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Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions – Easy, Golden & Fun!

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 6–8 small sweet onions (golf ball to small tangerine size; Cipollini or small yellow/sweet onions work well)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk plus 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs (for extra texture)
  • 1 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to finish
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Oil spray (avocado or canola)
  • Dip of choice: Ranch, chipotle mayo, or a quick sauce (2 tbsp mayo + 1 tbsp Greek yogurt + 1 tsp hot sauce + pinch of paprika)

Method
 

  1. Prep the onions: Trim 1/4 inch off the pointy end. Leave the root intact. Peel the papery skin.
  2. Slice the “bloom”: Set each onion root-side down. Make 8–10 vertical cuts from top to near the root, without cutting through. Gently separate layers with your fingers to create petals.
  3. Make the wet mixture: In a bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg until smooth.
  4. Make the dry coating: In another bowl, mix flour, cornmeal/panko, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  5. Soak: Dip each onion into the buttermilk mixture, opening petals so the liquid gets between layers. Let excess drip off.
  6. Dredge: Place the onion in the dry mix. Use a spoon to sprinkle coating into the petals. Turn and press gently so it sticks.
  7. Double coat (optional but best): Return to buttermilk, then back into the dry mix for a thicker crust.
  8. Preheat the air fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly oil-spray the basket.
  9. Arrange and spray: Set onions cut-side up in a single layer. Generously spray all exposed surfaces with oil to help crisping.
  10. Air fry: Cook 10–14 minutes, depending on size, until deep golden and crisp. Rotate the basket once. If needed, spray lightly again halfway.
  11. Finish: Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot. Serve with your favorite dip.