Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

If you’re a fan of crispy, golden, and savory snacks, you’re going to fall in love with these Crispy Mini Blooming Onions made in the air fryer. Imagine biting into a perfectly crunchy, flavorful onion that’s been coated with a zesty, spiced batter and air-fried to crispy perfection. The beauty of this recipe is that you get all the taste and texture of a blooming onion, but with way less grease and mess. Trust me, these little beauties will be your new favorite appetizer or side dish.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

• Crispy Goodness: Every bite is filled with a satisfying crunch that will have you coming back for more. The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside while keeping the onion tender inside.
• Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional deep-fried blooming onions, these come together quickly with minimal prep time and no oily mess. It’s the perfect recipe for a busy day when you want something crispy without the hassle.
• Perfect for Dipping: These mini blooming onions are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce—whether it’s ranch, spicy mayo, or a tangy BBQ sauce.
• Customizable Flavors: You can tweak the seasoning to fit your taste. Want something a little spicier? Add cayenne pepper. Prefer a milder version? You can skip the heat and still get a flavor-packed result.
• Air Fryer Magic: The air fryer is a total game-changer here. You get that deep-fried texture without all the oil, making these a lighter, healthier option.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these crispy mini treats:

Mini Onions: The star of the dish. Mini onions work perfectly for this recipe, offering the same delicious flavor as a regular blooming onion but with more individual bites of crispy goodness.

All-Purpose Flour: For the batter base. This helps create that light, crispy crust that’s golden and crunchy.

Cornstarch: A little bit of cornstarch helps the batter crisp up perfectly, giving the onions that deep-fried texture.

Eggs: They bind the flour and seasonings to the onions and help create the crispy coating.

Milk: Used to thin out the batter, giving it the perfect consistency to coat the onions without being too heavy.

Paprika: Adds a nice smoky flavor and a pop of color.

Garlic Powder: A must for that savory, aromatic base flavor.

Onion Powder: Double the onion flavor! It complements the fresh onions and enhances the overall taste.

Cayenne Pepper: For a little heat. If you prefer less spice, feel free to leave this out.

Salt and Pepper: To season the batter and bring out all the flavors.

Olive Oil Spray: For lightly coating the onions before air frying to ensure they get crispy and golden.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now let’s get into how to make these crispy mini blooming onions:

Prep the Onions:

Cut the mini onions in half, leaving the root end intact. This helps them stay together during the air frying process. Carefully cut along the edges of each onion half to create the “blooming” effect. You’ll want to make shallow cuts, not all the way through the onion, so they fan out beautifully once fried.

Prepare the Coating:

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until smooth.

Dip the Onions:

First, dip each onion half into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Then dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, dip the onion back into the flour mixture for a second coat. This double dip ensures a crispy, crunchy outer layer.

Air Fry the Onions:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the onion halves in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Lightly spray the onions with more olive oil spray to help them crisp up. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once they’re done, remove the mini blooming onions from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 120

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

These crispy mini blooming onions make the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish. Here are a few ways you can serve them:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or BBQ sauce to complement the crispy onions.
• As a Side Dish: They pair wonderfully with burgers, grilled meats, or sandwiches.
• On Top of Salads: Add some extra crunch to your salad by placing these mini blooming onions right on top!
• With a Cold Drink: These are also perfect for pairing with a cold beverage, whether it’s a soda, iced tea, or even a light beer for a fun snack.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the best crispy mini blooming onions:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: The key to getting crispy onions is to make sure they have enough space in the air fryer basket. Don’t crowd them, or they’ll steam instead of crisp up.
• Use Fresh Onions: For the best results, use fresh mini onions. Older onions may not crisp as well.
• Adjust Seasoning: If you prefer more heat, add extra cayenne or chili powder to the flour mixture.
• Spray with Oil: Be sure to spray the onions with a little olive oil before air frying. This helps achieve that golden, crispy texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular onions instead of mini onions?
A1: Yes, you can! You’ll need to cut them into smaller wedges, but the method will be the same. Just keep in mind that larger onions may require a bit more time to cook.

Q2: Can I make these in the oven instead?
A2: Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through for even crisping.

Q3: Are these gluten-free?
A3: Unfortunately, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can use a gluten-free flour substitute like rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix.

Q4: Can I make these ahead of time?
A4: These are best served fresh, but you can prep the onions and batter ahead of time. Keep the onions in the fridge and coat them with the flour mixture just before air frying.

Q5: Can I freeze these?
A5: Yes! Freeze the uncooked onions on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, air fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q6: What’s the best dipping sauce for these?
A6: Ranch, spicy mayo, or barbecue sauce all make great dipping sauces. You can also try a homemade onion dip for even more flavor.

Q7: How can I make the coating even crispier?
A7: For an extra crispy coating, try adding panko breadcrumbs to the flour mixture or coating the onions in crushed cornflakes before air frying.

Q8: Can I make these without an air fryer?
A8: Yes, you can fry them in a deep fryer or skillet. Just be sure to keep the oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) for crispy results.

Q9: Can I add cheese to the coating?
A9: Yes! You can mix in a little grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, flavorful crust.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store leftover mini blooming onions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to bring back that crispy texture.

Conclusion

These Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in the Air Fryer are the perfect combination of crunchy, savory, and irresistible. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and the air fryer makes them so much lighter than the deep-fried version. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re sure to be a hit. Give them a try—your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

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