How to Make Onion Powder at Home (Easy DIY Recipe)

Onion powder is a staple in most kitchens, and for good reason. It adds a delicious and savory flavor to a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to vegetables and meats. But did you know that you can easily make your own onion powder at home?

Homemade onion powder is a great way to save money and control the quality of your ingredients. It’s also a great way to use up extra onions that you might have on hand.

In this article, you will learn how to make onion powder at home using a dehydrator, oven, or microwave. You will also learn how to store your onion powder for a longer shelf life and use it in various recipes.

Why Make Homemade Onion Powder?

There are many reasons to make your own onion powder at home:

1. It is a great way to save money. Store-bought onion powder can be expensive, especially if you use a lot of it.
2. Making your own onion powder ensures you use fresh, high-quality onions.
3. You can control the level of salt and other additives in your onion powder. 

How to Make Onion Powder at Home (DIY Recipe)

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make onion powder at home: 

Buy Onion Powder

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

1. Select the Onions: Choose fresh onions with minimal blemishes. Yellow onions are popular due to their mild flavor and strong aroma.
2. Peel and Slice: Peel the onions and slice them thinly, aiming for consistent thickness to ensure even drying.
3. Optional: Blanching (Prevents Browning): For a white onion powder, blanch the sliced onions in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock them in ice water to retain their color.

Step 2: Dehydrate the Onions

There are two ways to dehydrate onions: with a dehydrator or without a dehydrator. 

1. With a Dehydrator: 

If you have a dehydrator, this is the easiest way to dehydrate the onions. Simply spread the onion slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays and dehydrate them at 150°F (65°C) for 6-8 hours or until completely dry and brittle. 

2. Without a Dehydrator:

If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can dehydrate the onions in the oven or microwave.

 In Oven: To dehydrate the onions in the oven, preheat the oven to 170°F (77°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the chopped onion slices in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 5-7 hours. 

 In Microwave: Spread the onion pieces in a microwave-safe dish with a paper towel underneath. Microwave on low power for 5-minute intervals, rotating the dish after each interval until completely dry.

Step 3: Grind the flakes into Onion Powder

Once the onions are dehydrated, they can be transformed into onion powder. You can use a food processor, blender, coffee grinder, or spice grinder to achieve a fine, evenly textured powder. 

Place the dried onion flakes into the chosen appliance and pulse or blend until a smooth powder forms. Consider shifting the ground onion powder through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any larger pieces for a truly fine powder. 

How to Store Onion Powder for Longer Shelf Life

Proper storage is crucial to preserve the freshness and flavor of your homemade onion powder. Opt for an airtight container, preferably made from glass or food-grade plastic. This will protect the onion powder from moisture and external contaminants, preventing it from clumping or losing its aroma. 

Store the sealed container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Under these conditions, your homemade onion powder can retain its quality for several months, ensuring you have a flavorful seasoning for various culinary creations. 

How to Use Onion Powder

Onion powder is a versatile seasoning used in various dishes to add flavor and depth. It can be used in place of fresh onions, or it can be used to add flavor to dishes that do not call for fresh onions.

One of the most common ways to use onion powder is in soups and stews. It can also be used in sauces, gravies, and marinades. Onion powder can be added to ground meat to add flavor and can also be used to season vegetables. When using onion powder, it is important to start with a small amount and add more to taste. Too much onion powder can make a dish bitter.

How To Make Onion Salt From Onion Powder

Onion salt is a simple yet flavorful seasoning that combines the savory intensity of onion powder with the saltiness of table salt. To create your onion salt, follow this easy formula:

1. Combine 1 part onion powder with 2 parts salt.
2. Mix thoroughly until the onion powder is evenly distributed throughout the salt.
3. Store your homemade onion salt in an airtight container to enhance the flavor of meats, vegetables, and dips. 

Conclusion: Recap of Dried Onion Powder Recipe

Making your own onion powder is a great way to save money and control the quality of your ingredients. It is also a fun and rewarding project. With time and effort, you can easily make your onion powder at home. All you need is to follow the steps mentioned above, and the onion powder is yours. This onion powder recipe takes less than 20-30 minutes to prepare using a microwave.

FAQs