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In the realm of appetizers, few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like blooming onions. Traditionally deep-fried, these crispy delights have a unique ability to bring people together, making them a popular choice at parties, barbecues, and casual gatherings. The enticing combination of crunchy texture and rich flavor makes blooming onions a perennial favorite among snack enthusiasts. However, with the rise of healthier cooking methods, air frying has become a game-changer for those looking to indulge without compromising on health.

Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

Indulge in these crispy mini blooming onions made effortlessly in your air fryer! Perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer, these sweet onions are soaked in buttermilk for that tender flavor and then coated in a flavorful blend of spices, flour, and crunchy breadcrumbs. Air frying gives them the golden, crispy texture we love without the extra oil. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful treat!
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Ingredients
  

4 small sweet onions (such as Vidalia)

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

Cooking spray (for greasing)

Instructions
 

Prep the Onions: Trim the tops and bottoms of the onions, and peel off the skins. Cut a V-shaped notch in the tops of each onion to create the blooming effect.

    Soak Onions: Place the prepared onions in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to tenderize and flavor them.

      Prepare Breading Station: In one bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

        Bread the Onions: Remove the onions from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dip each onion first into the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour and then dip them back into the buttermilk before coating in breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs into the onions for a thicker crust.

          Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded onions in the basket, making sure they aren’t crowded (you may need to do this in batches). Mist the tops of the onions with cooking spray to promote crispiness.

            Cook: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Check halfway through and shake the basket gently for even cooking.

              Serve: Once done, carefully remove the mini blooming onions from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch or spicy aioli).

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6