Description
Mini Blooming Onions – Air-Fryer Version: Crispy, golden, and irresistibly fun to eat. These Mini Blooming Onions are air-fried to perfection — tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 small yellow onions (about 2–3 inches wide)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)
- Olive oil spray
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Peel onions and trim the root end slightly, keeping the base intact. Slice downwards around the onion 4–6 times, being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently separate the layers into “petals.”
- In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. In another, whisk egg and buttermilk.
- Dip each onion into the wet mixture, then coat evenly with the dry mixture. Repeat for extra crispiness.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place onions cut-side up and lightly spray the tops.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Mix all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Serve onions warm with sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute buttermilk with ½ cup milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice for a dairy-free option.
- For extra crispiness, chill the coated onions for 15 minutes before air frying.
- Trim the onion and keep root end intact to help petals hold together.
- Keep an eye on the onions; cooking time may vary with onion size and air fryer model.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 onion with dipping sauce
- Calories: ≈ 290 kcal
- Sugar: ≈ 8 g
- Sodium: ≈ 720 mg
- Fat: ≈ 12 g
- Saturated Fat: ≈ 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ≈ 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ≈ 38 g
- Fiber: ≈ 2 g
- Protein: ≈ 8 g
- Cholesterol: ≈ 186 mg
Keywords: Mini Blooming Onions, air fryer, air-fried onions, crispy onions, blooming onion bites, appetizer, party snack, easy onion recipe, onion petals, dipping sauce