Air Fryer Pearl Onions Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Beat one egg in a medium-sized bowl until fully mixed and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- First Flour Coat: Take about six onions at a time, dip them into the flour mixture and stir to fully coat each onion.
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeat Coating: Continue this three-step coating process until all onions are evenly coated with the seasoned batter.
- Refrigerate: Spread the coated onions on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help the batter adhere better during cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment.
- Arrange Onions: Place the onions in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation and cooking.
- First Air Fry: Spray the onions lightly with oil and air fry at 380°F for 3 minutes to begin crisping.
- Shake and Spray: Remove the basket, shake the onions to redistribute, spray again with oil for extra crispiness.
- 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