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Blooming onions have become a beloved staple in the world of appetizers, often gracing the menus of popular restaurants and serving as a crowd-pleaser at parties. Their unique appearance and delightful crunch make them an irresistible choice for many. Traditionally deep-fried, these flavorful bulbs can now be enjoyed in a healthier way, thanks to the air fryer. This method not only reduces the amount of oil used but also enhances the crispy texture that everyone craves.

Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

Elevate your snack game with these crispy mini blooming onions made effortlessly in the air fryer! Soaked in buttermilk and coated in a flavor-packed breadcrumb mix, these delightful bites are golden brown and perfectly crispy. They’re great for parties or a fun family treat. Serve them with ranch or spicy aioli for an irresistible dip. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they’re sure to impress everyone! Perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

4 small yellow onions

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice)

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray

Dipping sauce (ranch or spicy aioli, optional)

Instructions
 

Prep the Onions: Peel the onions and trim the root slightly so they can sit flat. Cut the top off and then make 4 to 6 vertical cuts down toward the root, creating petal shapes without cutting all the way through.

    Soak in Buttermilk: Place the onions in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps them become tender and absorb flavor.

      Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

        Coat the Onions: Remove the onions from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each onion in the flour mixture, ensuring you coat between the petals. Shake off any excess flour, then dip them back into the buttermilk before rolling in the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.

          Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

            Air Fry the Onions: Spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray. Place the coated onions inside the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray as well.

              Cooking Time: Air fry the onions for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.

                Serve: Carefully remove the mini blooming onions from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy aioli.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes | Servings: 4-6