Name: Air Fryer Crispy Onions
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 large sweet onions (or any onion variety you prefer); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking spray for greasing); Special Equipment Needed:; Air fryer; Mandolin slicer or sharp knife for slicing onions; Mixing bowls

Air Fryer Crispy Onions

There’s something magical about crispy onions—whether you’re topping your burger, tossing them into a salad, or just enjoying them on their own as a snack. I first decided to try making crispy onions in the air fryer after craving that golden crunch but not wanting to deal with the mess and extra calories of deep frying. Let me tell you—this recipe has become an absolute hit in our household!

What I love most about this dish is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and the convenience of the air fryer, I can whip up a batch in no time. The onions turn out perfectly crispy, with just the right amount of seasoning. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a little indulgence, but without the guilt. Plus, my kids love them, which is a huge win for me as a busy mom. They’re not only a great addition to meals but also an easy snack that’s better than anything you’ll find in a bag.

I decided to share this recipe because I think it’s one of those gems that can fit into even the busiest schedules. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, these air fryer crispy onions are sure to please. They add a punch of flavor and texture to so many dishes—and I can’t wait for you to try them!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use regular onions instead of sweet onions?
Yes! Sweet onions do give this recipe a milder, sweeter flavor, but you can use any onion variety you prefer, including yellow or red onions.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
For best results, preheating your air fryer for a few minutes ensures the onions cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.

How do I store leftover crispy onions?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For optimal crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving again.

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the onions ahead by slicing and coating them, but it’s best to cook them fresh. They’re at their crispiest right out of the air fryer.

What do I serve these with?
These crispy onions are perfect as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, salads, or even just as a snack on their own. Get creative!

What You Need to Make Air Fryer Crispy Onions

2 large sweet onions (or any onion variety you prefer)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking spray for greasing)

Special Equipment Needed:

Air fryer

Mandolin slicer or sharp knife for slicing onions

Mixing bowls

How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Prepare the onions: Peel and slice the onions into thin rings, about 1/8-inch thick. Use a mandolin slicer if you have one for uniformity. Separate the rings and set them aside.

Prepare the coating: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir to mix well.

Coat the onions: Dip each onion ring into the beaten egg, then toss it into the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Place the coated onions onto a plate or baking sheet.

Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes.

Cook the onions: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the onions are golden brown and crispy.

Serve and enjoy: Once crispy, remove the onions from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a topping or a snack!

Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Consistency is key: Slice the onions evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. A mandolin slicer works wonders for this.

Don’t skip the egg wash: The egg helps the flour mixture stick to the onions, creating that perfect crispy coating.

Shake the basket: Give the basket a little shake halfway through cooking to ensure the onions crisp up evenly.

Spray with oil: For the crispiest onions, lightly spray the onion rings with oil before cooking. This helps them brown and crisp beautifully.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These crispy onions are a game-changer! So easy to make in the air fryer and the crunch is perfect every time. My kids ask for them with every meal!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I love how quick and easy these are to prepare! I added a little extra spice, and they turned out amazing. Will definitely make again.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great recipe! The onions were crispy and delicious, but I think I need to tweak the seasoning to my family’s taste next time.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for adding a little extra flavor to a simple meal. These are so much better than store-bought crispy onions.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were really good, but I found that they didn’t stay crispy for long after cooking. Still, they were delicious when fresh out of the air fryer!”

Printable Recipe

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