Description
This Crispy Mini Blooming Onions recipe features perfectly seasoned, bite-sized onions coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer. Served with a tangy and slightly spicy dipping sauce, these blooming onions make a delicious appetizer or snack that’s lighter than deep-fried versions yet just as satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Onions
- 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)
For the 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 to create the “blooming” effect by cutting them into thin petals, stopping just before the root to keep them intact. Soak the onions in cold water for about 10 minutes to help the petals open up fully.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour mixture will add flavor and help the coating stick.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the large egg with the milk until well combined. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the onions.
- Make Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. The panko provides extra crunch while Parmesan adds a savory note.
- Coat the Onions: Remove the onions from water and pat dry. Dip each onion first into the flour mixture, making sure to get inside the petals, then into the egg wash, and finally into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Ensure each petal is well coated for maximum crispiness.
- Preheat and Spray: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the coated onions with cooking spray to encourage browning and crisp texture.
- Air Fry: Place the coated onions in the air fryer basket, petal side up, ensuring they are not touching to allow even air circulation. Cook for 15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, spraying them halfway through cooking to enhance crispiness.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the onions air fry, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, hot sauce (if using), and smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Remove the onions from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with the prepared dipping sauce for a delectable appetizer.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning in the flour mix according to your taste preference for spiciness or saltiness.
- For extra crispy onions, spray them with cooking spray before and halfway through the cooking time.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the onions one at a time to prevent overcrowding, which can cause sogginess.
- The dipping sauce can be customized by adding more hot sauce or substituting mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions for a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the crispy coating.
