Air Fryer Onions

My air fryer onions reach caramelized perfection in minutes. I love being able to whip up rich, golden brown onions without being stuck at the stove!

My Easy Way to Make Air Fried Onions

I was craving sauteed onions one night when my husband Ben was making burgers for dinner, but I didn’t feel like babysitting onions in a pan on the stove top. I decided to try making air fryer onions just to see how they’d turn out!

I wanted the onion slices to get that amazing golden brown color while softening and caramelizing just a little. The trick with sautéing is always getting the right amount of oil, but since the air fryer generally requires less oil, I started with a tablespoon.

I almost couldn’t believe it when the onions turned out perfectly sauteed! It was so much easier than making them in a pan. The kids were super grossed out when they saw how many onions my husband and I were putting on our burgers, but we just couldn’t get enough!

And, if you love good air fryer onion recipes, try my recipes for air fryer onion rings, air fryer blooming onion, air fryer frozen onion rings, and air fryer potatoes and onions.

Air Fry onions Ingredients

• Raw onions – I usually use large yellow onions for their mild flavor, but any kind of large onion will work!
• Oil – I like olive oil best for its flavor. This is what helps the onions saute in the air fryer.
• Salt – This enhances the natural flavor of the onions and helps them break down and caramelize.

How to Make Onions in the Air Fryer

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F.

STEP TWO: In a large bowl, toss the sliced onions with the olive oil and salt until they’re well coated.

STEP THREE: Air fry them for 5 minutes, turning them in the air fryer halfway through the cooking time. They’re done when they’re golden brown and caramelized.

Tips For the Best Air Fryer Onions

• I like to use raw Vidalia onions, but I’ve tried all kinds of sweet onions, white onions, and red onions and they all turned out amazing.
• I toss the onions with the oil and salt really well! The onion slices need to be coated in order to saute properly.
• Larger onions are much easier to cut, so I always opt for bigger onions at the store. I think it’s much easier to cut them into evenly sized slices.
• I spread the onion slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket to help them cook evenly.
• To make sure all the onions get that amazing golden brown color, I stir the onions in the air fryer about halfway through the cook time.

Air Fried Onions Variations and Substitutions

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika to give the onions a subtle smoky flavor. This works well when serving the onions with grilled meats.
• Use red onions for a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color. This is my favorite to add to salads or even soups.
• I like to add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar after cooking for a tangy finish. I do this right before serving.
• If I want them nice and crispy, I air fry the onions a few extra minutes.
• I throw some sliced mushrooms with the onions in the air fryer for a hearty side. This mix works great with steak dinners!
• To really dial up the caramelization, I’ll add a sprinkle of brown sugar when tossing with the oil and salt. A little goes a long way! 

Ways to Use Air Fry Onions

I absolutely love sauteed onions over red meat, so I always make air fryer onions to go on top of air fryer sirloin steak, air fryer ribeye steak, or air fryer burgers!

My husband also loves it when I make sauteed onions in the air fryer to go over air fryer Italian sausage, breaded chicken cutlets, or chopped salads!

Air Fryer Onions FAQs

How long to cook onions in the air fryer

I like to slice my onions pretty thinly, so air frying them for 12-15 minutes at 300 degrees F always gives me perfectly sauteed onions. If I’m in the mood for softer, more caramelized onions, I’ll extend the cooking time by a few minutes.

Seasoning ideas for air fryer onions

While salt is my staple, I love playing with other seasonings on my air fryer onions depending on the flavors of my main dish. Garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning are always great additions. For a spicy kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper works wonders!

How to store leftovers

I let my leftover onions fully cool and then store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They’ll also stay fresh in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months!

More Easy Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes

• Air fryer baked potato
• Air fryer cauliflower
• Air fryer squash
• Air fryer asparagus
• Air fryer sweet potato