Air Fryer Pearl Onions Recipe

Introduction

These air fryer pearl onions are crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Coated in a spiced flour mixture and cooked to golden perfection, they make a delightful snack or side dish.

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; for example, 2 minutes if the full time is 4 minutes.
2. Step 2: While the onions cook, beat the egg in a medium bowl.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
4. Step 4: Drain the partially cooked onions and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
5. Step 5: Working in small batches, coat about 6 onions by stirring them in the flour mixture until evenly covered.
6. Step 6: Lift the floured onions out with a fork, shaking off excess flour, then dip them into the beaten egg to coat thoroughly.
7. Step 7: Using a different fork, remove the onions from the egg, letting excess drip off, then coat them again in the flour mixture.
8. Step 8: Repeat until all onions are double-coated with flour and egg.
9. Step 9: Arrange the coated onions on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help the coating adhere better.
10. Step 10: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes.
11. Step 11: Place the onions in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
12. Step 12: Lightly spray the onions with oil, then air fry at 380°F for 3 minutes.
13. Step 13: Shake the basket to turn the onions, spray with more oil, and air fry for another 3 minutes until crispy and golden.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the coated onions at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Use fresh pearl onions if available by blanching them briefly before coating.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked pearl onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes to regain their crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I skip the egg in this recipe?

The egg helps the flour coating stick to the onions. If you want to avoid eggs, try using a mixture of water and mustard or a plant-based milk alternative as a binder, but the coating may be less crispy.

How do I know when the pearl onions are done?

They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while tender inside. The air frying times provided are based on standard air fryer models, but check for crispiness and adjust cooking time as needed.

Air Fryer Pearl Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

This recipe shows how to make crispy and flavorful air fryer pearl onions coated in a seasoned flour and egg batter. Partially microwaving softens the onions, then they’re double-coated and air fried to golden perfection with a spicy, garlicky crust. The result is a deliciously crunchy snack or side dish with minimal oil and easy preparation.

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

Ingredients

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Vegetables

• 1/2 bag frozen pearl onions

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

• 1 egg
• Oil in a spray bottle (for air frying)

Instructions

1. Partial Microwave Cooking: Microwave the frozen pearl onions for half of the recommended package time, around 2 minutes, to partially cook and soften them before coating.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a medium bowl until smooth to create an egg wash for binding the flour to the onions.
3. Mix the Seasoned Flour: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
4. Drain and Dry Onions: Drain the partially cooked onions in a colander and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better coating adherence.
5. First Flour Coating: Take small batches of about 6 onions, dip them into the flour mixture and mix to coat all surfaces lightly.
6. Egg Coating: Use a fork to lift the floured onions out, shaking off excess flour, then dip them into the beaten egg mixture and stir to coat completely.
7. Second Flour Coating: Remove the onions from the egg wash with a fork, letting excess drip back into the bowl, then return them to the flour mixture for a second coating to build a crispy crust.
8. Repeat Coating: Continue steps 5 to 7 until all onions are double-coated with seasoned flour and egg.
9. Refrigerate: Spread the coated onions on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help the coating set and stick during air frying.
10. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes to ensure a hot environment for crisping.
11. Air Fry First Batch: Place the coated onions in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and spray lightly with oil. Air fry at 380°F for 3 minutes.
12. Shake and Continue Air Frying: Shake the basket to turn the onions, spray more oil, and air fry for an additional 3 minutes to achieve even golden crispiness.

Notes

• You can microwave the onions for a different duration depending on your package instructions; the goal is to partially soften but not fully cook them.
• If you don’t have a microwave, briefly blanch the frozen onions in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then drain and pat dry before coating.
• Using oil spray helps create a crispy texture without deep frying.
• Make sure the onions are spread in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning.
• This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on serving size needed.

Keywords: air fryer pearl onions, crispy pearl onions, air fryer side dish, seasoned pearl onions, crispy coated onions