Description
Air Fried Crispy Onion is a deliciously crunchy and flavorful snack or topping made from thinly sliced onions seasoned with spices and coated lightly with breadcrumbs, then perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a healthier, crisp finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions
- 2 medium to large yellow onions (around 1 lb)
Seasonings and Coating
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (avocado, olive, or any neutral oil)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs or cornmeal
Instructions
- Slice the onions: Peel and thinly slice the onions into rings or half-moons about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick for even cooking and crispy texture.
- Separate and soak: Gently separate the onion rings and soak them in cold water for 10–15 minutes to mellow their sharp bite and enhance crispiness. Then drain thoroughly and pat dry completely.
- Season: Toss the dried onions with the cooking oil in a large bowl to coat evenly. Add salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and the panko breadcrumbs or cornmeal. Mix until the onions are well-coated with the seasoning and coating.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to ensure it is hot before cooking.
- Air fry: Spread the seasoned onions in a thin, even layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even crisping. Watch the onions closely in the final minutes to prevent burning.
- Cool: Transfer the crispy onions to a plate and allow them to cool slightly, as they will crisp further upon cooling. Serve as a tasty snack or a crunchy topping on salads, burgers, or soups.
Notes
- Soaking the onions in cold water helps reduce their pungency and increases crispiness.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or substitute with cornmeal for a different texture.
- Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.
- Watch closely at the end to avoid burnt onions, as the air fryer can cook quickly.
- Store leftover crispy onions in an airtight container for up to 2 days; re-crisp in the air fryer if needed.
