Description
Enjoy a guilt-free crispy snacking experience with these Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions. Coated in a flavorful seasoned batter and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these bite-sized treats offer a crunchy exterior and tender, sweet onion inside. Paired with a tangy, creamy dipping sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare and healthier than traditional fried versions.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 1 cup Buttermilk or milk with lemon juice
- 1 cup Flour (use gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp Paprika (smoked paprika optional)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
For the Onions
- 2 medium Sweet Onions (such as Vidalia)
For Cooking
- Cooking Spray or Oil, as needed for a crispy exterior
For the Dipping Sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Horseradish Sauce
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk or milk with lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to sour.
- Prepare the Onions: Peel the sweet onions and slice off the tops and bottoms carefully so they sit flat. Make vertical cuts around the onions to create petal-like sections, forming a blooming onion.
- Mix the Batter: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
- Coat the Onions: Dip each onion into the buttermilk mixture allowing any excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat them in the seasoned flour mixture covering all petals.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes.
- Arrange and Cook: Place the coated onions in the air fryer basket with enough space for air circulation. Lightly spray the onions with cooking spray or brush with oil for crispiness. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or adjusting the basket halfway through cooking for even crispness.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
- Serve: Serve the warm, crispy mini blooming onions immediately with the prepared dipping sauce for a delicious guilt-free snack.
Notes
- Using gluten-free flour makes this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant individuals.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- Ensure onions are cut carefully to maintain the blooming shape.
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil helps achieve the best crispy texture in the air fryer.
- Serve immediately for optimal crispness as the onions can lose crunch if left out too long.
- The dipping sauce can be customized with additional spices like smoked paprika or hot sauce for extra flavor.
