Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions are bite-sized versions of the popular appetizer, made lighter by cooking them in an air fryer. These onions bloom into crispy, golden perfection without the need for deep frying, and they’re packed with savory flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a snack, these mini blooming onions are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 4 small onions
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

1. Peel the onions and trim the root end slightly so they can sit flat, but keep the root intact to hold the onion together.
2. Cut the onion into quarters or 8-10 segments, depending on how “bloomed” you want them, without slicing all the way through the root. Gently spread the onion petals apart.

Step 2: Make the Seasoned Flour Mixture

3. In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. This seasoning blend will add flavor and help create that crispy coating.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth. The buttermilk adds a tangy taste and helps the flour coating stick to the onion.

Step 4: Coat the Onions

5. Dip each onion into the flour mixture, making sure the petals are well-coated. Shake off any excess.
6. Next, dip the onion into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s coated evenly inside and out.
7. Return the onion to the flour mixture for a second coat to get it extra crispy.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

8. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures the onions cook evenly and become golden brown.

Step 6: Air Fry the Blooming Onions

9. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated onions in the basket, leaving space between them so they can crisp properly.
10. Spray the onions lightly with more cooking spray to help with browning.
11. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even cooking if necessary.

Cooking Note:

• If the onions start to brown too quickly, reduce the air fryer temperature slightly to 350°F (175°C).
• Make sure to give the onions a generous spray of oil before cooking—this helps replicate the texture of deep frying without the extra oil.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these mini blooming onions with dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
• Pair with other air-fried appetizers like mozzarella sticks, wings, or fries for the perfect party platter.

Tips:

1. Use sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder flavor.
2. To achieve ultra-crispy onions, do a double coat: flour > egg wash > flour again.
3. If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute it with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
4. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 550mg
  (Note: Nutritional values will vary slightly based on the size of the onions and specific ingredients used.)

Conclusion

Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions offer all the crispy, flavorful goodness of the classic blooming onion without the heavy oil. They’re easy to make, healthier than the fried version, and perfect for parties or family gatherings. The air fryer does all the work to deliver a crunchy exterior while keeping the onions tender on the inside. Make these once, and they’ll become a go-to snack for every occasion!

Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions: A Crispy Delight

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 small onions
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

1. Peel the onions and trim the root end slightly so they can sit flat, but keep the root intact to hold the onion together.
2. Cut the onion into quarters or 8-10 segments, depending on how “bloomed” you want them, without slicing all the way through the root. Gently spread the onion petals apart.

Step 2: Make the Seasoned Flour Mixture

3. In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. This seasoning blend will add flavor and help create that crispy coating.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth. The buttermilk adds a tangy taste and helps the flour coating stick to the onion.

Step 4: Coat the Onions

5. Dip each onion into the flour mixture, making sure the petals are well-coated. Shake off any excess.
6. Next, dip the onion into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s coated evenly inside and out.
7. Return the onion to the flour mixture for a second coat to get it extra crispy.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

8. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures the onions cook evenly and become golden brown.

Step 6: Air Fry the Blooming Onions

9. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated onions in the basket, leaving space between them so they can crisp properly.
10. Spray the onions lightly with more cooking spray to help with browning.
11. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even cooking if necessary.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 210
• Sodium: 550mg
• Protein: 5g