Air Fryer Caramelized Onions

Air Fryer Caramelized Onions –I know what you’re thinking. Why make caramelized onions in the air fryer when you can easily make them in a skillet? Well, the truth is the air fryer saute onions come out so much better and take less time! So good!

I can’t believe how much time I save cooking with my air fryer. It is so great not having to heat up the oven or even the stove anymore, and once you get used to using your air fryer, you will find that it’s truth earth-shattering!

If you have only used your air fryer for making Frozen French Fries, you have been missing out. Today’s recipe for sautéing onions will open all sorts of possibilities for using your air fryer!

And nothing is better for slow-roasting vegetables than the air fryer!

Oh, so good, fast, and absolutely foolproof!

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes, some of my favorites are INSTANT POT VORTEX PLUS BROCCOLI PARMESAN, AIR FRYER BEETS, AIR FRYER SPAGHETTI SQUASH, and AIR FRYER HASSELBACK BACON AND BLEU CHEESE POTATOES.

Can I caramelize onions in an air fryer?

Yes, you can definitely air fry onions! Air frying onions is a fantastic way to achieve caramelized and flavorful results with minimal effort. Here’s how you can air fry onions:

Caramelized Onions Air Fryer

Sautéing onions is a crucial component of many dishes. Let’s say you’re making some chicken sandwich but no onion.

That would be pretty sad! But it doesn’t have to be that way because now you can sauté onions in your air fryer!

How To Make Air Fryer Caramelized Onions

Here are the step by step directions for Caramelizing Onions in air fryer:

Peel and slice the onion and put it in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil and mix until all onions pieces are coated with oil. 

Note: When coating the onion, separate the different layers of each slice, so all pieces are well coated with oil.

Add the salt, and garlic powder. Mix until the spices are evenly spread. Transfer to your air fryer and cook at 330 degrees F, air fryer setting, set cook time for 20 to 25 minutes, mixing every 5 minutes or until the onion of softened and slightly golden.

Note: Mixing every 5 minutes helps the onion to cook more evenly. Depending on the Air Fryer you used, make sure to look every 5 minutes, stirring each time.

Pro Tips For Air Fryer Caramelized Onions Recipe

• Choose the Right Onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui onions are ideal for caramelizing due to their higher sugar content, which helps achieve a rich, sweet flavor.
• Slice Evenly: Slice the onions evenly and not too thinly to ensure they cook uniformly and don’t burn easily. Aim for about 1/4-inch thick slices.
• Use a Light Coating of Oil: Toss the onions with a small amount of oil to help them brown and caramelize. Too much oil can make them greasy, while too little can cause them to dry out.
• Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each onion slice gets adequate exposure to the hot air. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Stir Frequently: Stir the onions every 5-7 minutes to promote even caramelization and prevent burning. This helps achieve a consistent golden-brown color.
• Add a Pinch of Sugar (Optional): If you want to speed up the caramelization process, add a small pinch of sugar to the onions. This can enhance their sweetness and help them brown more quickly.
• Season at the End: Season the caramelized onions with salt and pepper or other spices after they’ve finished cooking to prevent them from releasing too much moisture during the cooking process.
• Deglaze if Needed: If you notice any sticking or burnt bits on the air fryer basket, deglaze with a small amount of water, broth, or vinegar to incorporate those flavorful bits back into the onions.
• Use for Multiple Dishes: Caramelized onions are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, salads, or as a topping for steaks and chops.

Air Fryer Caramelized Onions Recipe Faqs

Can I use any type of onion for caramelizing in the air fryer? Yes, you can use any type of onion, but sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui onions are preferred due to their higher sugar content, which helps achieve a richer, sweeter flavor.

How long does it take to caramelize onions in the air fryer? Typically, it takes about 20-30 minutes to caramelize onions in the air fryer, depending on the thickness of the slices and the air fryer model. Stirring every 5-7 minutes helps ensure even cooking.

Do I need to use oil for caramelizing onions in the air fryer? Yes, using a small amount of oil helps the onions brown and caramelize. Too much oil can make them greasy, while too little can cause them to dry out.

What temperature should I use for caramelizing onions in the air fryer? Start at a lower temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) to soften the onions, then increase to 350°F (175°C) to finish caramelizing. Adjust based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the onion slices.

Can I add sugar to the onions to speed up caramelization? Yes, adding a small pinch of sugar can enhance the sweetness and help the onions brown more quickly. This step is optional but can be helpful if you’re short on time.

How often should I stir the onions while they cook? Stir the onions every 5-7 minutes to promote even caramelization and prevent burning. This helps achieve a consistent golden-brown color.

Can I cook a large batch of onions at once? It’s best to cook the onions in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in smaller batches to ensure each slice gets adequate exposure to the hot air.

How should I store leftover caramelized onions? Store leftover caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

How do I reheat caramelized onions? Reheat caramelized onions in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through, or in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop.

What dishes can I use caramelized onions in? Caramelized onions are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, salads, soups, or as a topping for steaks, chops, and roasted vegetables

More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes:

• AIR FRYER BEETS
• AIR FRYER SPAGHETTI SQUASH
• INSTANT POT VORTEX PLUS BROCCOLI PARMESAN
• AIR FRYER HASSELBACK BACON AND BLEU CHEESE POTATOES
• AIR FRYER ROASTED CARROTS