Crispy fried onions are so satisfying. Their golden crunch makes even simple dishes better, like magic. Store-bought ones have preservatives and don’t taste as good as homemade ones. When cooking for one or two, making small batches of crispy fried onions is perfect because you enjoy them at their freshest.
That’s why I love making crispy fried onions at home. I usually cook just for myself or my kids, so it’s a simple way to add great flavor without much effort. When I first made them, I was amazed at how easy it was and how much better they tasted than store bought fried onions.
Kind of Onion to Use for Making Crispy Fried Onions
Choosing the right onion is important for this recipe. I like yellow onions because they’re sweet and taste great when fried. You can also use white onions for a stronger flavor or red onions for a milder, sweeter taste. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly and become crispy.
Ways to Enjoy Fried Onion Recipe
Crispy fried onions can be made into a lot of things. You can put them on salads for a crunch and use them on soups, casseroles, or burgers during grilling sessions. They’re also a tasty snack by themselves—just be careful, they’re addictive. In my small-batch kitchen, I love adding them to homemade sandwiches or as a side for dinner. You can also make this recipe even if you are living in a dorm as a college student and are cooking.
Is Air Fryer an Option for making Fried Onions
Yes, you can make these in an air fryer. Air frying makes them crispy with less oil. They might be a little different from frying in oil, but they still taste great and are healthier. Just remember to shake the basket sometimes for even cooking.
Easy Instructions for Creating Crispy Fried Onions
Must-Have Tools for Your Kitchen
- Frying Pan: A good-quality frying pan is essential for even cooking.
- Mixing Bowl: You’ll need this to soak the onions in buttermilk and mix the coating ingredients.
- Tongs or Tweezers: These help you handle the onions without burning yourself.
Key Ingredients:
- Fresh Onions: Choose your favorite type, but large onions work best.
- Buttermilk: This adds flavor and helps the coating stick.
- Whey Protein: You can use this instead of flour, it gives the onions a crispy texture.
- Baking Powder: Helps the onions puff up slightly, adding to the crunch.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Detailed Directions for Making Crispy Onion
One: Prepare All of the Ingredients
Start by gathering everything you need. Thinly slice onions, and set up your workstation with a bowl of buttermilk and a separate bowl for the whey protein and baking powder mixture.
Two: Coat in Wet and Dry Mixture
Soak the onion slices in buttermilk. This not only tenderizes the onions but also helps the coating stick. After soaking, dredge the onions in the whey protein and baking powder mixture, making sure each slice is well-coated. Place the onions on parchment paper after being coated, and be ready to fry.
Three: Fry Onions
Heat vegetable oil in your frying pan over medium heat. Once hot oil is ready, add the coated onion slices in small batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Remove the onions with tongs and drain on a paper towel lined to remove excess oil.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the onions in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Keep the oil at the right temperature: Too hot, and the onions will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Use paper towels to drain excess oil: This helps maintain the crispiness of the fried onions.
Common Questions Answered
What Are the Perfect Pairings for French Fried Onions?
Crispy fried onions are the perfect topping for air fryer chicken legs, mashed potatoes, or squash casserole. They also pair wonderfully with salads, soups, and some pimento cheese dip, adding that much-needed crunch and flavor.
Cauliflower rice recipes are also the perfect pair for these as a side dish.
Store your crispy fried onions in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but they may lose some of their crispiness. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, like a pantry.
How Do I Freeze Crispy Fried Onions?
Spread the cooled onions in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the onions are frozen solid. This prevents them from clumping together. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Additional Easy Small-Portion Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed making these crispy fried onions, be sure to check out some of my other small-batch recipes on Tiny Batch Cooking. Whether you’re cooking for one or two, I have plenty of easy, delicious recipes that won’t leave you with a ton of leftovers. Try making our Green Hibiscus Tea and Iced Karkade Tea for your afternoon tea.
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Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Large Onions
- 1 Cup Buttermilk
- 1/2 Cup Whey Protein
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
Instructions
- Start by gathering everything you need. Thinly slice onions, and set up your workstation with a bowl of buttermilk and a separate bowl for the whey protein and baking powder mixture.
- Soak the onion slices in buttermilk. This not only tenderizes the onions but also helps the coating stick. After soaking, dredge the onions in the whey protein and baking powder mixture, making sure each slice is well-coated. Place the onions on parchment paper after being coated, and be ready to fry.
- Heat vegetable oil in your frying pan over medium heat. Once hot oil is ready, add the coated onion slices in small batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Remove the onions with tongs and drain on a paper towel lined to remove excess oil.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the onions in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Keep the oil at the right temperature: Too hot, and the onions will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Use paper towels to drain excess oil: This helps maintain the crispiness of the fried onions.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
