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Air Fryer Pearl Onions Recipe
4.6 from 129 votes

Air Fryer Pearl Onions Recipe

This recipe prepares crispy pearl onions coated in a seasoned flour and egg batter, cooked in an air fryer for a crunchy and flavorful side or snack. The pearl onions are partially cooked, coated twice in a spiced flour mixture and egg wash, then chilled to set the coating before air frying at high heat to a golden crisp.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
6 mins
Chilling Time
10 mins
Total Time
31 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 80 kcal
Course: Appetizer, Snacks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pearl onion frozen, bag
  • 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
  • cooking oil in a spray bottle

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Microwave the pearl onions for half the time given on the package. This was 2 minutes of microwaving for my onions. *see notes for alternative
  2. While they partially cook, add the egg to a medium bowl and beat.
  3. Add the flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder to another bowl and stir to mix.
  4. Drain the partially cooked onions in a colander and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  5. Take 6 onions, dip them into the flour mixture and stir to coat.
  6. Use a fork to lift them out of the flour, shaking off any excess. Place them in the egg mixture and stir to coat.
  7. Use a different fork to take them out of the egg, letting any excess drip off. Put them into the flour mixture a second time and coat them with flour.
  8. Continue until all of the onions are coated.
  9. Place the prepared onions on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes. This will help the coating stick.
  10. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F for 3 minutes.
  11. Take the coated onions out of the fridge and put them in the air fryer basket. Keep them in a single layer.
  12. Spray them with some oil. Air fry at 380 degrees F for 3 minutes.
  13. Then shake the basket, spray some more oil, and air fry for another 3 minutes.

Notes

  • Frozen pearl onions can be thawed in cold water for 1 hour instead of microwaving.
  • Use a fork to transfer a few onions at a time between bowls for even coating.
  • Chill the coated onions for 10 minutes before cooking to help the coating stick better.
  • Avoid commercial cooking sprays in the air fryer; use a spray bottle filled with cooking oil instead to protect the basket’s coating.
  • To cook in the oven, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories 80kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 0.4g (2%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g (2%) Monounsaturated Fat 0.4g (2%) Trans Fat 0.01g (1%) Cholesterol 41mg (14%) Sodium 598mg (25%) Potassium 73mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 0.4g (1%) Vitamin A 657IU (13%) Vitamin C 0.5mg (1%) Calcium 14mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 80

% Daily Value*

Calories 80kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Trans Fat 0.01g 1%
Cholesterol 41mg 14%
Sodium 598mg 25%
Potassium 73mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 0.4g 1%
Vitamin A 657IU 13%
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1%
Calcium 14mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.