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cheeseburger topped with crispy air fryer fried onions

Air Fryer Copycat French's Fried Onions

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Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Crispy, golden air fryer copycat French's fried onions made with buttermilk-soaked onions and seasoned flour. Better than the can, ready in about 10 minutes, and no deep frying required.

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups thinly sliced yellow onions, about 2 small onions
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for finishing
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  • Slice the onions as thinly as possible, then halve or quarter the rings so you have short pieces rather than long loops. Place them in a bowl, pour the buttermilk over, and soak for about 10 minutes.
  • In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
  • Lift the onions out of the buttermilk a handful at a time, letting the excess drip off, and dredge in the seasoned flour until well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Arrange the onions in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches as needed. Spray lightly and evenly with cooking spray until no dry flour is visible.
  • Air fry at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown. Start checking at 8 minutes and re-spray any dry patches.
  • Tip onto a plate, spread into a single layer, and salt while hot. The onions crisp further as they cool.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

  • Slice thin and cut short for that classic canned fried onion look.
  • Cook in a single layer only; overlapping onions steam instead of crisping.
  • Do not skip the cooking spray, or the flour will stay pale and raw-tasting.
  • Storage: Cool completely and store airtight up to 3 days. Re-crisp at 350 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Gluten free: Use a 1:1 gluten free flour blend.
  • Dairy free: Soak in plant based milk soured with a splash of vinegar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 357mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1mg