Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in an Air Fryer are a fun, bite-sized twist on the classic restaurant appetizer. These mini versions offer all the flavor and crunch of the original blooming onion, but with a healthier, air-fried twist. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these mini blooming onions are coated in a seasoned batter and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, making them less greasy but still irresistibly crispy. Serve them with a zesty dipping sauce for an appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more!

Ingredients:

For the Mini Blooming Onions:

• 4 small yellow onions (about 2-3 inches in diameter)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Olive oil spray (for air fryer)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp horseradish (optional)
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Step 1:
Peel the onions and trim off the top, leaving the root intact. Carefully slice each onion into quarters or sixths, depending on the size, without cutting all the way through the root. Gently spread the onion petals apart, but be careful not to break them.

Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Step 3:
In another bowl, combine the buttermilk and beaten eggs.

Step 4:
Dip each mini onion into the flour mixture, ensuring that all the onion petals are well-coated. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the onion into the buttermilk-egg mixture, followed by another dip into the flour mixture for a second coating.

Step 5:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the coated onions with olive oil spray.

Step 6:
Place the mini onions in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry the onions for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through cooking and spray with additional olive oil if needed.

Step 7:
While the onions are cooking, make the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 8:
Once the mini blooming onions are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with the prepared dipping sauce on the side.

Variation:

• Spicy Mini Blooming Onions: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture and dipping sauce for a spicier version.
• Herb-Infused Blooming Onions: Mix dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the flour coating for an herbaceous twist.
• Cheesy Blooming Onions: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the onions before the final air fry for a cheesy flavor boost.

Cooking Note:

• Choosing Onions: Use small onions that are roughly uniform in size for even cooking. Make sure to keep the root intact when slicing to ensure the petals hold together during cooking.
• Double Dipping: For extra crispiness, double-coat the onions in the flour mixture by dipping in the buttermilk-egg wash twice before air frying.
• Air Fryer Capacity: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to fry the onions in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these mini blooming onions as an appetizer with the dipping sauce.
• Pair them with burgers, grilled meats, or other fried appetizers like mozzarella sticks or fries for a fun snack spread.
• These mini blooming onions also work well as a side dish for steak or other hearty dinners.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prep the onions and coat them ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before air frying. This is a great option if you’re entertaining.
• Crispier Texture: For extra crunch, you can add a small amount of cornstarch to the flour mixture (about 1-2 tbsp) to make the coating even crispier.
• Storage and Reheating: Leftover mini blooming onions can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 12 minutes

Total Time:

• 27 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Sodium: 420 mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use larger onions for this recipe?
Yes, you can use larger onions if you prefer, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Larger onions will take longer to cook, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook or burn.

2. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, regular milk works fine, but if you want the tangy richness of buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk.

3. How do I make the onions extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, be sure to double-coat the onions in the flour mixture, spray them well with olive oil before air frying, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

4. Can I bake these in the oven if I don’t have an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. However, the air fryer method typically results in a crispier texture.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all seasonings used are gluten-free for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Conclusion:

Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in the Air Fryer are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. With their crispy exterior and tender, flavorful onion inside, they are a healthier alternative to traditional fried blooming onions, but without compromising on taste or texture. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, these mini blooming onions are ideal for parties, game day, or even as a fun side dish to complement your favorite meal. Whether you’re an air fryer enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful appetizers.

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