The Foolproof Tricks You Need To Cut Onions Without Crying

At home tricks

Here are some handy tips to help you avoid tearing up while slicing those perfectly thin onion pieces. First, many people suggest chilling your onions to reduce the release of those pesky gases. You can either store your onions in the refrigerator for a few hours before chopping or place them in the freezer for about 20 minutes beforehand.

Another approach is to create a breezy environment in your kitchen to keep the onion's irritating fumes away from your eyes. Turn on your oven fan to high and chop nearby, or use a small personal fan from your child's car seat to blow the fumes away from you.

Alternatively, you can incorporate the elements—just like Captain Planet—into your onion-slicing routine. Cutting near an open flame is said to help counteract the onion fumes, as the flame can draw in some of the propanethial S-oxide before it reaches your eyes. A more challenging method is to cut the onion underwater. Fill a large bowl with water—big enough to maneuver your knife—and slice the onion while it’s submerged. While this may seem a bit risky, the water will help prevent the fumes from reaching your eyes.

Special equipment

Certainly! There is a variety of specialized tools available to assist in your battle against onions. First up, and perhaps the least stylish option, are onion goggles. Resembling swim goggles— and they could likely serve that purpose as well— these goggles function like any other: they shield your eyes from irritants. In this case, they prevent onion vapors from getting too close. Nose plugs can also be utilized, if we're venturing into swim gear territory. They block the fumes from reaching your nose, helping to reduce the tearing, runny nose, and other discomforts associated with chopping onions.

One of the most effective tools for onion preparation is a very sharp knife. Keeping your knives well-maintained and ready for cutting onions can make the process quicker and more efficient, as a sharp blade will cause less bruising to the onion's flesh, allowing you to breeze through the prep work. Regardless of the method, tip, or tool you choose to minimize those tears, it may be worth shedding a few for the incredible versatility of onions in various recipes.