Description
Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions are a delightful twist on the classic appetizer, offering a crispy, flavorful experience with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying methods. These petite versions are perfect for individual servings, making them an excellent choice for gatherings or as a unique side dish. Utilizing an air fryer not only reduces the calorie content but also simplifies the cooking process, delivering a healthier alternative without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
-
For the Blooming Onions:
- 4 small sweet onions (e.g., Vidalia)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
-
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Onions
- Peel and Cut: Remove the outer skin from each onion and slice about ¼ inch off the top to create a flat surface.
- Create Petals: Place the onion cut-side down. Starting ½ inch from the root, make downward cuts all around the onion to form petals. Gently separate the layers to resemble a blooming flower.
-
Prepare the Coatings
- Dry Mixture: In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Wet Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
-
Coat the Onions
- First Coating: Dredge each onion in the dry mixture, ensuring all petals are covered. Shake off excess.
- Second Coating: Dip the floured onions into the wet mixture, allowing it to reach between petals.
- Final Coating: Roll the onions in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
-
Air Fry the Onions
- Preheat: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 5 minutes.
- Arrange: Place the coated onions in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Lightly spray with cooking oil.
- Cook: Air fry for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
-
Prepare the Dipping Sauce (optional)
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
-
Serve
- Allow onions to cool slightly before serving with the dipping sauce.
Notes
- Onion Selection: Opt for sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder flavor.
- Cutting Technique: Ensure not to cut through the root to keep the petals intact.
- Air Fryer Capacity: Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Serving Suggestion: These mini blooming onions pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch or spicy aioli.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving
- Calories: 350g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg