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Air Fryer Pearl Onions Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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