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Air fried pearl onions on a plate with herbs and spices

Air Fried Pearl Onions

Crispy and flavorful, air fried pearl onions make a delightful appetizer or side dish, perfect for any gathering or family dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound pearl onions Fresh, for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour For coating.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Use plain or flavored for variation.
  • ½ cup buttermilk To help the coating stick.

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Frying

  • as needed Cooking spray or olive oil For spraying the onions before air frying.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Peel the pearl onions gently, ensuring you keep them whole.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, pour in the buttermilk.

Breading

  • Dip each pearl onion in the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Roll the buttermilk-coated onion in the flour mixture until well coated.
  • Place the coated onions back into the buttermilk for a second dip, and then roll them in the breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.

Cooking

  • Arrange the breaded onions in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between each onion.
  • Lightly spray the onions with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
  • Air fry for about 12-15 minutes or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  • Once done, remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

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Notes

Serve with a tangy dipping sauce made from yogurt and herbs. Experiment with different seasonings and try using frozen pearl onions if short on time. Store leftovers in an airtight container with paper towels for up to 3 days.
Keyword Air Fried Pearl Onions, Crispy Snacks, Healthy Side Dish, Quick and Easy Recipes, Vegetarian Appetizer