Air Fryer Crispy Onions
If you’ve ever craved crispy, golden onion rings or a crunchy topping for your dishes but wanted a healthier version, this Air Fryer Crispy Onions recipe is your new go-to. These crispy onions are perfectly seasoned, super crunchy, and made with a fraction of the oil you’d typically use for frying. Whether you’re topping your salads, soups, casseroles, or just snacking on them, they’re sure to add that delightful crunch and flavor without the guilt. And let me tell you, the air fryer is an absolute game-changer here—no grease, just crispy goodness in minutes.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Crispy Onions
This recipe isn’t just about making crispy onions—it’s about making a snack or topping that’s light, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Here’s why it’s a winner:
Versatile: These crispy onions are perfect as a snack, a salad topping, or a garnish for your favorite dishes.
Budget-Friendly: Onions are inexpensive, and using the air fryer means you’re saving on oil and calories.
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you’ll have crispy, golden onions without the mess of deep frying.
Customizable: Season them however you like! You can add garlic powder, cayenne, or even Parmesan for a unique twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: These crispy onions are a hit at any gathering, and they’ll disappear off the plate in no time.
Ingredients in Air Fryer Crispy Onions
Here’s what you need to make these irresistible crispy onions:
Onions: The main ingredient! Yellow or white onions work best for that sweet, savory flavor, but red onions can add a fun pop of color.
Flour: Helps create that crispy, golden coating. You can use regular all-purpose flour or try whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier option.
Cornstarch: The secret to extra crispiness! A little cornstarch helps create a light, airy crunch.
Egg: Binds the flour and cornstarch to the onions, giving them that perfect coating.
Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder (or other seasonings) gives the onions great flavor.
Breadcrumbs (Optional): For extra crunch, coat the onions in breadcrumbs before air frying.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make these crispy onions:
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by slicing your onions into thin rings. You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin for even slices.
Create the Coating: In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you’re using. In another bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
Coat the Onions: Dip each onion ring first into the egg, then coat it with the flour mixture. If you want extra crunch, you can dip it into breadcrumbs after the flour coating.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the onions cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
Air Fry the Onions: Place the coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the onions are golden and crispy.
Finishing Touches: Once they’re crispy and golden, remove the onions from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
Serve and Enjoy: These crispy onions are perfect for snacking, or as a topping for burgers, salads, soups, and more. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 120
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Air Fryer Crispy Onions
These crispy onions are perfect as a side dish or topping. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- As a topping for burgers or sandwiches to add a satisfying crunch.
- As a garnish for soups or salads, adding a crispy texture and savory flavor.
- On their own as a snack, served with a side of dipping sauce like ranch or spicy ketchup.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make your Air Fryer Crispy Onions even better:
- For even crispier onions, spray them lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space between the onions for the hot air to circulate and crisp them up.
- You can experiment with different seasonings to match your taste. Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne for a little kick!
- If you like your onions extra crispy, you can air fry them a few extra minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use other types of onions?
Yes, you can use red onions for a slightly sweeter taste, or white onions for a milder flavor.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
These crispy onions are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two and reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
3. Do I need breadcrumbs for extra crunch?
No, breadcrumbs are optional. The flour and cornstarch coating already gives a good crunch, but breadcrumbs add an extra layer of texture if desired.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free as well.
5. Can I freeze these crispy onions?
Yes, you can freeze the coated onion rings before cooking. When ready to eat, air fry them directly from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two of cooking time.
6. Can I use a different air fryer temperature?
375°F is ideal for crispy onions, but you can adjust the temperature within 25°F if you prefer a slower cook or want to adjust based on your air fryer model.
7. How do I make the coating extra flavorful?
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as paprika, cumin, or onion powder for an extra flavor boost.
8. How do I avoid soggy onions?
Make sure the onions are fully coated in the flour mixture and that you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows the air to circulate and ensures they cook evenly.
9. Can I use frozen onions for this recipe?
Fresh onions work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen onions if needed. Just make sure they are fully thawed and drained before coating them.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe, but you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Crispy Onions are the perfect blend of crispy, savory goodness, and they’re incredibly easy to make. With a little seasoning, a quick dip in the air fryer, and a touch of creativity, you’ll have a crunchy, satisfying snack or topping in no time. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snacking on them, or using them to enhance your favorite meals, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Print
Air Fryer Crispy Onions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fryer Crispy Onions are a healthier alternative to deep-fried onions, offering the same crunchy texture with less oil. They are perfect as a topping for salads, casseroles, or as a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Soak the onion slices in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes to soften and coat them.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each soaked onion ring into the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
- Place the coated onions in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Spray the onions with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can add more breadcrumbs or use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier version, sprinkle some cayenne pepper in the flour mixture.
- These crispy onions can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days but are best eaten fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: air fryer crispy onions, onion rings, healthy onion snack, air fryer vegetables, crispy onion topping