even results. You can set the timer to check every 5 minutes.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model, so you might need more or less time.
Recipe Variations
- Balsamic Air Fryer Onions: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar over the onions before air frying for a tangy-sweet twist.
- Garlic & Herb: Add garlic powder and dried Italian herbs for a savory boost.
- Spicy Onions: Toss in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Mixed Veggies: Combine onions with bell peppers or mushrooms for a flavorful veggie medley, perfect for fajitas, sandwiches, or as a side dish.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 44 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Potassium: 80mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 1 IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 13mg
- Iron: 0.1mg
