Air Fryer Pearl Onions Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer pearl onions are a delicious and crispy snack or side dish that’s quick to prepare. Coated in a flavorful seasoned flour and cooked to golden perfection, they make a tasty addition to any meal or party platter.

Ingredients

• 1/2 bag frozen pearl onions
• 1 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg
• Oil in a spray bottle

Instructions

1. Step 1: Microwave the pearl onions for half the time indicated on the package (about 2 minutes for this recipe).
2. Step 2: While the onions cook, beat the egg in a medium bowl.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to mix well.
4. Step 4: Drain the partially cooked onions and pat them dry with a paper towel.
5. Step 5: Take about 6 onions and toss them in the flour mixture until coated.
6. Step 6: Lift the coated onions out with a fork, shaking off excess flour, then dip them into the beaten egg, stirring to coat.
7. Step 7: Remove the onions from the egg with a fork, letting excess drip off, then coat them again in the flour mixture.
8. Step 8: Repeat the process until all onions are coated twice with flour and once with egg.
9. Step 9: Place the coated onions on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help the coating stick.
10. Step 10: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
11. Step 11: Arrange the onions in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
12. Step 12: Spray the onions with oil and air fry at 380°F for 3 minutes.
13. Step 13: Shake the basket, spray more oil, and air fry for an additional 3 minutes until crispy and golden.

Tips & Variations

• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the coated onions at 400°F (204°C) on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for milder or spicier onions.
• Try adding grated Parmesan or your favorite dried herbs to the flour mixture for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftover air fryer pearl onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pearl onions instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh pearl onions. Simply blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and pat dry before coating and cooking.

Do I need to thaw the frozen onions before cooking?

Partial microwaving as instructed helps thaw and slightly cook the onions, which improves texture. Avoid fully thawing to prevent sogginess before coating.

Air Fryer Pearl Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

Crispy and flavorful air fryer pearl onions coated in a seasoned flour and egg batter, perfect as a savory snack or side dish. This quick recipe uses frozen pearl onions, spices, and a double coating method to achieve a crunchy exterior while keeping the onions tender inside.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions

• 1/2 bag frozen pearl onions

Batter and Coating

• 1 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg

Others

• Oil in a spray bottle

Instructions

1. Partially cook onions: Microwave the frozen pearl onions for half the time recommended on the package, about 2 minutes, to begin thawing and softening them.
2. Prepare egg wash: In a medium bowl, beat the egg until smooth to create the binding layer for the flour coating.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder, stirring thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
4. Dry onions: Drain the partially cooked pearl onions in a colander and pat dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture for better batter adherence.
5. First flour coating: Take about 6 onions at a time and toss them in the flour mixture to coat evenly.
6. Egg coating: Use a fork to lift floured onions, shake off excess flour, then transfer them to the beaten egg, stirring to thoroughly coat each onion.
7. Second flour coating: Remove onions from the egg wash with a fork, allowing excess egg to drip off, then immediately coat them again in the flour mixture for a double layer of crispiness.
8. Repeat: Continue the battering process until all onions are coated twice.
9. Chill: Place the coated onions on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help the coating set and adhere better during cooking.
10. Preheat air fryer: Set the air fryer to 380°F and preheat it for 3 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
11. Arrange onions: Remove onions from the refrigerator and arrange them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow even airflow.
12. Oil and first air fry: Spray the coated onions lightly with oil and air fry at 380°F for 3 minutes to begin crisping the exterior.
13. Shake, oil again, and air fry more: Shake the basket to turn the onions, spray more oil for extra crunch, and air fry for another 3 minutes until golden and crispy.

Notes

• If you prefer, thaw the pearl onions by soaking in warm water instead of microwaving.
• Be sure to pat the onions dry after microwaving to ensure the flour coating sticks well.
• Double coating with flour and egg helps create a crunchy crust.
• Spraying oil twice during air frying promotes an even, crispy texture without deep frying.

Keywords: Air fryer pearl onions, crispy pearl onions, air fryer side dish, snack recipe, crispy coated onions