Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions for Guilt-Free Snacking Recipe
Enjoy guilt-free snacking with these Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions. Featuring a seasoned gluten-free batter and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these golden-brown onion blooms offer a crunchy, flavorful treat perfect for dipping and sharing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (1 onion each) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the Batter
- 1 cup Buttermilk or milk with lemon juice
- 1 cup Flour substitute (use 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
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
- Lemon Juice
- Seasonings to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk or milk with lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Prep the Onions: Peel the sweet onions, then slice off the tops and bottoms to create a flat, stable base. Carefully make vertical cuts about 1/4 inch apart around each onion to create petal-like blooms, stopping just short of the base so the onion stays intact.
- Make the Seasoned Flour: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour substitute, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Coat the Onions: Dip each onion into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then thoroughly coat each onion in the seasoned flour mixture ensuring all petals are covered.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and preheat for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated onions upright in the air fryer basket with space between them to allow proper air circulation for crispiness.
- Apply Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the onions with cooking spray or brush with a bit of oil to promote browning and crunch.
- Air Fry: Cook the onions for 10-12 minutes, shaking or gently turning the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the onions cook, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, lemon juice, and your preferred seasonings to make a tangy, creamy dipping sauce.
- Serve: Once cooked and golden brown, serve the crispy mini blooming onions warm alongside the dipping sauce for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure each onion is evenly coated in both the buttermilk and seasoned flour for the crispiest texture.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces like ranch, spicy aioli, or a smoky barbecue for variety.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant individuals.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity according to your spice tolerance to balance heat and flavor.
- Handle the onion petals gently to avoid breaking them during coating and air frying.
Keywords: Air Fryer, Blooming Onions, Crispy Onion Snacks, Gluten-Free Snack, Healthy Snack, Appetizer, Party Food, Guilt-Free Frying
