Description
This recipe for Crispy Mini Blooming Onions made in the air fryer offers a healthier, delicious twist on the classic appetizer. Perfectly seasoned and air fried to golden perfection, these bite-sized blooming onions are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with your choice of dipping sauce for a satisfying snack or starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions and Soaking
- 4 small yellow onions (peeled, root ends trimmed slightly to keep intact)
- 1 cup buttermilk
Breading Mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Additional
- Olive oil spray
- Dipping sauce of choice (ranch or spicy mayo)
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Cut each onion into quarters, being careful not to slice all the way through the root to keep the sections connected. Make additional cuts between each quarter to create a full blooming effect, then gently separate the layers with your fingers to open up the onion.
- Soak in Buttermilk: Place the prepared onions in a bowl with buttermilk and soak for 30 minutes. This helps soften the onions and allows them to absorb flavor, making the coating stick better.
- Make the Breading Mix: In a separate large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Coat the Onions: Remove the onions from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge them into the flour mixture. Be sure to coat thoroughly between each layer to create maximum crispiness. Shake off excess flour gently.
- Air Fry: Spray the coated onions generously with olive oil spray to promote browning. Place each onion cut-side up in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Serve the crispy mini blooming onions hot with your choice of dipping sauce such as ranch or spicy mayo for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness.
- Onions can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before air frying.