Description
Enjoy a healthier twist on the classic blooming onion with this Crispy Mini Blooming Onions recipe, made effortlessly in an air fryer. These bite-sized beauties boast a golden, crunchy coating with a flavorful seasoning blend, paired perfectly with a zesty dipping sauce. Ideal as a snack or appetizer, they deliver all the indulgence with less oil and mess.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions and Coating
- 4 small onions (such as sweet or yellow onions)
- 1/2 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 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: Peel the onions and slice them carefully from the top towards the root, about 1/2 inch apart, stopping before cutting all the way through so they remain intact at the base. Gently separate the onion layers to create a blooming flower effect.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper; mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Prepare the wet coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together beaten egg and milk until smooth.
- Make breadcrumb mixture: Combine panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese in another shallow dish for a cheesy crunch.
- Coat the onions: Dip each onion into the flour mixture, ensuring all petals are dusted. Then, dip into the egg and milk mixture, allowing excess to drip. Finally, carefully coat with the panko-Parmesan mixture, making sure each petal is well covered.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Air fry the onions: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated onions upright in the basket, making sure they have enough space. Lightly spray the coating with cooking spray to promote browning. Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy, checking halfway to adjust placement if needed.
- Make the dipping sauce: While the onions cook, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, hot sauce (if using), and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Serve: Remove the crispy mini blooming onions gently from the air fryer. Serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Choose small onions for manageable, bite-sized blooming onions that cook evenly in the air fryer.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can be adapted for oven baking at 400°F for 18-20 minutes.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or increase hot sauce in the dipping sauce.
- Make sure to spray the onions with cooking spray before air frying to get a crispy, golden crust.
- Handle the onions gently when coating to prevent petals from breaking off.
