Go Back
To make air fryer crispy onions, you need the following ingredients: - 2 large onions, thinly sliced - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option) - Cooking spray or olive oil for misting These ingredients are simple and easy to find. The onions give a great base flavor. The flour and spices help create a nice crispy coating. The buttermilk adds moisture, which helps the flour stick. If you want a bit of heat, the cayenne pepper is a great touch. You can skip it if you prefer a milder flavor. Gather these items before you start cooking. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and fun. You can make these crispy onions for snacks, toppings, or sides. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, thinly slice the onions. I recommend using a sharp knife for clean cuts. Aim for even rings to ensure they cook well. After slicing, soak the onions in buttermilk for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps the coating stick to the onions. If you prefer, you can use plant-based milk for a vegan option. Next, combine the flour with seasonings in a large bowl. Use 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to blend the spices evenly. After mixing, take the soaked onions and dredge them in the flour mixture. Make sure each slice is well-coated. Shake off any extra flour before placing them on a plate. Now, it's time to air fry. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once it's ready, lightly mist the basket with cooking spray or olive oil. Arrange the coated onion slices in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this helps them cook better. You may need to do this in batches. Air fry the onions for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This ensures an even cook. They should turn golden brown and be crispy. After cooking, carefully remove the onions and let them cool on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Repeat with any remaining onion slices. Enjoy your crunchy treat! To get crispy onions, start with good flour coating techniques. After soaking, gently shake off excess buttermilk. Then, coat each slice well in the flour mix. Make sure every piece gets flour. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Soaking the onions is very important. It makes the flour stick better. Soak them for 10-15 minutes in buttermilk. This step adds flavor and moisture. It also helps the coating stay on during cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you pack it too tightly, the onions won’t cook evenly. Cook in batches if needed. Each slice needs space to get hot air around it. Check for doneness halfway through cooking. Give the basket a shake to toss the onions. This ensures they brown evenly. You want them golden brown and crispy. Adjusting seasoning can take your crispy onions to the next level. Add spices like smoked paprika or more garlic powder for extra flavor. You can also try adding a bit of cheese to the flour mix for a unique taste. Consider using fresh herbs in the coating. Chopped parsley or chives can add a fresh kick. Play around and find what you love best. The goal is to make these onions your own! Pro Tips Slice Evenly: Ensure that the onion slices are cut to a uniform thickness for even cooking and crispiness. Soaking Time: Allowing the onions to soak in buttermilk for 10-15 minutes helps the flour adhere better, resulting in a crunchier texture. Don’t Overcrowd: When air frying, make sure to arrange the onions in a single layer to allow for proper circulation of hot air, ensuring they become crispy. Shake for Even Cooking: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning and prevent any slices from steaming. {{image_2}} You can easily make this recipe vegan. Just swap the buttermilk for plant-based milk. Almond, soy, or oat milk work great. This small change keeps your crispy onions tasty and plant-friendly. Want to mix things up? You can add different spices to the flour mix. Smoked paprika gives a nice, smoky flavor. For a cheesy touch, try adding grated vegan cheese or spices like dill or thyme. These will bring a new twist to your crispy onions. Crispy onions are super versatile. You can use them as a topping for burgers or salads. They also add crunch to soups or casseroles. If you want a quick snack, just enjoy them on their own! They pair well with dips like ranch or spicy mayo. To keep your crispy onions fresh, store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps out moisture and helps them stay crunchy. Glass or plastic containers work well for this. You can also use a zip-top bag, but make sure to squeeze out the air. If you want to enjoy crispy onions later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent clumping. When you're ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring back their crunch. Crispy onions can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage. If they become soft or have an off smell, it’s best to discard them. Proper storage helps keep them tasty and safe to eat. To make air fryer crispy onions, follow these key steps: 1. Slice Onions: Thinly cut two large onions into rings. 2. Prepare Coating: In a bowl, mix one cup of flour, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, cayenne (if desired), salt, and pepper. 3. Soak Onions: Submerge sliced onions in one cup of buttermilk for 10-15 minutes. 4. Coat Onions: Remove onions from buttermilk, let excess drip, and dredge in the flour mix. 5. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). 6. Cook Onions: Mist the basket with oil, place onions in a single layer, and air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway. 7. Cool and Serve: Remove onions and cool on paper towels before serving. These steps will help you achieve golden, crispy onions that are great as a topping or snack. Skipping the soaking step is not recommended. Soaking onions in buttermilk helps the flour stick better. Without this step, the coating may not adhere as well. This can lead to less crispiness and flavor in your final dish. Soaking allows the spices to soak into the onions, making them taste better and crunchier. You can use alternative soaking liquids if you want to skip buttermilk. Try these options: - Plant-Based Milk: Almond milk or soy milk works well for a vegan option. - Water with Vinegar: Mix water with a splash of vinegar for a tangy soak. - Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth can add a nice flavor too. These alternatives provide moisture to help the flour stick and keep the onions tasty. Crispy onions are easy to make in your air fryer. We covered the key steps: preparing and soaking the onions, coating them well, and air frying to perfection. I shared tips to ensure crispiness and ways to add your favorite flavors. Whether you want vegan options or storage advice, this guide has you covered. Enjoy your crispy onions as a tasty addition to many dishes. With these tips, you can make delicious crispy onions at home!

Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Deliciously crispy onions made in an air fryer, perfect as a topping or snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option)
  • as needed cooking spray or olive oil for misting

Instructions
 

  • Begin by slicing the onions into thin rings, ensuring they are as even as possible for consistent cooking.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.
  • In another bowl, pour the buttermilk. Submerge the sliced onions into the buttermilk and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the flour mixture adhere to the onions.
  • After soaking, remove the onion slices and let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each onion slice in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Shake off any excess flour and place them on a plate.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Once preheated, lightly mist the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil. Arrange the coated onion slices in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Air fry the onion slices for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should turn a beautiful golden brown and become crispy.
  • After cooking, carefully remove the crispy onions from the air fryer and let them cool on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
  • Repeat the process with any remaining onion slices.

Notes

Serve as a topping for burgers, salads, or soups, or enjoy as a crunchy snack.
Keyword air fryer, crispy onions, snack