Description
These Crispy Mini Blooming Onions made in the air fryer are the perfect bite-sized version of the classic deep-fried favorite! Lightly breaded and perfectly seasoned, these mini blooming onions are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, all while being a healthier alternative thanks to the air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 small onions (peeled and trimmed)
- 1 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
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions:
Slice the ends off the onions, leaving the root intact. Carefully slice the onions into 8 wedges (like you would for blooming onions), making sure not to cut all the way through the root, so the onion stays together. - Make the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese together. - Coat the Onions:
Dip each onion in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all the wedges. Next, dip the coated onion into the beaten eggs and then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick. - Air Fry the Mini Blooming Onions:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded onions in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. - Cook:
Air fry the mini blooming onions for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. - Serve:
Once done, remove the blooming onions from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy mayo.
Notes
- You can adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more spices, such as smoked paprika or dried herbs.
- Make sure to coat the onions thoroughly to get that crispy outer layer.
- For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with a plant-based egg substitute and use dairy-free breadcrumbs.
- These mini blooming onions are best enjoyed immediately while they’re crispy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini onion
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg