Air Fryer Onions
Air fryer onions turn soft, sweet and golden in 15 minutes at 180°C, with no pan to watch and no stirring. Sliced brown onions are tossed with a little oil, salt and sugar, then cooked in a single layer and shaken halfway through. They make a quick topping for burgers, hot dogs, sausages and steak, or a side for roast meat.
- Total
- 28 min
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 18 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per 1 portion, about 100g
- 70kcal
Getting the texture of air fryer onions right
The texture depends on how thickly you slice them. Slices of about 5mm go soft and golden in 15 minutes, while thinner slices crisp at the edges, and wedges need a few minutes longer.
The sugar and salt help the onions soften and brown, but they are only a small pinch. Always shake the basket so the slices on top and underneath swap places.
Onions vary in water content. Fresh, firm brown onions give the sweetest result, while older ones can turn bitter at the edges, so check them a minute early. Do not add more oil than the recipe says, because too much makes the slices greasy rather than golden. A large 4 litre basket takes this quantity in one layer; in a smaller one, cook in two batches and add 15 minutes to the total time.
How to make air fryer onions
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 180°C for .
- Slice the onions Peel the onions, halve them from root to tip and slice into half-moons about 5mm thick. Keep the slices an even thickness so they cook at the same speed.
- Season Toss the onions in a bowl with the oil, salt and sugar until every slice is lightly coated.
- Air fry Spread the onions in an even layer in the basket. Cook at 180°C for , shaking the basket at 5 and , until soft and golden at the edges.
- Check the colour For a deeper, darker colour, cook for more, checking every minute. Serve warm.
What to serve with them
Pile them onto burgers, hot dogs or sausages in a bun, or spoon them over steak, mash or a baked potato with cheese. For a milder, sweeter version, try air fryer red onions, and for a richer meal, look at beef patties with caramelised onions.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Onions
- The onion edges are burnt but the middle is still firm.
- The slices were uneven or too thin. Slice them to the same 5mm thickness, and take the basket out earlier next time.
- The onions are pale and watery rather than golden.
- The basket was too full, so they steamed. Cook in two batches if they are piled more than 3cm deep.
- The onions are not as dark as hob-caramelised ones.
- In 15 minutes they turn golden and sweet. For a deeper brown, add a few more minutes and shake often, or cook them slowly in a pan for 30–40 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Onions
Are air fryer onions the same as caramelised onions?
Not exactly. They are soft, golden and sweet, but not as deep brown or jammy as onions cooked slowly in a pan.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for onions?
Preheating for 3 minutes helps the onions start browning straight away, but it is not essential.
How long do cooked onions keep?
Up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C for 2–3 minutes.
Can you use red onions?
Yes. They cook in the same time and give a milder, sweeter result.
How did you like the recipe?
4.7 / 5 · 57 ratings
