Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

Delight your taste buds with these crispy mini blooming onions! Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they're packed with flavor and easy to make in an air fryer. Just soak and trim small onions, bread them in a flavorful mix of spices, and air fry until golden. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a hit for gatherings. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick! Great for parties or family movie nights!

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Ingredients

6 small onions (like pearl or spring onions)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 large egg

1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a squeeze of lemon)

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crispiness)

Cooking spray (for air frying)

Instructions

Prep the Onions: Trim the tops off the mini onions and carefully peel them. Make four deep cuts from the root toward the top, making sure not to cut all the way through. Rinse and soak the onions in cold water for about 30 minutes to help them ‘bloom.’

Make the Breading Mixture: In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Prepare Wet Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until well combined.

Bread the Onions: Dip each onion first in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure each onion is well coated at every step.

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Onions: Lightly spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray. Place a few onions in the basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Spray the tops of the onions with cooking spray as well.

Cooking Time: Air fry the onions for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.

Serve: Once cooked, remove from the fryer and let cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch or spicy aioli).

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 mini onions