Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions a golden, crispy mini blooming onions come out of my air fryer with a bold, flavorful crunch and a creamy dipping sauce on the side. I love how this lighter version delivers all the satisfaction of the classic appetizer without deep frying, making it perfect for snacking, sharing, or serving at gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these mini blooming onions turn perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. The air fryer gives me that golden crunch with far less oil, which makes this recipe feel lighter but still indulgent.
Also I appreciate how simple the ingredients are. I usually have most of the spices in my pantry, and the dipping sauce comes together with basic condiments.
I find this recipe ideal for parties, game nights, or even a fun weekend snack. It looks impressive on the plate, yet I can prepare it in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with lemon juice)
1 cup flour (substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon paprika (smoked paprika for deeper flavor if desired)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 medium sweet onions (such as Vidalia)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
Cooking spray or oil, as needed
1 teaspoon black pepper
For the dipping sauce:
Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Horseradish sauce
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper totaste
Directions
I start by combining the buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice) in a small bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
While that rests, I peel the onions and carefully slice off the tops and bottoms to create a stable base. I make vertical cuts around each onion to form petal-like blooms, making sure not to cut all the way through.
In another bowl, I mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Next I dip each onion into the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. I gently separate the petals so the coating gets into every layer.
I preheat my air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Then I place the coated onions in the basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation. I lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush them with oil to help them crisp up beautifully.
I cook them for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they turn golden and crispy.
While they cook, I stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make a creamy dipping sauce. I serve the mini blooming onions warm with the sauce on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Each serving contains approximately 320 kcal.
Variations
I sometimes swap regular paprika for smoked paprika to give the onions a deeper, smoky flavor.
When I want extra heat, I increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder to the flour mixture.
For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free flour, and I make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
If I want a different sauce, I mix Greek yogurt with a bit of hot sauce and lemon juice for a tangy, lighter dip.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until they crisp up again. I avoid microwaving because I find it makes them soft instead of crispy.
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FAQs
How do I keep the onions from falling apart while cutting?
I make sure not to slice all the way through the onion. I leave about half an inch at the base intact so the petals stay connected.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I prefer serving them fresh for maximum crispiness, but I can coat the onions a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to air fry.
What type of onions work best?
I like using sweet onions such as Vidalia because they have a mild flavor that balances well with the seasoned coating.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, I can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, though I find the air fryer gives a crispier result.
How do I make them extra crispy?
I make sure to spray the tops lightly with oil and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Proper air circulation helps them crisp evenly.
Conclusion
I love making these air fryer crispy mini blooming onions when I want a crunchy, flavorful snack without the heaviness of deep frying. The combination of warm, tender onion petals and the creamy dipping sauce makes this recipe a favorite in my kitchen. It is simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing anytime I crave a golden, savory treat.
📖 Recipe:
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Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, crispy mini blooming onions made in the air fryer deliver bold flavor and a satisfying crunch without deep frying. Served with a creamy dipping sauce, they are perfect for snacking, sharing, or entertaining.
Ingredients
1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with lemon juice)
1 cup flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
1 tablespoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 medium sweet onions (such as Vidalia)
Cooking spray or oil, as needed
1/2 cup mayonnaise (for dipping sauce)
2 tablespoons ketchup (for dipping sauce)
1 tablespoon horseradish sauce (for dipping sauce)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (for dipping sauce)
Salt and pepper to taste (for dipping sauce)
Instructions
- Combine the buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice) in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Peel the onions and slice off the tops and bottoms to create a stable base. Make vertical cuts around each onion to form petal-like blooms, leaving about 1/2 inch at the base intact.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each onion into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, gently separating the petals to ensure even coverage.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place the coated onions in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dipping sauce.
- Serve the mini blooming onions warm with the dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Add extra cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder for more heat.
For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free flour and ingredients.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
These can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, though the air fryer provides a crispier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
