Enjoy a delightful appetizer with these Crispy Mini Blooming Onions made in an air fryer! These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or a fun snack at home. They have all the flavors and crispiness of traditional blooming onions but are made healthier with less oil.
📋 Ingredients:
- 🧅 4 small onions
- 🥛 1 cup buttermilk
- 🍳 2 large eggs
- 🌾 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 🌿 1 teaspoon paprika
- 🌿 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 🌿 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
- 🧈 Cooking spray
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 🍅 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 🌶 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 🌶 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 🌿 Salt and pepper to taste
📝 Directions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Onions: Peel the onions and cut off the top (stem end). Leave the root end intact. Carefully cut each onion into quarters, then into eighths, cutting from the top down but not cutting through the root. Gently separate the onion layers to form a blooming effect.
2️⃣ Soak in Buttermilk: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. Place the onions in the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes.
3️⃣ Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
4️⃣ Coat the Onions: Remove the onions from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. Dredge them in the flour mixture, making sure they are well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
5️⃣ Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
6️⃣ Air Fry the Onions: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated onions in the basket, cut-side up. Spray the onions lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
7️⃣ Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8️⃣ Serve: Serve the mini blooming onions warm with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful treat!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- For an extra crispy texture, you can double dip the onions in the buttermilk and flour mixture before air frying.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.