Learn how to make Quick Caramelized Onions and discover the easiest Air Fryer Caramelized Onions method too. These sweet, jammy onions elevate everything from burgers to dips—and they’re ready in a flash!
These fast-cooked onions are a staple in my kitchen for everything from Instant Pot French Onion Soup to topping my Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf Muffins. Once you try this quicker method, you'll never go back to basic sautéed onions again!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Air Fryer Caramelized Onions cook in half the time of traditional methods.
- Sweet flavor develops naturally with minimal ingredients.
- Adds deep umami and rich flavors to any dish.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Yellow Onions: The go-to for caramelizing. Their natural sugars develop the richest flavor and deepest golden color.
- Butter or Oil: Butter gives richness, while oil handles higher heat. I often use a mix for flavor and function.
- Salt: A pinch early on helps draw out moisture and jump-starts the caramelization.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- No butter? Use all olive oil or avocado oil.
- Want vegan? Stick to plant-based fats.
- Feeling fancy? Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine near the end.
- Sweet twist: A pinch of brown sugar helps speed things up and intensifies sweetness.
- Onion variety: Red onions give a fruitier finish, white onions are brighter, and sweet onions intensify the candy-like flavor.
If you love onions be sure to check out our recipes for Oven Roasted Onions With Thyme or this recipe for Crispy Pan Fried Potatoes And Onions.
🔪 How To Make This Quick Caremelized Onions Air Fryer Recipe
- Step 1: Slice onions thinly, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Place into a bowl.
- Step 2: Season the onions with spices, salt and pepper and toss with oil.
- Step 3: Place in an air fryer-safe baking dish or basket lined with foil.
- Step 4: Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 25–30 minutes, stirring every 8–10 minutes, until golden and soft.
- Step 5: Place the caramelized onions into a bowl ready to use.
- Step 6: This method is perfect when you need hands-free cooking or a smaller portion.
💡 Hint: Want to go even faster? Add a pinch of baking soda to jump-start caramelization, but watch it carefully—it accelerates quickly.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use a shallow dish or foil basket: This prevents slices from flying around in the air fryer and helps them cook down properly.
- Stir often: Stirring every 8–10 minutes is key to even caramelization—don’t skip it or you’ll get uneven browning.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Too many onions at once will steam rather than caramelize.
- Watch near the end: The last 5 minutes can go from golden to burnt quickly—check frequently for that sweet spot of color and softness.
💭 FAQs
No, onions contain natural sugars that caramelize on their own—but a little brown sugar can help speed things up.
Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in silicone ice cube trays or airtight containers. Perfect for adding to soups, stews, or quick lunches.
Sautéed onions cook quickly and stay pale; caramelized onions are slow-cooked until deeply browned and sweet.
Absolutely. Red onions give a bolder, fruitier flavor, while white onions are sharper. Yellow onions are the classic choice.
Yes! See the air fryer method above for an easy, no-stirring approach using the air fryer.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Here are some of the best ways to use air fryer caramelized onions.
- Spread on burgers or grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Stir into almond milk mashed potatoes or creamy risotto.
- Toss with roasted veggies or cooked grains.
- Add to savory tarts or puff pastry appetizers.
- Mix into dips, dressings, or hearty soups.
🍽 More Fantastic Recipes
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Quick Caramelized Onions (Air Fryer Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 Onions
- 1 Teaspoon Spices
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Tabelspoon Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Slice onions thinly, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Place into a bowl.
- Season the onions with spices, salt and pepper and toss with oil.
- Place in an air fryer-safe baking dish or basket lined with foil.
- Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 25–30 minutes, stirring every 8–10 minutes, until golden and soft.
- Place the caramelized onions into a bowl ready to use.
Notes
- Use a shallow dish or foil basket: This prevents slices from flying around in the air fryer and helps them cook down properly.
- Stir often: Stirring every 8–10 minutes is key to even caramelization—don’t skip it or you’ll get uneven browning.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Too many onions at once will steam rather than caramelize.
- Watch near the end: The last 5 minutes can go from golden to burnt quickly—check frequently for that sweet spot of color and softness.
I couldn't believe how easy these were in the air fryer! Total game changer for topping burgers or mixing into mashed potatoes. Have you tried freezing them yet for meal prep?