I'm so happy to share the secret to my crispy and perfectly caramelized onions that I use to top everything from Biryani to veggie burgers, casseroles, soups, salads, and wraps. Using the Air Fryer makes crispy onions so concentrated in flavor and natural sweetness that they are addictive! With a fraction of the oil and in a fraction of the time, these air-fried onions are a staple in our house.
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Golden fried onions, also known as Birista, are a flavor powerhouse in Indian cooking, used in biryanis, pulao, and curries. When making curry pastes for recipes like Shahi Chicken Korma or Mom's Chicken Curry, I simply blend the golden onions with ginger, garlic, and spices. There's no need to cook them again. Their natural sweetness and depth transform the masala into a smooth, creamy base with unmatched flavor. I also love to top pulao or jeera rice with these onions for that extra layer of texture and taste.
Traditionally, onions are deep-fried until golden and crisp, but since I try to avoid deep frying at home, I started air frying them instead in homemade ghee. And honestly, I haven't looked back! I like using yellow onions in this recipe, but you can use any onion variety you love. Just give them a quick stir every 5 minutes for even cooking; they're so easy and so good!
Air-fried onions are one of my favorite meal prep staples as they are easy to make ahead and can be stored in the fridge or freezer. I love making a variety of Instant Pot Biryani recipes for weeknight meals, and these onions have become a huge time saver for me.
I used to caramelize onions in the Instant Pot using the sauté function, which sometimes browned the bottom of the pot. Then, if the pot isn't deglazed properly, it can trigger the "BURN" warning. Now, I air fry the onions ahead of time as it's quicker, easier, and avoids that issue altogether.
Tips To Make Crispy Onions
Here are a few tips to make perfectly golden and crispy fried onions:
- Slice the onion thinly and evenly, using a sharp chef's knife or a mandolin
- No overcrowding the basket - I have tested this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 QT Air fryer, which fits 1 large onion or about 2 cups of thinly sliced onions without overcrowding the basket
- Mix and spread the onions every five minutes so they cook evenly
- Every airfryer works differently, so make sure to watch the onions closely during the last 5 minutes and add or reduce the air frying time as needed
How To Make Crispy Fried Onions
Storing
Refrigerate in an air-tight container for 4 to 5 days. You can also freeze them in an airtight container or freezer zip lock bags for up to 3 months.
★ Tried this recipe? I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and let me know, or snap a quick pic and upload it-I love seeing your creations. If you're on Instagram, tag @ministry_of_curry so I can check it out. Your feedback means so much to me and makes all the time I spend perfecting each recipe totally worth it. Thank you!
Recipe
Air fried onions | Birista
Equipment
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion about 2 cups sliced
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 400℉ for 5 minutes
- Thinly slice the onion using a sharp chefs knife or mandolin
- Place the sliced onions in a bowl and add ghee. Mix well using a silicone spatula
- Add the onions to the air fryer basket spreading them evenly
- Air fry at 320℉ 20 minutes. Mix and spread them evenly every 5 minutes
Notes
- I have tested this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 QT Air fryer which fits 1 large onion or about 2 cups of thinly sliced onions without overcrowding the basket
- Remember to mix and spread the onions every five minutes so they cook evenly
- Every airfryer works differently so make sure to watch the onions closely during the last 5 minutes and add or reduce the air frying time as needed
Nutan says
Most easiest and healthier recipe for crispy onions.
Archana says
Thank you!
Izzah says
Tried this method and loved it. So hands off. Thank you for sharing, Archana!
Archana says
Yay!Thank you Izzah!
Rune says
Hi. Can I use Coconut oil instead of Ghee? Thx.
Archana Mundhe says
yes! coconut oil works too
Suresh says
If I want to make a large quantity, can I do this in a regular oven? Has anyone tried that and been successful?
Archana Mundhe says
Yes you can do that! Spread evenly and keep mixing and spreading every few mins just like air fryer.
Elle says
Do you line the airfryer with parchment paper or place the onions directly in the basket?
Archana Mundhe says
Hi Elle, I place them directly in the basket.
Zahra says
Will red onions work equally well with olive or avocado oil? Thank you!
Archana Mundhe says
Yes red onions will work. I recommend avocado oil for high heat cooking.
Sarah says
Worked beautifully! 3 lb onions ended up being 2 batches in the breville oven. Used 350-375F temp and tossed every 5 minutes. Took about 35-40 min to get good dark golden crispy, but worth it. Used in a lentil mujadarra recipe. Will use again in biryani.
Archana Mundhe says
Hi Sarah, thank you for the lovely feedback!
Pam Sands says
Thanks for your feedback, very useful as I have a breville oven.