Fried Onions
on Nov 28, 2023, Updated Mar 19, 2024
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Fried Onions are a delicious and crunchy addition to many dishes that people of all ages love. Whether sprinkled on top of a burger, mixed into a salad, or used as a garnish for soups, fried onions add a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Fried onions are like little flavor explosions in my mouth! When you bite into them, you can taste their sweet and savory goodness all at once. They add this amazing crispy crunch to my favorite foods, like burgers, hot dogs with chili or this easy chicken and stuffing casserole.
Fried onions are like a secret ingredient that turns ordinary meals into something extraordinary, and that’s why I love them!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fried onions have an amazing flavor.
- The texture creates magic in a dish.
- Super versatile to use.
- Extremely easy to make.
Recipe Ingredients
- Large onions-sliced thin
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
- Salt to taste
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Popular Substitutions and Variations
- Store-Bought Fried Onions: You can find pre-packaged fried onions in many grocery stores. They work great when you’re short on time.
- Baked Onions: Instead of frying, you can bake onion slices with a little oil until they turn crispy. This method is healthier and still tasty.
- Shallots: Thinly sliced and fried shallots offer a milder flavor compared to regular onions, and they work well as a substitute.
- Spice It Up: Add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder to your fried onions for extra flavor.
How To Make Fried Onions
Step #1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat, ensuring there’s enough oil to submerge the onions.
Step #2. Thinly slice the onions into rings or strips while the oil heats.
Step #3. Carefully add a small batch of sliced onions to the hot oil (350°F) using a slotted spoon, avoiding splattering.
Step #4. Fry the onions in batches for about 3-4 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy. Stir occasionally for even frying. Drain excess oil on paper towels, sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot, and let them cool before using.
Recipe FAQs
You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying onions. These oils have a high smoke point, which is ideal for deep frying.
You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small piece of onion into the hot oil. If it sizzles and bubbles immediately, the oil is hot enough for frying.
Yes, you can strain and reuse the frying oil as long as it’s clean and free from any burnt bits. Store it in a cool, dark place for future use.
Expert Tips
- Use a sharp knife to slice onions thinly and evenly. This ensures they cook uniformly.
- Pat the sliced onions dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can prevent crispiness.
- Heat the oil to the right temperature (around 350°F or 180°C) before adding the onions. Use a thermometer if you have one.
- Fry the onions in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven frying.
- Keep a close eye on the onions as they fry – they can go from golden brown to burnt quickly.
How To Store Fried Onions
Fried onions can be stored for a period of time, but their crispness may diminish over time. Here’s how to store them:
1. Room Temperature: If you intend to use the fried onions within a day or two, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they have cooled completely before sealing the container. However, keep in mind that they may lose some of their crispness if left out for an extended period.
2. Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the fried onions in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This will help prolong their shelf life and keep them relatively crispy for up to a couple of weeks.
3. Freezer: If you want to store them for an even longer time, you can freeze fried onions. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag, ensuring they are completely cool before sealing. Fried onions can be stored in the freezer for several months. When you’re ready to use them, you can sprinkle them directly onto dishes without thawing, and they will regain some of their crunchiness when heated.
Remember that the texture of fried onions may change slightly after storage. They may become slightly less crispy, but they can still add flavor and crunch to your dishes.
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Fried Onions
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat a deep pot with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure there’s enough oil to submerge the onions.
- While the oil is heating, thinly slice the onions into rings or strips.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add a small batch of sliced onions to the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Be cautious to avoid splattering.
- Fry the onions in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, usually around 3-4 minutes per batch. Stir occasionally to ensure even frying.
- Using the slotted spoon, remove the fried onions from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Sprinkle the fried onions with a pinch of salt while they are still hot. Repeat the frying process with the remaining onions.
- Allow the fried onions to cool slightly before using them as a topping for dishes like biryani, green bean casserole, or burgers.
Notes
- How to make this in the air fryer: 1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). 2. While the air fryer is preheating, thinly slice the onions into rings or strips. 3. If desired, lightly coat the sliced onions with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to help with crisping. 4. Place the sliced onions in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. 5. Cook the onions in the air fryer for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the onions every few minutes for even cooking. They should become crispy and golden brown. 6. Sprinkle the fried onions with a pinch of salt while they are still hot. 7. Remove the fried onions from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before using them as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or as a crunchy snack.
- The thinner the onions are sliced, the faster they will fry and the crispier they will become. Use a mandoline for consistent thickness if available.
- Maintaining the right temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the onions will burn; if it’s too cold, they will absorb oil and become soggy. Use a thermometer to keep the oil at the correct temperature.
- Do not overcrowd the pan as this can cause a drop in oil temperature and lead to uneven frying. Fry in small batches for the best results.
- For additional flavor, consider adding a small pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic powder to the salt you sprinkle on the fried onions after cooking.
- Fried onions can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Ensure they are completely cool before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
