How to Fry Onions in the Microwave
Want some delicious fried onions for a salad topping or casserole, but think frying onions is super messy and inconvenient? Well, think again! This is your lucky day, because here you’ll learn how to fry onions on the microwave.
Whether you’re in a pinch for time or just looking to avoid the hassle of standing over a sizzling stovetop, the microwave might be your new secret weapon. Perfectly golden, fragrant, and deliciously sweet fried onions can now be made in minutes with minimal effort and little cleanup.
This method is a game-changer for busy weeknights, meal preppers, or anyone who loves the magic of fried onions without the mess and hassle. Ready to learn this quick and easy hack? Let’s dive in!
Why you’ll love frying onions in the microwave
Let’s be real: Frying onions on the stovetop is messy, uses a lot of oil, and leaves you with the the hassle of figuring out how to dispose of all that oil afterwards.
This is why frying onions in the microwave is truly an amazingly easy and convenient option.
Less mess: Using the microwave to fry onions creates virtually no mess compared to traditional stovetop frying
Less oil needed: You’ll only need a minimal amount of oil for this frying technique
Super convenient: With less mess and less oil, frying onions in the microwave is super convenient
Fried onion ingredients and some notes
Before we dive in, gather these simple ingredients:
- Onions – You can use yellow or white onions. Heck, even shallots work really well!
- Oil – A neutral oil that has a high smoke point is what you need for this technique. Good choices include avocado oil, peanut oil, or canola oil.
- Salt – Flaky salt sprinkled over the onions when they’re still warm is the perfect touch.
Here’s the short list of equipment you’ll need:
- Microwave safe bowl – Make sure it’s large enough to fit the onions and the oil while still having space to stir.
- Spoon or fork – For stirring.
- Microwave – Pretty self explanatory.
How to make fried onions in the microwave
Frying onions this way is soooo easy, you’ll be doing it all the time.
Here’s how to do it:
- Prep the onions. Slice the onions in 1/4” thick slices. Cutting everything fairly uniform in thickness helps them cook evenly.
- Place in a bowl. Place the sliced onions and oil in a microwave safe bowl. It is totally fine if the onions are not submerged in the oil.
- Microwave in bursts. Microwave the onions in shorts bursts, stirring them between each burst to encourage even cooking.
- Drain. Once the onions are golden and crisp, remove them from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate or tray to drain. Sprinkle the onions with flaky salt before they cool. Enjoy!
Tips for success
While this technique is simple, here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure success.
- Slice evenly. Uniform slices cook more evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd. Don’t try to fry too many onions at once. If you need a large amount, fry them in batches as you can reuse the oil a couple times.
- Watch carefully. Microwaves vary, so keep an aye on the onions as they fry. They can go from perfect to burnt in no time.
- Salt immediately. To ensure that the salt sticks to the fried onions, be sure to add the salt to the onions as soon as you place them on the plate to drain.
How to store leftovers
To keep the onions nice and crisp, storing them the right way is super important.
Store the fried onions in an airtight container lined with paper towel, while also placing a paper towel between any layer of onions.
Final thoughts
Frying onions in the microwave isn’t just a shortcut – it’s a smart, efficient cooking technique that can save you time and effort. Whether you’re making a green bean casserole, topping a burger, or adding flavor to your favorite dish, these perfectly fried onions are just minutes away.
Give it a try and prepare to be amazed at how such a simple method can transform your cooking game. Happy cooking!
Microwave Fried Onions
December 2, 2024
Equipment
- microwave safe bowl
- mandolin slicer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion (~130 g)
- ¼ cup avocado oil *see note for other oils you can use
- kosher salt
Instructions
- Slice the onion into ¼" thick slices, being careful to slice as evenly as possible. If you have a mandolin slicer, this is a great time to use it.1 medium onion
- Separate the layers of onions from each other and place them into a microwave safe bowl. Be sure the onions don't fill the bowl more than halfway.
- Pour the oil over the onions. Toss the onions in the oil to coat evenly.¼ cup avocado oil
- Microwave on high power for between 5 – 10 minutes. Stop every minute or so to stir the onions so they cook evenly. You will want to stop and stir more frequently (like after every 45 seconds) once you see some color on the onions.After a few minutes you will notice the onions cooking down and becoming first a light yellow, then a golden yellow, and then eventually a golden brown color. Stop cooking when they've reached the golden brown stage.
- Remove the onions from the bowl and lay in a single layer on a paper towel lined plate or tray. Sprinkle with salt while they're still warm.kosher salt
- Enjoy these crispy microwave fried onions on top of your favorite casserole, in a salad, on a burger, etc.
