Best Sautéed Caramelized Air Fryer Onions

This Air Fryer Onions recipe is my new favorite way to make sautéed onions in less than 15 minutes. I love how they turn out perfectly golden, soft, and caramelized; with crispy edges.

Air Fryer Onions

Onions are a staple in virtually every kitchen around the world and for good reason. They add flavor and aroma to any dish they are included in.

One of the best ways to prepare onions is by sauteing them. Traditionally, this is done in a skillet with some oil, but have you ever considered air frying your onions? If you haven't tried it yet, you are missing out on a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this versatile ingredient.

Air-fried caramelized onions are full of flavor, they get perfectly tender, and golden brown. I love topping my burgers, chicken, or salads with them. They make a great addition to fajitas, steaks, curries, you name it. More of my favorite onion recipes are Air Fryer Grilled Onion Melt, and Air Fryer Potatoes & Onions. I recently added air-fried onions to my Homemade French Onion Soup. The texture is divine and the onion soup is at a whole new level!

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. 

Let’s dive into how to prepare air fryer onions and why they are the perfect addition to your meals.

Benefits of Air Fryer Onions

• 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. Plus, air frying is a healthier cooking method in general, as it requires less oil overall than other cooking methods like deep frying.
• It's quick and easy. Air frying is incredibly quick and straightforward. All you have to do is cut your onions, season them to your liking, and then put them in the air fryer. After a few minutes, you'll have perfectly sauteed onions that are ready to be added to any meal.
• Onions enhance the flavor of your dishes. Sauteed onions are known for their sweet and caramelized taste, and air frying can take it to the next level. The dry heat of the air fryer will create a crispy exterior on the onions while simultaneously softening the inside. This contrast in texture creates a depth of flavor that goes perfectly with so many different dishes.
• It's versatile. Sauteed onions can be used in practically everything, and air frying opens up even more possibilities for their use. They can act as a base for sauces, be added to salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. The possibilities are endless, and the air fryer makes them all possible.
• It's cost-effective. Air fryers are cost-effective, both in terms of how much they cost to buy and how much they save you on your grocery bill. Air frying vegetables, including onions, results in less waste and in turn, means you'll get more bang for your buck. Also, an air fryer is multipurpose so you can use it to cook many other foods as well.
• For diet conscious. The onions are perfect for those on a diet or losing weight. They can use them in salads, soups, frittata, fajitas, and more. You can use them on a low-carb diet, however in small amounts.

How to prepare air fryer fried onions

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, sliced. Note: Keep in mind that onions shrink as they cook during their caramelization stage (see pictures and notes below).
• 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 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.

What kind of onions to use?

You can use any kind of your favorite onions. I have tried yellow onions, red onions, sweet onions, or Vidalia onions. All with the same great result.

Do onions shrink during cooking?

Yes, they do. Onions shrink as they cook, losing about ⅔ of their volume as the water evaporates, so slice more than you think you’ll need. In the picture above you can clearly see the whole onion on the left has shrunk by more than half of its volume.

Serving Tips for Air Fried Onions

Air fryer onions pair well with almost any dish and give a unique taste to them. We love to serve them with:

• Air fryer burgers or crispy hotdogs.
• Use as a topping in pizzas.
• Use saute onions in pasta.
• Add them to the bruschetta and top with cheese for delicious flavor.
• Use in the air fryer frittata or omelet.
• Make grilled onion melt for a game-changing sandwich.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Onions

• 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.
• Preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes before adding onions to it.
• 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.

How to store sauteéd onions?

You can store onions for up to 4 days after cooking. Let them cool, and store them in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. The oil in them may become solidified, but you can reheat them again and enjoy them with your favorite meal. Reheat in the microwave until warm or in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

More Onion Recipes You'll Love

• Homemade Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings
• Air Fryer Onions & Mushrooms
• Potato Fritters with Green Onions and Bacon
• Air Fryer Blooming onion