How to Peel an Onion Quickly

Last Updated: October 9, 2022 Tested

Few people enjoy peeling onions, especially not when the tears start to fall. To get around this, try one of the following ways to cut and peel any sized onion in seconds!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Peeling with a Vertical Slice

1
Cut an onion in half vertically.
2
Place the halves "cut side down" on the cutting board.

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3
Cut off the unusable portions at the top and bottom of each half.
4
Peel back the top layer of each onion half.^{[1]
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5
Rinse the onion halves under cold water to remove any peel residue. Rinsing also reduces the residue that causes your eyes to water when handling onions.^{[2]
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6
When an onion is halved, it is much easier to cut into thin slices.
7
Turn your cutting board ninety degrees after slicing, and you can easily dice your onion as well.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Peeling by Applying Heat

1
Preheat a frying pan.
2
Cut the onion in half. Cut off the unusable parts (top and bottom).
3
Stab the cut side with a fork. Hold the skin side against the base of the warming frying pan.^{[3]
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4
Wait until the papery part of the skin loosens. Lift the onion right and you'll be able easily pull off the skin.

Community Q&A

Question

Do you need to remove the first layer of onion after the papery portion?

Community Answer

No, it is edible but may be a bit tougher than the rest of the onion.
Question

How does peeling an onion hurt the eyes?

Community Answer

Peeling or cutting an onion produces sulfuric acid, which burns the eyes and stimulates the tear glands.
Question

How long would it take to peel an onion?

Community Answer

No more than a minute, depending on the type of onion and how thick the skin is, it could take a little less or more time.

Warnings

Always wash fruits and vegetables before you cut them to prevent dragging whatever is on the skin through the food along the knife blade.

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Use a non-serrated knife: a serrated knife will twist in the onion as it cuts, and create uneven slices, and if you're not careful, injure you!

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If possible, use a separate cutting board for each of the following: raw meats, poultry, cooked foods, seafood, fruit and vegetables, and dairy, to avoid cross-contamination (for example, bacteria found in raw meat juices can contaminate vegetables, if you use the same board). After each use, scrub the cutting board with hot, soapy water.

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Always use care when using kitchen knives to avoid cutting yourself.

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Washing your hands under cold running water while rubbing the stainless steel of your faucet or sink after slicing an onion (or garlic) will remove the scent from your fingers.^{[4]
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