Introduction

Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions are a deliciously crunchy and flavorful snack perfect for guilt-free indulgence. These bite-sized onion blooms offer a satisfying crisp without the excess oil of traditional frying. Enjoy them as a tasty appetizer or party treat paired with a zesty dipping sauce.

A white plate is filled with crispy golden-brown fried onion rings that have a light, flaky texture and slight curls at the edges. The onion rings are sprinkled with small green chive pieces. On the upper right side of the plate, there is a white cup filled with thick, creamy, reddish-brown dipping sauce, also garnished with chives. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup Buttermilk or milk with lemon juice
1 cup Flour (substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
1 tbsp Paprika (smoked paprika optional for extra flavor)
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
2 medium Sweet Onions (such as Vidalia)
Cooking Spray or Oil as needed for crispy exterior
For dipping sauce: mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, lemon juice, and seasonings to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk or milk with lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to slightly thicken.
Step 2: Peel the onions and slice off the tops and bottoms to create a stable base. Make vertical cuts around each onion to form petal-like sections, being careful not to slice all the way through.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Dip each onion into the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip away, then thoroughly coat it in the seasoned flour blend.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Place the coated onions in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation.
Step 7: Lightly spray the tops of the onions with cooking spray or brush with oil to encourage crispiness.
Step 8: Cook the onions in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 9: Meanwhile, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, lemon juice, and seasonings in a small bowl to create a zesty dipping sauce.
Step 10: Serve the warm mini blooming onions alongside the dipping sauce for a delicious snack.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika in the flour mixture.
Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level to your liking.
Try different dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Ensure thorough coating of each onion to achieve maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best natural sweetness and crunch.

Storage

Store any leftover crispy blooming onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving as it may cause sogginess.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a group of golden-brown, crispy fried onion rings shaped like small flowers, each with many thin, curled outer layers that are darker at the edges and a lighter, translucent center. Small green chive pieces are sprinkled over the onion rings for color. Next to the rings is a white round bowl filled with a thick, reddish-brown dipping sauce that has a smooth texture and a few green herb bits on top. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a buttermilk substitute. Let it sit for 5 minutes for the best results.

Will this recipe work with larger onions?

While it’s possible, using medium-sized sweet onions works best for even cooking and easier handling in the air fryer. Larger onions may need longer cook times and careful slicing to create petals.