Air-Fried Extra Crispy Fried Onion Strings Snack – light, golden, and irresistibly crunchy with bold onion flavor, all without the extra oil!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Much healthier than traditional deep-fried onions
- Uses minimal oil—just enough for that satisfying crunch
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Easy to make with just one main ingredient
- Adds flavor and texture to almost any savory dish
Ingredients
- 1 large onion (yellow or red)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
Directions
- Peel and slice the onion into thin rings, about 3mm thick. Use a mandoline if you want extra-even slices.
- Separate the slices into individual rings and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the oil over the onions and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even crisping.
- Air fry at 300°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Lower the temperature to 240°F (115°C) and continue air frying for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
- Once golden and crisp, remove and allow to cool slightly—they’ll crisp up more as they rest.
Servings And Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–28 minutes
Total Time: 35–38 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 100 kcal
Variations
- Seasoned: Toss onions with paprika, garlic powder, or chili flakes before air frying.
- Panko-crusted: Lightly coat onions in panko breadcrumbs for added crunch (may require an egg wash).
- Sweet and spicy: Add a drizzle of honey and a pinch of cayenne before air frying.
- Balsamic glaze: Toss with a tiny splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
- Onion mix: Combine white and red onions for visual and flavor variety.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep cooled onion strings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Recrisp in the air fryer at 250°F for 3–4 minutes if they soften.
Freezing: Not recommended—texture will be compromised after thawing.
FAQs
Can I Use Any Type Of Onion?
Yes, yellow onions are classic, but red onions or sweet onions work well too for a different flavor.
Do I Need To Soak The Onions First?
No soaking needed for this recipe—just slice, oil, and air fry.
How Thin Should I Slice The Onions?
Aim for about 3mm thick slices. Too thick and they won’t crisp properly; too thin and they may burn.
Can I Use Olive Oil?
Yes, but choose a light olive oil with a high smoke point. Avoid extra virgin for best results.
Why Are My Onion Strings Not Crispy?
They may be too thick, not spread out evenly, or the temperature was too high or low. Air fry in small batches for the best results.
Can I Add These To Soups And Stews?
Yes! They make a fantastic topping for creamy soups, stews, and even biryani.
Are These Gluten-Free?
Yes, this version is naturally gluten-free as there’s no breading or flour.
What Can I Serve These With?
Perfect on burgers, salads, casseroles, mashed potatoes, or even tacos.
How Do I Keep Them Crispy After Cooking?
Let them cool completely before storing and keep them in a dry, airtight container.
Can I Make These In The Oven?
Yes, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 30–35 minutes, flipping occasionally until crisp.
Conclusion
Air-Fried Crispy Fried Onion Strings bring the perfect balance of lightness and crunch without the excess oil of traditional frying. Whether used as a topping or snack, their flavor and texture elevate any dish. Quick, easy, and healthier—this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
More Crispy and Flavor-Packed Recipes to Explore
- Pair your onion strings with a tangy twist like Crispy Pickle Corn Dog—an innovative fair-style snack perfect for air fryers.
- Elevate your side dish game with Crispy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes—bold flavor and golden crunch.
- Try the Southern-inspired Crispy Amish Onion Fritters—a comforting, classic take on fried onions.
- Add variety to your snack board with Crispy Fried Cheese Bites—perfectly gooey inside with a golden crisp.
- Go even bolder with flavor using Firecracker Chicken Bites—a spicy-sweet protein that pairs beautifully with onions.
Air-Fried Crispy Fried Onion Strings
- Total Time: 35–38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These air-fried crispy fried onion strings are the ultimate crunchy topping—light, golden, and irresistibly flavorful. A healthier take on the classic fried onions, they’re perfect for garnishing salads, burgers, casseroles, soups, or enjoying as a savory snack on their own.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion (yellow or red)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Peel and slice the onion into thin rings, about 3mm thick. Use a mandolin for even slicing if available.
- Separate the onion slices into individual rings and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with oil and toss well to coat.
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through.
- Reduce the temperature to 240°F (115°C) and continue to air fry for another 15–18 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes, until the onions are golden and crispy.
- Let them cool slightly after removing from the air fryer—they’ll crisp up even more as they sit.
Notes
- Use a mandolin for uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
- Great as a topping or standalone snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–28 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air-Fried
- Cuisine: American