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–+ servings
image of a realistic top down mise en place shot showing the fresh ingredients for air fryer crispy onions

Air Fryer Crispy Onions

Homemade crispy onions made in the air fryer offer a clean, fresh, and crunchier alternative to canned fried onions. Perfect for topping burgers, salads, casseroles, and more with deep umami flavor and less guilt.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish, Topping
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large yellow onions or sweet onions (like Vidalia or Walla Walla)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Oil spray (avocado or olive oil)

Equipment

  • Air Fryer,
  • mandoline slicer (optional)
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Peel and slice the onions very thinly, using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. Aim for paper-thin slices to ensure proper crisping.
  2. Place the sliced onions in a shallow dish and cover with buttermilk. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes to tenderize and help the coating adhere.
  3. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix the flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
  4. Remove onions from the buttermilk, shaking off excess, and toss them in the flour mixture until fully coated. Separate the rings to ensure even coating.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil.
  6. Place the coated onions in the basket in small batches. Avoid overcrowding. Spray the tops generously with oil.
  7. Air fry for 10–15 minutes, shaking or flipping every 3–4 minutes, until the onions are deep golden brown and crispy.
  8. Transfer the cooked onions immediately to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Let cool to crisp up further.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 320mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a non-dairy alternative like unsweetened almond milk mixed with a splash of vinegar.
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