How to Peel an Onion Quickly

Reviewed by Marrow Private Chefs

Last Updated: September 3, 2024 Approved

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!

Peeling and Onion the Fast Way

Cut your onion in half vertically, then slice off the top and bottom of the onion. Peel off the outer layer of the onion and discard the skin. Cut it into thin, vertical slices. To get even smaller pieces, turn the onion and cut across it again to dice it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Peeling with a Vertical Slice

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Rinsing also reduces the residue that causes your eyes to water when handling onions.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Peeling by Applying Heat

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Cut off the unusable parts (top and bottom).
Hold the skin side against the base of the warming frying pan.
Lift the onion right and you'll be able easily pull off the skin.

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

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

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How does peeling an onion hurt the eyes?

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

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How long would it take to peel an onion?

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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.

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Tips

If you don't want to cut onion in halves, make a single shallow cut from top to bottom, just enough to slide the knife tip in and lift off the topmost layer to peel it off.

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If you wear goggles (used by swimmers) you do not have to cry while cutting onions in pieces... it looks silly, but it helps!

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You can also chew gum or put a piece of bread in your mouth so it is visible to prevent crying.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Holding a wooden match in your teeth will also help your eyes not sting.
Light a candle in a jar and it will help keep your eyes from burning.

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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.^{[3]
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