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
