Air Fryer Pearl Onions Recipe

Introduction

Crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, these air fryer pearl onions are a delightful snack or side dish. With a seasoned coating and a quick air frying method, you’ll have perfectly cooked onions in just minutes.

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 recommended on the package (about 2 minutes for this recipe). This partially cooks them.
2. Step 2: While the onions cook, beat the egg in a medium bowl.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder; stir to mix evenly.
4. Step 4: Drain the onions and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
5. Step 5: Take about 6 onions and toss them in the flour mixture until coated.
6. Step 6: Using a fork, lift the onions from the flour, shaking off excess, then dip them into the beaten egg to coat fully.
7. Step 7: Remove the onions from the egg, letting the excess drip off, then return them to the flour mixture for a second coating.
8. Step 8: Repeat this process until all onions are coated twice with the flour mixture.
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 lightly with oil, then air fry at 380°F for 3 minutes.
13. Step 13: Shake the basket, spray more oil on the onions, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until golden and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Use fresh pearl onions by blanching and peeling before starting if you prefer not to use frozen.
• Try adding Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for a cheesy twist.
• Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftover air fryer pearl onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pearl onions instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh pearl onions work well. You should blanch and peel them first before proceeding with the recipe.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the coated onions in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and lightly browned.

Air Fryer Pearl Onions Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 107 reviews

Crispy and flavorful air fried pearl onions, perfectly coated with a seasoned flour and egg batter for a delicious snack or side dish. These bite-sized onions are easy to prepare using the air fryer, achieving a golden, crunchy exterior while retaining a tender interior.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: About 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions

• 1/2 bag frozen pearl onions

Batter & 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

Other

• Oil in a spray bottle

Instructions

1. Partial Microwave Cook: Microwave the frozen pearl onions for half the time recommended on the package (about 2 minutes) to soften them slightly for easier coating.
2. Prepare Egg Mixture: Beat one egg in a medium-sized bowl until fully mixed and set aside.
3. Mix Seasoned Flour: In a separate bowl, combine one cup flour with 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, stirring well to evenly distribute the spices.
4. Drain and Dry Onions: Drain the microwaved onions using a colander and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring the coating sticks better.
5. First Flour Coat: Take about six onions at a time, dip them into the flour mixture and stir to fully coat each onion.
6. Egg Dip: Using a fork, lift the floured onions out and shake off excess flour, then place them in the beaten egg mixture and stir to coat thoroughly.
7. Second Flour Coat: Remove the onions from the egg with a different fork, letting excess egg drip off, then place back into the flour mixture for a second coating of flour.
8. Repeat Coating: Continue this three-step coating process until all onions are evenly coated with the seasoned batter.
9. Refrigerate: Spread the coated onions on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help the batter adhere better during cooking.
10. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment.
11. Arrange Onions: Place the onions in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation and cooking.
12. First Air Fry: Spray the onions lightly with oil and air fry at 380°F for 3 minutes to begin crisping.
13. Shake and Spray: Remove the basket, shake the onions to redistribute, spray again with oil for extra crispiness.
14. Final Air Fry: Air fry for an additional 3 minutes at 380°F until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Notes

• If you prefer not to microwave, you can blanch the frozen pearl onions in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before proceeding with drying and coating.
• Ensure onions are well dried after microwaving to prevent soggy coating.
• Use oil spray instead of pouring to maintain crispiness without excess oiliness.
• Refrigeration step is important as it helps the coating stick firmly for a better crunch after frying.

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