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Blooming onions have long captivated the hearts and taste buds of many as a delicious appetizer, often seen gracing the menus of popular restaurants and casual dining spots alike. This iconic dish features a whole onion that has been beautifully cut to resemble a flower, then fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior that encases tender, flavorful onion layers. However, while traditional blooming onions are undeniably tasty, they are also laden with oil and calories. Enter the air fryer, a game-changer in the culinary world that allows us to enjoy our favorite fried foods with significantly less oil.

Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

Discover the delight of crispy mini blooming onions made effortlessly in your air fryer! This fun appetizer features tender onions soaked in buttermilk, coated in a flavorful breading, and air-fried to golden perfection. With a touch of paprika and garlic, they pack a delicious crunch. Perfect for sharing, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo. Easy to make and irresistible, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
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Ingredients
  

4 small onions (e.g., pearl or cipollini)

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Cooking spray

Dipping sauce of your choice (e.g., ranch or spicy mayo)

Instructions
 

Prep the Onions: Begin by peeling the onions and trimming the root end slightly to keep them intact. Use a sharp knife to make 8-12 vertical cuts from the top toward the root of each onion, being careful not to cut all the way through.

    Soak in Buttermilk: Place the prepared onions in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes to help the breading stick better.

      Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.

        Coat the Onions: Remove the onions from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Dredge each onion into the flour mixture, ensuring all parts are coated evenly. You may want to shake off any excess flour.

          Air Fry the Onions: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated onions in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other (you may need to cook in batches). Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.

            Cooking Time: Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.

              Serve: Once done, carefully remove the onions from the basket and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4 (1 onion per serving)