Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in the Air Fryer are a delicious, crispy, and flavorful appetizer that are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your snack cravings. This recipe gives you the same crispy, golden-brown onion petals you love from a blooming onion, but with a fraction of the oil and much less mess, thanks to the air fryer. The mini onions are perfectly seasoned, lightly battered, and cooked to crispy perfection with the air fryer’s magic, making them a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a fun, indulgent treat.
The mini version of the classic blooming onion allows for individual servings, making them the perfect finger food for parties, game nights, or even a fun family dinner. With this recipe, you can enjoy the crunchy and savory goodness of blooming onions without the need for deep frying, making it a guilt-free snack that’s just as crispy and tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Crispy and Crunchy
The air fryer makes these mini blooming onions delightfully crispy on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
2. Healthier Alternative
By using the air fryer, you cut down on oil, making these blooming onions a much healthier version of the classic deep-fried dish.
3. Quick and Easy
This recipe comes together quickly, and the air fryer cooks them in a fraction of the time compared to traditional frying methods.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
These mini blooming onions are ideal for serving at parties, gatherings, or as a fun side dish for dinner.
5. Customizable Flavors
Feel free to adjust the seasoning and dipping sauce to suit your tastes, making this recipe as spicy or mild as you prefer.
Ingredients
- Mini onions (peeled)
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Buttermilk (or milk with vinegar)
- Egg
- Bread crumbs (preferably panko)
- Cooking spray (for air frying)
Variations
- Spicy Blooming Onions: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative to this recipe.
- Vegan Option: Substitute buttermilk with a non-dairy milk (such as almond milk) and use a flax egg (flaxseed mixed with water) in place of the egg for a vegan-friendly version.
- Cheesy Blooming Onions: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for a cheesy twist on the classic flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the breading for a more aromatic flavor profile.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mini Onions
Start by peeling the mini onions, leaving them whole. Slice the bottom off of each onion to create a flat base, so they can sit upright. Make 4-6 vertical cuts (depending on the size of the onion) to create the “petals” of the blooming onion. Be careful not to cut all the way through the onion, so the petals stay attached at the base.
Step 2: Make the Breading Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Onions
Dip each mini onion into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, dip it into the buttermilk and egg mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Finally, coat the onion in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure they stick. Repeat with the remaining onions.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Air Fry the Onions
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded mini onions in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spray the tops of the onions with a light mist of cooking spray to help them crisp up.
Air fry the onions for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the mini blooming onions from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or a spicy dipping sauce.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the best results, avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures that the air circulates around each onion, making them crispy on all sides.
- Use Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work best for this recipe because they create a light, airy, and crispy texture.
- Coat the Onions Well: Make sure each mini onion is thoroughly coated with the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for the best crunch.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasonings to suit your tastes. Add more garlic, onion powder, or spices for a stronger flavor.
- Keep the Onions Steady: When slicing the mini onions, make sure they stay intact at the base to help the petals bloom evenly when cooking.
How to Serve
Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in the Air Fryer are best served hot and fresh. They make an excellent appetizer for parties, movie nights, or gatherings. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. These crispy bites also pair well with a side salad or as a unique side dish for burgers and steaks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover mini blooming onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While they can be reheated, they will lose some of their crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded mini onions before cooking. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook, air fry from frozen at 375°F for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and golden.
Reheating
To reheat leftover mini blooming onions, place them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F, or until they are crispy again. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular onions instead of mini onions?
Yes, you can use regular onions, but mini onions are ideal for individual servings and tend to cook more evenly in the air fryer.
2. Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes, you can deep fry the mini blooming onions in hot oil (350°F) for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the flour mixture and breadcrumbs ahead of time, but it’s best to coat and cook the onions fresh for the best texture.
4. How can I make these spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture for an extra spicy kick.
5. Can I use a different kind of breadcrumb?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs if panko is unavailable, though panko gives the best texture.
6. How do I prevent the onions from burning in the air fryer?
Make sure to flip the onions halfway through cooking and monitor the air fryer for over-browning. Adjust the temperature if necessary.
7. Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the buttermilk with non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk) for a dairy-free version.
8. Can I prepare these in advance?
You can bread the mini onions ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a few hours before cooking.
9. Are these gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, these mini blooming onions can be made gluten-free.
10. What’s the best dipping sauce for these mini blooming onions?
Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo are all great options for dipping.
Conclusion
Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in the Air Fryer are a fun, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried blooming onions. With a crispy golden coating and tender onion petals inside, these mini blooming onions are a delicious treat that’s easy to make in the air fryer. Perfect for parties, game nights, or as a savory snack, this recipe delivers the same delicious flavor with less oil and less mess. Try these today, and enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of blooming onions in a whole new way!
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Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini blooming onions (4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer offer all the deliciousness of traditional blooming onions, but with less oil and less mess. These bite-sized versions are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a flavorful seasoning that makes each bite irresistible. They’re the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion, and they’re made effortlessly in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 small onions (such as sweet or yellow onions)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
For the dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the onions:
Peel the onions and cut off the top (stem) end. Slice each onion in half, and then make 3-4 deep cuts around the onion, leaving the base intact so the layers stay connected. You should end up with “petals” that will open up when cooked. - Make the batter:
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. - Coat the onions:
Dip each onion half into the flour mixture, making sure to coat all the petals evenly. Then dip it into the egg and milk mixture, and finally, coat it with the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well. - Air fry the onions:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the prepared onion halves in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Spray the top of the onions lightly with more cooking spray. - Cook the onions:
Air fry the onions at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Check for crispiness and continue cooking in 2-minute increments if needed. - Make the dipping sauce:
While the onions are cooking, combine all the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more hot sauce or paprika if desired. - Serve:
Once the mini blooming onions are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you want extra crispy onions, you can lightly spray the onions with oil again halfway through cooking.
- You can use any dipping sauce you like, such as ranch, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy aioli.
- If you prefer larger portions, you can use medium-sized onions instead of mini ones, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American