Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions. These make for a great appetizer or snack!
Ingredients:
- 2 small yellow or sweet onions
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works well)
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Onions:
- Peel the onions and cut off the top (the pointy end). Leave the root end intact to hold the onion together.
- Make cuts into the onion starting about 1/2 inch from the root. Make 8-12 cuts depending on the size of the onion, trying to keep them as even as possible. Gently separate the layers to create the “blooming” effect.
- Prepare the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, mix the flour with the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a second bowl, pour the buttermilk.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Onions:
- Dip the onion into the flour mixture, ensuring it gets into all the layers. Shake off any excess.
- Next, dip the floured onion into the buttermilk, making sure it gets thoroughly coated.
- Finally, coat the onion with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere. Make sure all the layers are well-coated.
- Air Fry the Onions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray or brush the onions with cooking spray or oil. This helps with crisping.
- Place the onions in the air fryer basket, root side down. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Check occasionally to ensure they are not burning.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the onions from the air fryer. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, aioli, or a spicy mayo.
Enjoy your Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions!