Fried Onions - 4 Ways!
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 50 kcal
Fried onions are a versatile ingredient that can be stored for later use. Learn how to make air fryer fried onions or make them on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave. Each method has its pros and cons.
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee (more for deep frying)
- 1 large onion or enough for 2 cups sliced [See Note 1]
- salt to taste (optional)
- pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Use a mandoline or a sharp serrated knife to cut the onions into thin slices. Separate the onion pieces and rub them all over with oil (and salt and pepper, if using).
♨️ Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Add 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket.
- Add onions to the air fryer basket and spread them out evenly. Don't overcrowd the basket. If needed, work in batches.
- Air fry the onions for 10 minutes, stirring them up after 5-minutes.
- Lower the temperature to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) and air fry for another 8 to 10 minutes, stirring them every 2 minutes.
- The onions are done when they're golden brown.
- Transfer the onions to a paper towel-lined tray and let them cool completely.
🔥 Oven
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
- Transfer onions to a large baking sheet and spread them out evenly.
- Cook the onions for 30 minutes, stirring them after 15 minutes.
- If the onions are not brown enough, increase the temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and bake for another 5 to 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
- Once the onions are golden brown, take them out and let them rest for 15 minutes.
- Transfer the onions to a paper towel-lined tray and let them cool completely.
🕑 Microwave
- Place one cup of onions in a microwave-safe dish that's big enough for the onions to be spread out.
- Microwave on full power for 5 minutes.
- Stir up the onions and microwave in 2-minute intervals for another 3 to 7 minutes. [See Note 2]
- Transfer the onions to a paper towel-lined tray and let them cool completely.
🥘 Stovetop
- In a frying pan, heat half a cup of oil over medium-high heat until warm but not hot. Don't overheat!
- Add the onions to the frying pan.
- Fry the onions until they start getting a golden color, stirring frequently. This can take up to 20 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and fry onions until they're golden brown, stirring constantly. Make sure they don't over-brown or they will be bitter. They can go from golden to dark brown very quickly!
- Transfer the onions to a paper towel-lined tray and let them cool completely.
Notes
Note 1: I prefer to use yellow onions because I find them more visually appealing when fried. You can use red onions, sweet onions, or shallots. Cut the onions into thin, even slices to ensure they're evenly cooked.
Note 2: It takes me 5 minutes + 3 minutes for 1 cup of sliced onions to become crisp in the microwave. Please note that your microwave could be less or more powerful than mine, so adjust the time accordingly.
- Nutritional information is for the air fryer version of the recipe.
- Don't overcrowd the onions, whichever method you use.
- Allow the onions to cool completely. This keeps them crispy.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 teaspoon | Calories: 50 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 4 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g | Sugar: 3 g
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