Crispy fried onions, also known as “birista” in South Asian cuisine, are a simple yet magical garnish that can transform any dish. With their golden color, irresistible crunch, and rich caramelized flavor, they are loved across the globe and used in everything from biryani and curries to burgers and salads.

The best part? You don’t need to buy them pre-made. Making crispy fried onions at home is easy, cost-effective, and far more flavorful.

Crispy Fried Onions: A Golden Crunch for Every Dish

Course: Blog, Items for cooking

Onions are naturally sweet, and when thinly sliced and fried to perfection, they turn golden brown with a deep, rich taste. Their crunch and aroma make them the perfect topping or even a flavor base for many recipes.
In South Asian cooking, fried onions are a must for dishes like chicken biryani, mutton korma, and haleem, while in Western kitchens, they often show up as a crunchy topping for green bean casseroles, burgers, and sandwiches.

Ingredients

Large onions – 3–4 (yellow or red onions work best)
Oil – for deep frying
Salt – a pinch (optional, for extra crispiness)

Directions

Slice the onions
Peel and cut onions into thin, even slices. The thinner the slice, the crispier the result.
Pat dry
Spread the slices on a paper towel and pat dry to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up better.
Heat the oil
Heat enough oil in a pan for deep frying over medium heat.
Fry in batches
Add a handful of onion slices at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Watch for color
Fry until the onions turn golden brown. Be careful — they can burn quickly after browning.
Drain and cool
Remove fried onions with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels.
Let them cool completely; they will turn extra crispy.

Recipe Video

Notes

Storage Tips:
Store cooled crispy onions in an airtight container.
Keep at room temperature for 3–4 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
For long-term use, freeze them in zip-lock bags — they’ll stay crunchy for months.

How to Use Crispy Fried Onions

Snacks: Enjoy them as a quick crunchy side with tea!

Biryani & Pulao: Sprinkle generously for a rich aroma and crunch.

Curries & Gravies: Use as a base while cooking or as a garnish.

Burgers & Sandwiches: Add for an extra crunch.

Soups & Salads: Top creamy soups or fresh salads with a handful of crispy onions.

Crispy fried onions are a small effort with a big reward. Once you make them at home, you’ll never want to go back to the packaged version. Their golden crunch and deep flavor will instantly elevate your cooking, whether it’s a traditional curry or a modern snack.