Crispy Gluten-Free Fried Onions (Vegan)

What are Fried Onions?

Fried onions are basically sliced onions that are either pan-fried or deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.

Perfect as a garnish, appetizer, or savory snack, fried onions will elevate your everyday meals by adding flavor and texture to any savory dish.

Sprinkle them on mashed potatoes, a creamy bowl of soup, or on top of green bean casserole for a delicious contrast in texture. Or just enjoy these amazing gluten-free fried onions on their own!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Few Ingredients: All you need for these gluten-free fried onions are just 3 simple ingredients (excluding salt and pepper) that you probably already have on hand, or you can easily get from the local grocery store.
• Easy to Make: You only require 10 minutes of prep time for these crispy fried onions before frying them until golden brown!
• Great Texture: The crispy coating on these homemade fried onions adds a natural crunch to any of your favorite savory dishes!
• Totally Gluten-Free & Vegan: The good news is that this simple recipe is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances, or those simply on a vegan diet can enjoy them without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients you need for this gluten-free fried onions recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Onions: I used yellow onions, but you can also use white onions or red onions if you prefer.
• Cornstarch: I used cornstarch to coat the onions, but you may also use a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour that is made up of lighter flours/starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch or potato starch). Alternatively, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular flour instead.
• Cooking Oil: I like to use sunflower oil because I always have a bottle of it on hand, but you may also use another vegetable oil (such as canola oil, olive oil, or avocado oil) if you prefer.
• Salt & Pepper: For extra taste, you can add salt and ground black pepper accordingly.

How to Make Gluten-Free Fried Onions (Step by Step):

1. Peel and Cut Onions

Peel the onions and cut them into small, evenly thin strips.

2. Coat Sliced Onions with Cornstarch

Place the onion in a deep bowl, add the cornstarch and stir until the onions are evenly coated. 

(TIP: The best and most convenient method would be to wear plastic gloves and toss onions and cornstarch together with your hands.)

3. Heat Up Oil

Heat up the oil in a large skillet or frying pan until hot. Then add the onions to the hot oil in a single layer.

4. Fry Until Crispy

Fry the onions over medium heat, stirring them with a spatula occasionally so they don’t burn. Fry for 5-6 minutes until the onions are crispy.

(TIP: If your skillet is not big enough, you may fry the onions in 2 or 3 batches instead of all at once).

5. Absorb Excess Oil

Transfer the fried onions to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil before using or storing.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

• Type of Onions: I used yellow Vidalia onions, but you can also use white sweet onions or red onions if you prefer.
• Make Gluten-Free French Fried Onions: If you wish, you can make homemade french fried onions by deep-frying the sliced onion straws in a deep pot instead of pan-frying them. Bear in mind that you’ll need a lot more onion (at least 2 to 3 inches of oil).
• Make Gluten-Free Fried Onion Rings: If you prefer to make gluten free onion rings, cut the onion horizontally into rings before coating them in cornstarch or flour and then frying them.
• Optional Condiments: Feel free to sprinkle some garlic powder, onion powder or ground paprika to the cornstarch before tossing the onions if you want some extra flavor.

What to Eat with Crispy Onions:

Here are some of our favorite foods to eat these fried onion toppings with:

• Air Fryer Green Beans (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Potato Soup (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Green Bean Casserole

Recipe FAQs:

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes You’ll Love:

Other Gluten-Free Appetizers to Enjoy:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

Print

Crispy Gluten-Free Fried Onions (Dairy-Free, Vegan)

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

• Author: Felicia Lim
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These gluten-free fried onions are easy to make, flavorful and deliciously crispy! They’re perfect for topping your favorite casserole, or sprinkled on creamy soups for extra taste and crunch! Or eat them as a savory snack on their own! Totally dairy-free and vegan too.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 yellow onions, peeled and cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 5 tablespoons cooking oil, for frying
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Peel and Cut Onions: Peel the onions and cut them into small, evenly thin strips.
2. Coat Sliced Onions with Cornstarch: Place the onion in a deep bowl, add the cornstarch and stir until the onions are evenly coated. (TIP: The best and most convenient method would be to wear plastic gloves and mix the onions and cornstarch together with your hands.)
3. Heat Up Oil: Heat up the oil in a large skillet or frying pan until hot. Add the onions to the hot oil in a single layer.
4. Fry Until Crispy: Fry the onions over medium heat, stirring them with a spatula occasionally so they don’t burn. Fry for 5-6 minutes until the onions are crispy. (If your skillet is not big enough, you may fry the onions in 2 or 3 batches instead of all at once).
5. Absorb Excess Oil: Transfer the fried onions to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Notes

Onions: I used yellow onions, but you can also use white onions or red onions if you prefer.

Cornstarch: I used cornstarch to coat the onions, but you may also use a gluten-free all-purpose flour that is made up of lighter flours/starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch or potato starch). Alternatively, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular flour instead.

Cooking Oil: I like to use sunflower oil because I always have a bottle of it on hand, but you may also use another vegetable oil (such as canola oil, olive oil, or avocado oil) if you prefer.

Salt & Pepper: For extra taste, you can add salt and ground black accordingly.

Storing: Make sure to let the fried onions cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. If they are not cool before storing, they will turn soggy.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: Basics
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American