I love experimenting with flavors and textures in my kitchen, and my latest creation is fun. I embraced the charm of Air Fryer Pearl Onions by coating tender pearl onions in flour, eggs, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. This snack captivates with its crunch.

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I recently tried a twist on a classic snack using air fryers that totally blew my mind. I took 1 lb pearl onions, peeled and ready to go, and coated them in a mixture of 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 beaten large eggs, and 1 1/2 cups of panko breadcrumbs.

Throw in some garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika along with salt and pepper to taste and you have an amazing recipe for Air Fried Pearl Onions that gives you the taste of deep fried ones without the hassle. This is my go-to when I’m craving Something fun to do with onions.

The nuggets come out crispy and perfect for dipping and are a great little appetizer or even a side dish. Air Fryer Pearl Onions have quickly become one of my favorite recipes to experiment with when I want to try out new garlic and onion recipes.

Enjoy experimenting in your kitchen!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super crunchy and satisfying when I bite into those golden, crispy pearl onions. I also really enjoy how simple it is to prep – the steps are easy enough that I can whip it up without much hassle. Plus, using the air fryer means I get a healthier snack without losing that awesome, deep-fried taste. Lastly, I like that it turns a bunch of regular ingredients into something special and fun to share with my friends.

Ingredients

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Pearl onions are naturally sweet, offer crunch, and supply fiber for healthy digestion.
All-purpose flour is carbohydrate rich that builds structure and crispiness in the batter.
Eggs serve as a protein boost and help bind everything into a tasty coating.
Panko breadcrumbs bring an irresistible crunch and light texture to each bite.
Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper punch up the flavor.
A light spray of oil helps achieve even crisping without adding too much fat.
The balanced blend of ingredients creates a crispy bite with a deep, rich flavor.
Each ingredient plays its part, making this dish both fun and flavorful.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb pearl onions, peeled

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking spray or about 1-2 tsp oil

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F while you prep the onions.

2. In a bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl until they’re smooth.

4. Put the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

5. Dredge each peeled pearl onion first in the seasoned flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat well in the panko breadcrumbs.

6. Lightly spray or brush the onions with cooking oil. Don’t skimp on it, cause that helps they get crispy.

7. Arrange the breaded onions in the air fryer basket in a single layer so they cook evenly.

8. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to make sure every side gets crispy.

9. Check if they’re golden and crunchy; if not, add another couple minutes.

10. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy these bite-sized treats!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer with basket
2. Three mixing bowls (one for the flour mix, one for the beaten eggs, one for the panko)
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Whisk or fork for beating the eggs
5. Tongs or spatula for arranging the onions in the fryer basket
6. Cooking spray bottle or small brush for the oil

FAQ

How do I properly peel my pearl onions?

You wanna make sure you remove the outer skin completely. Use a sharp knife and peel them carefully. They can be a bit fiddly sometimes.

Can I swap out the cooking spray for something else?

Yeah, you can use about 1-2 tsp of oil instead. Just brush it on lightly so the breading sticks and gets nice and crisp.

How important is it to preheat the air fryer?

It's pretty important. Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes so the onions cook evenly and get that perfect crunch.

Any tips on making sure the breading really sticks?

Definitely double dip your onions. First in the flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs. That extra step really makes a difference.

How do I know when my mini bloomin' onions are done?

You should look for a deep golden brown color and a crispy texture. Usually about 10-12 minutes in the air fryer should do it, but check on them sometimes so they dont burn.

Air Fried Pearl Onions (Mini Bloomin’ Onions) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you’re out of all-purpose flour, try using whole wheat or even chickpea flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.
If you dont have eggs, you can make a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit till it thickens.
Instead of panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs work pretty well and give a nice crunch.
If you’re lacking garlic powder, a bit of minced fresh garlic can do the trick. Just beware it might cook quicker than the dried version.
For the cooking spray or oil, if you’re out try tossing the onions in a light drizzle of olive oil which adds a fun flavor twist.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the onions are completely dry before you start breading ’em cause any extra moisture can stop them gettin’ that perfect crunch.
2. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the onions so that they cook evenly, otherwise some might get soggy.
3. Try spraying a little extra oil halfway through cookin’ if you feel like they’re not crispy enough. It really helps them to get that golden crunch.
4. If you want to shake things up, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite dried herb into the breadcrumbs. It adds a cool twist of flavor that makes the bite even better.

Air Fried Pearl Onions (Mini Bloomin' Onions) Recipe

Recipe by Toni Baldesera

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

283

kcal

Equipment: 1. Air fryer with basket
2. Three mixing bowls (one for the flour mix, one for the beaten eggs, one for the panko)
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Whisk or fork for beating the eggs
5. Tongs or spatula for arranging the onions in the fryer basket
6. Cooking spray bottle or small brush for the oil

Ingredients

1 lb pearl onions, peeled
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or about 1-2 tsp oil

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F while you prep the onions.
In a bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl until they're smooth.
Put the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Dredge each peeled pearl onion first in the seasoned flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat well in the panko breadcrumbs.
Lightly spray or brush the onions with cooking oil. Don't skimp on it, cause that helps they get crispy.
Arrange the breaded onions in the air fryer basket in a single layer so they cook evenly.
Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to make sure every side gets crispy.
Check if they're golden and crunchy; if not, add another couple minutes.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy these bite-sized treats!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.