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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://heutigemahlzeiten.com/air-fryer-pearl-onions-recipe/