I love the flavor of caramelized onions, from French onion soup to burgers and more. What I don’t love, however, is standing over a stove stirring them for nearly an hour to get that real caramelized look. So, now I make air fryer caramelized onions instead!
Can I Caramelize Onions in an Air Fryer?
You can caramelize onions in the air fryer in that they will be browned, with a caramelization of the natural sugar in the onion. Will it still require some work? Of course. However, I find it’s less tending when compared to the stovetop, which I’m all about!
However, they are not quite the same as a stovetop version. The onions won’t get “mushy” when cooked in the air fryer. Rather, they’re still browned, but more firm. I equate them to a more “leathery” texture, though they’re not tough per se.
Of course, if you really overcook them or raise the temperature up, then you’ll get super crispy onions (which are great, but not exactly what you’re looking for in a caramelized onion).
Either way, that doesn’t mean that air fryer caramelized onions are not still delicious! It’s a great alternative when you’re short on patience or time to watch your onions on the stove.
Katie’s tip
Try cooking kielbasa in the air fryer, and then use your caramelized onions on some pierogies! You may not make “traditional” French onion soup with them, but they also go great in a microwave grilled cheese!
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Ingredients Needed
- 1 large onion (yellow or sweet Vidalia onions are best)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter or margarine, melted
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- This method will work for white onions and red onions as well as the normal yellow onions, they just simply don’t get as sweet as other onions from caramelizing. However, feel free to experiment (and you can always add a little sugar to increase sweetness)
- If you want to add sweetness, use up to 1 Tbsp of brown sugar, added in the last 5 minutes of cooking (to prevent burning the sugar)
- Feel free to add other seasonings or blends to taste as well, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning
How to Make Air Fryer Caramelized Onions
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F following manufacturer guidelines
- Peel and slice an onion into about ¼” thick slices
- Separate and toss sliced onions with 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp melted butter or margarine in a large bowl
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Place sliced onions into preheated air fryer basket
- Cook on air fry setting for approximately 20-30 minutes at 300°F, stirring every 10 minutes
- Onions are done when they are soft and browned
Softer Onion Alternative Cooking Method
If you’re looking for something softer and closer to a traditional caramelized onion from your air fryer and have more time on your hands, you can achieve it by cooking them with foil.
- Slice your onion into ¼” thick slices
- Season with 1 Tbsp oil (olive), 1 Tbsp butter (or margarine), and salt and pepper
- Place the onions in an oven-safe dish or ramekins that fit in your air fryer basket
- Top dish with foil. Make sure to secure the foil around the container so it doesn’t blow open
- Air fry in a preheated air fryer at 300°F for an hour (no need to stir, just let it cook)
- Remove the foil and cook the onions for an additional 15 to 20 minutes at 300°F, stopping to stir every 5 minutes, until browned
The onions will basically steam and get soft in the foil-wrapped container, and then the final cooking steps will brown them up. The result is a softer (though still not “mushy”) caramelized onion.
I personally don’t think the time here is worth it over the traditional stovetop method. However, because it’s so low on effort once you set it to cook, it may be worthwhile for you.
Usually, I just do the shorter method seen in the recipe card below so I can get dinner done quicker!
What to Use Caramelized Onions In?
Breakfast & Brunch
- Omelettes & Scrambles – Fold them into eggs with cheese and herbs
- Avocado Toast – Spread them over toast with mashed avocado for extra flavor. Check out my Air Fryer Avocado Toast for an easy recipe!
- Breakfast Sandwiches – Add them to egg and cheese sandwiches for a gourmet touch
- Salads – Caramelized onions pair well with greens, dried fruit, goat cheese or feta, candied nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette!
Appetizers & Snacks
- Bruschetta & Crostini – Serve on toasted bread with goat cheese or ricotta
- Dips & Spreads – Mix into sour cream, cream cheese, or hummus for a flavorful dip
- Flatbreads & Pizzas – Pair with feta, blue cheese, or mushrooms on a crispy crust
Main Dishes
- Burgers & Sandwiches – Elevate cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, or paninis. Try my Air Fryer Frozen Hamburgers for a quick option!
- Pasta & Risotto – Stir into creamy pasta sauces or risotto for extra depth
- Grilled Meats – Serve alongside steak, chicken, or pork chops!
