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Chef Ava

Air Fried Crispy Onions

These air fried crispy onions are light, golden, shatteringly crunchy, and deeply flavorful. Paper-thin onion strands are tossed with a little oil and cornstarch, then air fried in two temperature stages until perfectly crisp. Ready in just 27 minutes with almost no oil, they're the perfect topping for burgers, casseroles, salads, soups, baked potatoes, and more.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Topping
Cuisine: American
Calories: 60
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced (about 1 lb)
  • 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch or rice flour
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • large mixing bowl
  • mandoline slicer Recommended for consistently thin slices.
  • paper towels
  • baking sheet For cooling the crispy onions.

Method
 

  1. Peel the onions and slice paper-thin, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Separate all the slices into individual rings or strands.
  2. Place the sliced onions in a large bowl. Drizzle with the oil and toss until every piece is evenly and lightly coated.
  3. Sprinkle the cornstarch or rice flour over the oiled onions and toss again until every piece is lightly and evenly coated with no visible dry clumps of starch remaining.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F for 2 minutes.
  5. Arrange the coated onions in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 325°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket every 3 to 4 minutes for even cooking and browning.
  6. Increase the temperature to 350°F and continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket every 2 minutes, until the onions are deep golden brown and crispy throughout.
  7. Immediately transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet. Sprinkle with fine sea salt and any optional seasonings while still hot.
  8. Allow to cool for 3–5 minutes to crisp up completely before serving or storing.

Notes

Slice the onions as thinly and evenly as possible, ideally 1/8 inch or thinner. Separate every strand before coating, use only enough oil to lightly coat the onions, and shake the air fryer basket frequently. Watch closely during the final 5–7 minutes at 350°F because the onions can burn quickly. Cool completely before storing so residual steam does not soften them.