Air Fried Pearl Onions (Printable)
Crispy, golden pearl onions tossed in olive oil and spices, cooked to tender perfection in the air fryer.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb pearl onions, peeled
→ Coating
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
04 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
06 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
# How To Cook:
01 - Set your air fryer to 375°F and allow it to preheat for 3 minutes.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled pearl onions with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
03 - Place the seasoned onions in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even crisping.
04 - Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the onions are golden brown and fork-tender.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy hot as a snack, appetizer, or side alongside your favorite main course.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Pearl onions cook to a tenderness inside that contrasts beautifully with the lightly crisp outside and you will keep reaching for more.
- The entire recipe comes together in under 25 minutes with barely any cleanup.
02 -
- Do not crowd the basket because overlapping onions will steam instead of roast and you will lose that irresistible crispness.
- If using frozen pearl onions, pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel before tossing in oil or the moisture will prevent browning.
03 -
- For a cornmeal crust that adds extra crunch, toss the oiled onions in one tablespoon of fine cornmeal just before they go into the basket.
- Let the air fryer basket preheat empty so the onions sizzle the moment they touch the surface and start browning immediately.