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Fried red onion is a flavorful, crispy topping or side.
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 serving (medium) of Fried Red Onion (30 g) has 96 calories. That works out to 320 calories per 100 g. It contains 9.6 g of carbs, 1 g of protein, 6 g of fat and 1.1 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 55 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 30 g
96
KCAL / 30G
Carbs
9.6g
· 3% DV
Protein
1g
· 2% DV
Fat
6g
· 8% DV
Fiber
1.1g
· 4% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 40% · Protein 4% · Fat 56%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 96 kcal | |
| Total fat | 6 g | 8% |
| Saturated fat | 1.05 g | 5% |
| Trans fat | 0.03 g | |
| Sodium | 2.4 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 9.6 g | 3% |
| Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% |
| Protein | 1 g | 2% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (medium) | 30 g | 96 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 7 g | 22 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (large) | 10 g | 32 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 15 g | 48 kcal |
| 1 piece (medium) | 20 g | 64 kcal |
| 1 cup (chopped) | 40 g | 128 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 40 g | 128 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 50 g | 160 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 320 kcal |
Calculated from 320 calories per 100 g.
Fried red onion is used as a crunchy topping for burgers, tacos, salads, soups and rice dishes. Add it just before serving so steam from hot food does not soften the pieces; it can also be served as a side with grilled food.
To make crispy fried red onion, slice the onion evenly, pat it completely dry and fry small batches in hot oil. Remove the slices as soon as they turn golden and drain them in a single layer rather than piling them up.
Yes, fried red onion can be made in an air fryer. Toss thin slices with a little oil, spread them in a single layer and shake the basket occasionally. Check frequently near the end because thin onion slices can go from browned to burnt quickly.
Fried red onion is usually made from thin onion slices fried without a thick coating, so the result can be light and crisp. Onion rings are thicker rings, commonly dipped in batter or breadcrumbs before frying, giving them a substantial crunchy coating.
Fried red onion tastes bitter when its sugars and thin edges burn in oil that is too hot or during overly long cooking. Fry the slices in small batches, watch their color closely and take them out when golden rather than dark brown.
Yes, you can prepare fried red onion ahead, but it is crispest when served soon after cooking. Cool it fully before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then briefly reheat it in an oven or skillet before serving.
Yes, fried red onion can be frozen, though freezing may reduce its crispness. Let it cool completely, freeze it in a sealed container, and reheat the pieces straight from frozen in an oven or skillet instead of thawing them first.
Firm red onions with dry, unblemished skins are the best choice for fried red onion because they are easier to slice evenly and hold their shape. Avoid soft onions or ones with damp spots, which may cook unevenly.
No, soaking is not necessary when making fried red onion, and wet slices can splatter in hot oil. If you soak the onion to mellow its sharpness, drain it thoroughly and pat every slice dry before frying.
No, fried red onion is not necessarily the same as packaged French fried onions. Fried red onion simply describes red onion cooked in oil, while many packaged crispy onions are coated, made with other onion varieties or prepared with additional ingredients.
Vitamins
Vitamin E
0.36mg · 2% DV
B6
0.04mg · 2% DV
B1
0.02mg · 2% DV
Biotin
0.45µg · 2% DV
Minerals
Copper
0.02mg · 2% DV
Manganese
0.04mg · 2% DV
Phosphorus
11mg · 2% DV
Potassium ⭐
54mg · 2% DV
Sodium
2.4mg · 0% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 96 calories in 1 serving (medium) (30 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Fried Red Onion is made by slicing red onion and frying it until the edges turn crisp and the centre softens. Cooking mellows the onion’s sharpness and brings out a gentle sweetness. It can be prepared in a pan at home or bought ready to use, and the cut may range from thin slices to rings.
In many places, it is added to burgers, sandwiches, salads and grain bowls for crunch, or served as a side. Frying makes it more energy-dense than fresh onion, while it still contributes some fibre. Use it as a punchy topping rather than the main part of a meal; for a lighter homemade version, fry with a little oil and drain well before serving.
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
No known major allergens
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
1.05g
MONOUNSATURATED
2.25g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.35g
Omega 6:3 ratio 17.5:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (17.5:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.