Description
Crispy Mini Blooming Onions made effortlessly in the air fryer, delivering a crunchy, flavorful appetizer with less oil and mess. Perfectly seasoned and coated, these bite-sized onion blossoms are served with a crispy golden exterior and a tender interior.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions
- 4 small onions (peeled and trimmed)
Breading Mixture
- 1 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
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Others
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Peel and trim the small onions carefully to maintain their shape. Using a sharp knife, cut each onion vertically from the top down toward the root, creating petal-like sections, but do not cut all the way through the root to keep the onion intact.
- Mix the Flour and Spices: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix these dry ingredients well to make an even seasoning base for the coating.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. This will be used to help the breadcrumb coating adhere firmly to the onions.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and crispiness.
- Coat the Onions: Dip each onion bloom first into the flour-spice mixture, ensuring all petals are lightly dusted, then dunk them into the beaten eggs, and finally dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered. Make sure the coating reaches all the nooks and crannies of the onion petals.
- Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking or olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Onions: Place each coated onion bloom carefully in the air fryer basket with space around them for air circulation. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and a crispy golden crust.
- Serve: Remove the mini blooming onions from the air fryer once crispy and golden brown. Serve immediately as an appetizer or side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for extra crunch.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon.
- Do not cut the onion fully through the root to keep petals intact.
- Air fryer models vary; check onions early to prevent overcooking.
- Serve with ranch, spicy mayo, or ketchup for dipping.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
