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Crispy Fried Onions Recipe (Birista)

Learn how to make crispy fried onions, also called birista, by deep frying and in the air fryer. Whether you're topping a green bean casserole or biryani, garnishing a soup or salad, or enhancing the flavor of a curry, fried onions add a depth and crunch that can elevate any dish.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 286 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian , American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound onions see notes
  • 3 cup oil for frying

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Peel the onions and then thinly slice them. Slice evenly so they fry well. Separate the onions layers after slicing. This is important.
  2. In a large pot or pan, heat the oil on a medium-high flame to a temperature of 375F (190C). Once hot, change the heat to medium. Then add the sliced onions and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Stir frequently to make sure they're frying evenly.
  3. When golden brown, remove the onions from the oil using a slotted spoon. Don't wait for them to darken in color as there will be some residual cooking even after you take them out of the oil. Place them on a plate or baking tray lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. You can dap them with a paper towel is you like to reduce oil.
  4. Ensure to cool the onions completely before storing them.
  5. For air fryer crispy onions: preheat the Air fryer to 400ºF. Add the sliced onions, and spray a little oil. Toss the onions so they coat with the oil. Air fry at 320F for 12-17 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes to make sure they brown evenly.

Notes

  • Which onions? You can use any onion you prefer—white, yellow, red, sweet, or shallots. 
  • Slice the onions: I usually use a sharp knife. But you can also use a mandolin or the slicer disk on your food processor to create even-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly, so they all end up crispy.
  • Slice the onions: I usually use a sharp knife. But you can also use a mandolin or the slicer disk on your food processor to create even-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly, so they all end up crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories 286kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 27g (42%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Monounsaturated Fat 19g Sodium 5mg (0%) Potassium 166mg (5%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 2IU (0%) Vitamin C 8mg (9%) Calcium 26mg (3%) Iron 0.2mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 286

% Daily Value*

Calories 286kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 27g 42%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Monounsaturated Fat 19g 95%
Sodium 5mg 0%
Potassium 166mg 4%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 2IU 0%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 26mg 3%
Iron 0.2mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.