Air Fryer Pearl Onions

Air Fryer Pearl Onions are a quick and delicious way to enjoy sweet, caramelized onions with minimal effort. Ready in under 15 minutes, these bite-sized gems are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or flavorful topping!

If you’ve never tried pearl onions in the air fryer, you’re in for a treat! These bite-sized onions turn beautifully caramelized and crisp on the outside while staying tender and sweet on the inside.

They make a flavorful and easy side dish, topping for steaks, or a unique appetizer for any occasion.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this Air Fryer Pearl Onions recipe is a simple way to add big flavor to your table.

Why You Will Love This Recipe! 🧅✨

⏱ Quick and Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep.

🧄 Big Flavor – Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of pearl onions.

🍽 Versatile Side Dish – Pairs well with meats, pastas, or holiday meals.

🧊 Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats beautifully for later use.

💡 Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples you already have!

Ingredients Needed

• Pearl Onions: Found in the frozen food aisle at your local grocery store.
• Oil: Use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil.
• Seasonings and Spices: Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Ground Cumin, and Ground Thyme.
• Serve With: Remoulade Sauce, Blooming Onion Sauce, Lemon Wedges, or Lemon Juice

How To Make Air Fryer Pearl Onions

Step One: Preheat the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F, using the air fryer setting. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper *after preheating*

Step Two: Add the unthawed onions to a small bowl. and drizzle with olive oil.

Step Three: In the second bowl, add all of the seasonings and spices. Dredge onions with dry ingredients and toss to coat well.

Step Four: Place the onions in the air fryer basket in a single layer, or on the air fryer tray. Set the coo time to 15-20 minutes in the air fryer, tossing carefully every 5 minutes to prevent burning.

Step Five: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Pearl Onions Recipe Tips

• Use pre-peeled pearl onions to save time and mess in the kitchen.
• Toss with oil evenly so every onion gets perfectly caramelized.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—this helps them crisp instead of steam.
• Add herbs or seasoning like thyme, rosemary, or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

• Storing: Let the pearl onions cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled onions in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Reheating: To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or warm in a skillet until heated through and slightly crispy.

What To Serve With Air Fried Pearl Onions

Air Fried Pearl Onions make a flavorful and versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve them alongside roasted meats like steak, pork chops, or grilled chicken for a savory boost, or mix them into pasta dishes, grain bowls, or even on top of salads for added texture and sweetness.

They’re also great for holiday dinners, charcuterie boards, or served with dipping sauces as a unique appetizer.

Pearl Onions In Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

Do I need to peel pearl onions before air frying? Yes, peeling is necessary. You can buy them pre-peeled for convenience or blanch them quickly to loosen the skins if peeling by hand.

Can I use frozen pearl onions? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before air frying to avoid excess moisture and achieve better crispiness.

What oil is best for air frying pearl onions? Olive oil or avocado oil works great. A light coating helps with caramelization and keeps the onions tender inside.

How long do they take to cook? At 375°F, pearl onions typically take about 10–14 minutes in the air fryer. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.

What seasonings go well with them? Try garlic powder, salt, pepper, Italian herbs, or even a touch of balsamic glaze for extra flavor!

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer French Fries
• Mashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Fish Sticks!

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