Sautéed onions are sweet, soft, and full of flavor. Usually, they’re cooked in a pan on the stove, but with an air fryer, you can get the same golden results with less oil and no stirring over the heat.
These onions can be used in so many ways: add them to burgers, steaks, sandwiches, hot dogs, pizzas, or even salads. You can cook them lightly for soft and tender onions, or longer for caramelized onions with a deep, sweet flavor.
The air fryer makes them easy — just slice the onions, season with oil and salt, then air fry until they’re soft and golden.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions (yellow, white, or red)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter, melted)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Onions: Peel onions and cut into thin slices or rings.
- Season: Place onions in a bowl. Add oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Air Fry: Place onions in the air fryer basket. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes. Shake basket or stir halfway through to cook evenly.
- Check Texture: For softer sautéed onions, cook for less time. For caramelized onions, cook a little longer until golden and slightly browned.
- Serve: Use immediately as a topping or side dish.
Tips & Tricks
- Add a pinch of sugar or balsamic vinegar before cooking for sweeter, caramelized onions.
- Slice onions evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — cook in batches if needed.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and how caramelized you like your onions.
- Works well with any onion variety — red onions give a sweeter flavor, yellow onions are classic, and white onions are milder.
Air Fryer Sautéed Onions
Description:
Soft, golden sautéed onions made in the air fryer. Perfect for burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, pizzas, and more.
Duration:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: 15–20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Slice onions and place in bowl.
- Toss with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Cook shorter for soft onions, longer for caramelized.
- Serve warm.
