Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 25–28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Course: Side Dish, Snack, Topping
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 large yellow onions
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cooking spray (optional)
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or spatula
Instructions
Step 1: Slice the Onions
Peel the onions and slice them into thin rings or half-moon slices about ⅛-inch thick. Separate the layers gently so every piece cooks evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Coat the Onions
Add the onion slices to the bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until lightly coated. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the onions and toss again until every piece has a light coating.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Air Fry
Arrange the onions in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket every 4–5 minutes to ensure even browning. If desired, lightly spray with cooking oil halfway through cooking for extra crispiness.
Step 6: Cool
Transfer the crispy onions to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. They will become even crispier as they cool for 3–5 minutes.
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately over burgers, casseroles, baked potatoes, salads, soups, sandwiches, steaks, green bean casserole, or enjoy as a crunchy snack.
Tips for the Best Crispy Onions
- Slice onions evenly for consistent cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the basket.
- Shake the basket several times during cooking.
- Sweet onions create a milder flavor, while yellow onions produce a richer taste.
- Store leftovers only after they have completely cooled.
Storage
Store cooled crispy onions in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Recipe Variations
- Add cayenne pepper for spicy onions.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese after cooking.
- Use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Add Italian seasoning for an herb-infused version.
- Try gluten-free flour for a gluten-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy onions pair wonderfully with:
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- Steak
- Mashed potatoes
- Salads
- Soups
- Green bean casserole
- Rice bowls
- Sandwiches
- Wraps
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Potassium: 160 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used