Air Fryer Pearl Onions Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- Prepare egg wash: In a medium bowl, beat the egg until smooth to create the binding layer for the flour coating.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder, stirring thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
- 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.
- First flour coating: Take about 6 onions at a time and toss them in the flour mixture to coat evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeat: Continue the battering process until all onions are coated twice.
- Chill: Place the coated onions on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help the coating set and adhere better during cooking.
- Preheat air fryer: Set the air fryer to 380°F and preheat it for 3 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
- Arrange onions: Remove onions from the refrigerator and arrange them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow even airflow.
- 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.
- 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