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Air fryer pearl onions cooking in an air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Pearl Onions

A quick and delightful side dish that elevates meals with crispy, seasoned pearl onions cooked in an air fryer.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 bag frozen pearl onions You can use fresh pearl onions if blanched first.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Can be marinated with spices for extra flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika Adjust or swap with garlic powder if desired.
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
  3. In a small bowl, toss the unthawed pearl onions with olive oil.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together all the spices: paprika, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Dredge the seasoned onions in the spice mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
  6. Place the onions in the basket, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
Cooking
  1. Cook the onions for about 15-20 minutes, tossing them every 5 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Once they are golden brown and crispy, serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For even more flavor, consider marinating the onions in olive oil and spices for about 30 minutes before cooking. Air fryer pearl onions are versatile and can be served with meats, dips, or on charcuterie boards.