Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

Who doesn’t love the crispy, golden goodness of blooming onions? If you’re craving that crunchy, savory delight without all the deep-frying mess, then you’re in for a treat with these Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in the Air Fryer. They’re just the right size for dipping and snacking, and let’s be honest—they’re a total crowd-pleaser. Imagine tender onions coated in a seasoned, crispy batter, then air-fried to perfection. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. It’s like your favorite appetizer but without the hassle (or the oil!). Get ready for some crispy, onion-y goodness that will have everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

• Super Crispy and Light: These mini blooming onions come out of the air fryer crisp and golden, with just the right amount of crunch. No greasy mess—just pure, crispy bliss.
• Quick and Easy: Skip the long wait at the restaurant and make these at home in just a fraction of the time. The air fryer speeds up the process, giving you crispy results in under 30 minutes!
• Perfectly Sized: These mini versions are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or sharing at parties. They’re easy to dip and enjoy—no need for cutting and sharing a big onion!
• Healthier Option: The air fryer gives you all the crispiness of traditional fried onions but uses little to no oil, so you can indulge without the guilt.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite seasonings to the batter. Want a little extra heat? A pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika will do the trick!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy mini blooming onions:

• Mini onions: The star of the show! Small onions work best for these mini versions.
• All-purpose flour: Helps to coat the onions and gives them that crispy outer layer.
• Cornstarch: For extra crispiness.
• Eggs: Binds the coating to the onions.
• Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and helps the batter stick.
• Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunchy texture. Use Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier crunch.
• Paprika: For a little smoky flavor.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: Adds depth of flavor to the batter.
• Salt & pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Olive oil spray: To give them that golden crisp when air-fried.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions

Start by peeling the mini onions and trimming off the root end. Slice them into “blooming” shapes, carefully cutting down into the onion without cutting all the way through. You want to keep the onion intact at the base so that it fans out beautifully when it cooks. If your onions are a little larger, you can always cut them further to create more “petals.”

2. Prepare the Dipping Batter

In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs and buttermilk together. Then, set up a dredging station with your dry mixture, egg mixture, and a bowl of breadcrumbs.

3. Coat the Onions

Dip each onion into the flour mixture, coating it well. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating. Repeat for all the onions.

4. Air Fry the Onions

Spray the basket of your air fryer with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated onions in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overlapping. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Spray the tops of the onions with a little more olive oil spray for that golden finish.

5. Air Fry to Perfection

Cook the mini blooming onions at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Be sure to check on them halfway through and give them a quick shake for even cooking. If you want them extra crispy, you can air fry them for an additional 2-3 minutes.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the onions are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch, spicy mayo, or even a tangy barbecue sauce. Enjoy your crispy, blooming onion goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 150

• Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 4%
• Vitamin C: 8%
• Calcium: 2%
• Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

• Dipping Sauces: Serve these crispy mini blooming onions with a variety of dipping sauces like classic ranch, spicy buffalo sauce, tangy BBQ sauce, or even a garlic aioli for a gourmet touch.
• As an Appetizer: These little guys make an amazing appetizer for any party or gathering. They’re perfect for sharing, and you can easily pop them in your mouth for a crispy bite of flavor.
• Alongside Your Main Course: Serve these as a side dish to burgers, grilled chicken, or even a salad for a crispy, flavorful addition to your meal.

Additional Tips

• Use Panko for Extra Crunch: If you want that extra crispy texture, be sure to use Panko breadcrumbs. They’re lighter and give the hand-cut onions a nice, airy crunch.
• Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder if you like a little heat in your blooming onions.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Be sure to place the onions in a single layer in the air fryer basket for the best crisping results. If needed, cook them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular onions instead of mini onions?
A1: Yes, you can use regular-sized onions, but the mini onions cook faster and are more bite-sized, making them ideal for this recipe.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the onions in advance, coat them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to air fry. Just be sure to cook them fresh for the crispiest results.

Q3: Can I use a different coating, like flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs?
A3: Absolutely! You can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use a flour-based coating if you prefer a lighter texture.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

Q5: Can I make these in a regular oven instead of the air fryer?
A5: Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and bake the mini blooming onions for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for an even golden crisp.

Q6: Can I use a different dipping sauce?
A6: Definitely! These mini blooming onions pair wonderfully with honey mustard, creamy ranch, spicy ketchup, or even a tangy blue cheese dip.

Q7: Can I freeze these before cooking?
A7: Yes, you can freeze the coated mini blooming onions before air frying them. Just freeze them in a single layer, and once frozen, transfer them to a bag. When ready to cook, air fry directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes of cook time.

Q8: How can I make these spicier?
A8: Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture or sprinkle a bit of hot sauce over the onions after air frying.

Q9: Can I use a different oil for air frying?
A9: You can use any oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil or vegetable oil, but olive oil spray works great for air frying since it’s light and easy to use.

Q10: Can I make a big batch for a party?
A10: Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, and cook in batches if necessary. You can even keep the first batch warm in the oven at 200°F while you cook the rest.

Conclusion

These Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in the Air Fryer are a fun, flavorful, and healthier way to enjoy a beloved classic. The air fryer gives you that irresistible crunch with less oil and mess, making them perfect for snacking, parties, or just when you’re craving something savory. Dip them in your favorite sauce and get ready for some serious deliciousness!

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