How To Make Fried Onions In A Rice Cooker

Fried onions are a game-changer for adding bold flavor to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re prepping a hearty stir-fry, a comforting stew, or a savory pasta, this easy rice cooker method will save you time and effort. No need to babysit a pan—simply set it and forget it, and enjoy perfectly fried onions every time!

Why You’ll Love Fried Onions In A Rice Cooker

• Effortless Preparation: No more standing over a hot stove! The rice cooker lets you fry onions hands-free, so you can multitask with ease.
• No Risk of Burning: Thanks to the controlled heat of the “Bake” function, your onions will cook evenly without burning, even if you forget to stir.
• Perfectly Fried Every Time: The onions come out golden, soft, and caramelized—ideal for enhancing any dish.
• Great for Busy Schedules: Set the timer, walk away, and come back to perfectly cooked onions. It’s a real time-saver on hectic days.
• Simple and Accessible: All you need are two basic ingredients—onions and oil—and a rice cooker to make this magic happen.

Fried onions are an important ingredient in many recipes.  Stir-fries, pasta sauces and ground meat recipes often start with frying the onions.  Here’s a very interesting way of frying the onions – in a rice cooker!

Ingredients For Fried Onions In A Rice Cooker

• Onion – The star of the show! Choose a large onion for this recipe, and feel free to use yellow, white, or red onions depending on your preference.
• Oil – Helps fry the onions to golden perfection. Any neutral oil, like vegetable or canola, works well.

For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

The onions in the above picture were cooked by yours truly in the rice cooker :) To fry the onions, you need a special kind of rice cooker – a multi-purpose fuzzy logic rice cooker that has a “Bake” function.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Fried Onions In A Rice Cooker

• Multi-purpose fuzzy logic rice cooker – A rice cooker with a “Bake” function is essential for this recipe.
• Cutting board – For chopping the onions evenly.
• Knife – A sharp knife makes quick work of cutting the onion.
• Measuring spoons – To measure the oil accurately.

You might be thinking – why on Earth would you want to be frying the onions in the rice cooker?  Don’t you have a frying pan? Well, making fried onions in a rice cooker has 1 distinct advantage – you don’t need to watch them.  You can just put the onions in the rice cooker, press the button and walk away.  Can’t do it on the stove – the onions will burn… but they won’t burn in the rice cooker.

How To Make Fried Onions In A Rice Cooker

• Peel and chop your onion into small, even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Pour oil into the rice cooker bowl, using about 1 tablespoon for every large onion.
• Add the chopped onions to the bowl, spreading them out evenly.
• Leave the lid of the rice cooker open throughout the cooking process—this prevents steaming and helps the onions fry properly.
• Set the rice cooker to the “Bake” setting and set the timer for 30 minutes.
• Press the “Start” button and let the rice cooker do its magic! Stir the onions once halfway through if you want even browning, but it’s optional.
• Once the timer beeps, your onions are ready. You can leave them in the rice cooker on the “Keep Warm” setting until you’re ready to use them.

Using a rice cooker, you’ll put the onions in there, and go get other things done… when you come back, the fried onions will be ready.

To cook onions in the rice cooker, you first need to chop the onions – the same way as you’d chop them if you were cooking them in a frying pan.

Pour the oil in the rice cooker bowl.  You need about 1 tbsp of oil for 1 onion.  Next, add the chopped onions to the rice cooker bowl.

Here’s the picture of chopped onions in the rice cooker:

Imporant: keep the lid on the rice cooker open.  If you close the lid, the onions will not cook properly.  The lid must stay open.  It’s very unusual and counter-intuitive to use the rice cooker with the open lid, but that’s how you make fried onions in the rice cooker – with the lid open.

See how the lid is open on the picture below:

Set the rice cooker menu to “Bake”, and set the time for 30 minutes.  Press the “Start” button and make sure the lid stays open.

If you are near the rice cooker, stir the onions once after 15 minutes.  If you don’t stir it, they’ll be fine too, they just won’t be as uniform.  When the timer beeps, your fried onions are ready!

The rice cooker automatically switches to “Keep warm” function, so if you don’t take out your fried onions right away, they’ll be fine there for hours.

Here’s the picture of the fried onions in the rice cooker:

Learn more about rice cooker with Bake function.

Serving Suggestions

• Sprinkle the fried onions over Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use them as a topping for Creamy Keto Spinach and Mushroom Soup, Tender Crock Pot Beef Stew, or Cheesy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole to add a hint of caramelized sweetness.
• Mix the fried onions into Authentic Mexican Rice or Perfectly Cooked Quinoa in the Instant Pot for a quick and flavorful side dish.
• Add them to your favorite Quick One-Pot Pasta with Ground Meat or stir-fries for a savory, aromatic touch.
• Serve as a garnish for Juicy Oven-Roasted Bone-In Chicken Breast to elevate your meal presentation.

Tips For Success

• Use the Right Rice Cooker: Not all rice cookers have a “Bake” function, so ensure yours does before starting. A fuzzy logic rice cooker works best for this recipe.
• Chop Evenly: Uniformly chopped onions cook more evenly, resulting in perfectly fried onions. Use a sharp knife for precision.
• Keep the Lid Open: This step is crucial. Keeping the lid open allows moisture to escape, preventing the onions from steaming and ensuring proper frying.
• Stir if Needed: Stir the onions at least once halfway through the cooking time for more uniform browning. If you skip this step, they’ll still cook fine but might not brown as evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Bowl: Fry onions in batches if you’re making a large quantity. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Be Patient: The rice cooker takes care of most of the work, but it might take slightly longer to achieve your desired browning depending on your cooker model.
• Adjust Oil Based on Preference: If you prefer crispier onions, you can add a bit more oil to help them caramelize.

Variations And Substitutions

• Different Types of Onions: Experiment with yellow, white, or red onions. Yellow onions are classic for frying, red onions add a slight sweetness, and white onions have a sharper flavor.
• Add Spices or Seasonings: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of salt, garlic powder, or paprika before frying. For a smoky kick, try smoked paprika or chili powder.
• Use Butter Instead of Oil: If you’re not sticking to a vegan diet, swap oil for butter to add a rich, creamy flavor to the onions.
• Low-Oil Option: Reduce the amount of oil slightly for a lighter version. The onions will still brown nicely, though they might take a little longer.
• Add Other Vegetables: Fry finely chopped garlic, shallots, or bell peppers along with the onions for a flavorful vegetable medley.
• Caramelized Sweetness: Add a teaspoon of sugar while frying to create caramelized onions that are slightly sweet and sticky.
• Herb-Infused Onions: Toss in fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to complement your dish’s flavor profile.

Storage And Reheating

• Storage: Allow the fried onions to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the fried onions to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.
• Reheating: To reheat, use a microwave-safe dish and warm the onions in 20-second increments until heated through. Alternatively, reheat them in a non-stick skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore their texture.
• Use Straight From Storage: You can also use the onions directly from the fridge or freezer when adding them to soups, stews, or casseroles—they’ll heat up as part of the cooking process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular rice cooker for this recipe?

A standard rice cooker without a “Bake” function may not work well for frying onions. The “Bake” setting provides higher heat, essential for proper frying. Using a regular rice cooker might result in steaming rather than frying.

What if I don’t have a fuzzy logic rice cooker?

If you don’t have a multi-purpose fuzzy logic rice cooker, it’s best to fry onions on the stovetop using a skillet or pan. The rice cooker method is specific to models with advanced settings.

Can I close the lid while frying onions in a rice cooker?

No, keeping the lid open is necessary for proper frying. Closing the lid traps steam, which prevents the onions from browning and gives them a steamed texture instead.

Do I have to stir the onions while they cook?

Stirring is optional but helps ensure even browning. If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can skip stirring, and the onions will still turn out fine, though less uniform.

What types of oil work best for frying onions?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil are ideal. You can also use olive oil for a hint of flavor or butter for a richer taste, depending on your preference.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes, you can make a larger batch of fried onions. However, avoid overcrowding the rice cooker bowl, as it can lead to uneven cooking. Fry in batches if necessary for the best results.

How can I prevent the onions from sticking to the rice cooker bowl?

Using enough oil helps prevent sticking. If sticking occurs, gently scrape the onions with a non-abrasive utensil. Non-stick rice cooker bowls also reduce this issue.

Can I add seasonings or spices to the onions while frying?

Absolutely! Add spices like garlic powder, paprika, or salt to customize the flavor of your fried onions. Just sprinkle them in with the chopped onions before cooking.

What dishes pair well with fried onions?

Fried onions are versatile! Use them as a topping for soups, stews, mashed potatoes, or salads. They also enhance stir-fries, rice dishes, and pasta sauces.

How do I know when the fried onions are ready?

The onions are ready when they’re golden brown and caramelized. You can let them cook slightly longer for a deeper color and richer flavor, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Other Easy Onion Recipes

Crispy Nathan’s Battered Onion Rings in the Air Fryer – Enjoy perfectly crispy and golden battered onion rings made effortlessly in the air fryer.

Quick Chicken Liver and Onions Recipe – Ready in 15 Minutes – This quick and savory dish combines tender chicken livers with caramelized onions for a flavorful meal in no time.

Creamy Green Onion Dip Recipe – A deliciously creamy and zesty dip packed with fresh green onion flavor, perfect for chips or veggies.

Sautéed Mushrooms with Onions – Perfect Side Dish – A simple and flavorful side dish of tender mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions.

Tangy Mexican-Style Pickled Red Onions Recipe – Add a burst of tangy, vibrant flavor to any dish with these quick-pickled Mexican-style red onions.

Refreshing Cucumber and Onion Salad with Red Onion – A light and refreshing salad featuring crisp cucumbers and sharp red onions in a tangy dressing.

Golden Crispy Onions in the Air Fryer – Achieve perfectly golden and crispy onions with this quick and mess-free air fryer recipe.

More Side Dish Recipes

• Perfectly Cooked Brown Rice Recipe Using a Rice Cooker
• Crispy Skillet Potatoes with Tomatoes – Easy Side Dish Idea
• Grilled Sweet Plantains Recipe – Healthy and Simple Side Dish