- Bowls – Serve as a topping for rice or potato-based bowls, with your protein of choice and other roasted vegetables!
- Tacos – Caramelized onions can be a delicious taco topping, alongside roasted meats, crumbled cheese, and a tangy hot sauce
Side Dishes
- Mashed Potatoes – Fold them into mashed potatoes for a rich, savory twist.
- Roasted Vegetables – Toss with Brussels sprouts, green beans, or mushrooms. I often substitute them for the shallows in my Microwave Brussels Sprouts recipe!
- Mac & Cheese – Stir into homemade mac and cheese for extra indulgence.
Soups & Stews
- French Onion Soup – The classic dish where caramelized onions shine (though the texture is definitely different with air fryer caramelized onions being used)
- Beef Stew – Adds depth and sweetness to hearty stews
Recipe FAQs
Are Caramelized Onions Sweet?
Yes, caramelized onions develop a natural sweetness as they cook. The slow-cooking process breaks down the natural sugars in the onions, resulting in a deep, rich, and slightly sweet flavor.
Unlike raw onions, which can be sharp and pungent, caramelized onions have a mellow, sticky consistency with a savory-sweet balance that enhances a variety of dishes.
How Do You Make Crispy Onions In The Air Fryer?
To make crispy onions in the air fryer instead, thinly slice your onion. Toss them in oil and seasonings as desired. Spread them in a thin, even layer in your air fryer.
Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes. Make sure to watch closely near the end to prevent burning. Cool on a paper towel to crisp further and enjoy.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Air Fryer Caramelized Onions
- My Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer took 25 minutes in total to get the onions to the caramelized state seen here. However, times will vary slightly based on the brand and power of your air fryer, so adjust as needed
- Make sure to cook in smaller time increments near the end, and check more frequently to prevent overcooking (you don’t want them charred)
- The reason I use a lower temperature of 300°F here is to keep the temperature below the smoke point of butter (around 302°F). This allows you to cook the onions without burning them!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store caramelized onions in an airtight container or a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them cool completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation
- For longer term storage, freeze them in an ice cube tray or small portions in a freezer-safe bag. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a sealed container or bag and store for up to 3 months!
- To reheat caramelized onions, warm in a pan on the stove, microwave for about 30 seconds on high, or heat in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 300°F. In all cases, time needed will vary by quantity being heated so adjust as needed
Final Thoughts
While it’s not exactly the same as sautéed onions, making air fryer caramelized onions is easy and requires a lot less tending. It’s not going to be the same as an hour of attentive cooking will get you, but these air-fried onions are still delicious nonetheless!
These sauteed style caramelized onions in the air fryer are great for pasta dishes, sauces, soups, grilled cheese, burgers, hot dogs, and more.
Katie’s tip
If you love onions, make sure to check out my easy vinegar cucumber onion salad recipe too!
Air Fryer Caramelized Onions (Sliced Onions)
Equipment
- Paring knife (or similar)
Ingredients
- 1 large onion (yellow or sweet variety preferred)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter or margarine
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F following manufacturer guidelines
- Peel and slice an onion into about ¼” thick slices using a paring knife or similar on a cutting board1 large onion
- Toss sliced onions with 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp melted butter or margarine, then season with salt and pepper to taste1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp butter or margarine, Salt & pepper
- Place sliced onions into preheated air fryer basket, without overcrowding too much (a packed single layer is ideal)
- Cook on air fry setting for approximately 20-30 minutes at 300°F, stirring every 10 minutes. Add additional cooking time in 5-minute increments as needed
- Onions are done when they are soft and browned looking
Notes
- While yellow or sweet (like Vidalia) onions are best for this, you can also use red onions with relative success
- One large onion generally makes between ¼ and ⅓ cup caramelized onions
- Salt and pepper is optional but recommended for flavoring. If you use salted butter, make sure to reduce the amount of other salt added
- If you have an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer basket, feel free to use that to hold the onions. It makes stirring and cleanup easier, and prevents onions from falling through the grate as they shrink from losing moisture (though may increase cooking time slightly as it will cut down air flow)
- Nutrition facts will vary based on the variety and size of onions used, as well as brands and flavors of other ingredients. Please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
