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Blooming onions have taken the culinary world by storm, becoming a beloved appetizer in restaurants and home kitchens alike. Their delightful presentation, resembling a flower in full bloom, combined with a satisfying crunch and savory flavor, creates an irresistible dish that tempts the taste buds of many. Traditionally served deep-fried and accompanied by various dipping sauces, blooming onions are a staple at casual gatherings, game days, and festive celebrations. However, with the rising popularity of air fryers, it's now possible to enjoy the same mouthwatering experience with a healthier twist.

Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

Get ready to impress with these Crispy Mini Blooming Onions made in the air fryer! Perfectly tender onions are soaked in buttermilk, then coated in a flavorful mix of flour and Panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. Seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne for heat, these bite-sized delights are air-fried to golden perfection. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer or snack. Enjoy this easy, flavorful recipe!
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Ingredients
  

4 small onions (such as pearl onions or shallots)

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crispiness)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Prepare the Onions: Peel the small onions and cut off the tops, leaving the roots intact. Carefully make four to six deep cuts from the top down towards the root to create petal shapes, being cautious not to cut all the way through the root.

    Soak the Onions: In a mixing bowl, pour the buttermilk over the onions and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the onions and allows the coating to stick better.

      Mix the Coating: In another bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.

        Coat the Onions: Remove the onions from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dip each onion in the flour mixture, ensuring to coat thoroughly, then return to the buttermilk before coating each again in the breadcrumb mixture for an extra crispy texture.

          Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.

            Air Fry the Onions: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated onions in the basket, ensuring they’re not touching (you may need to cook in batches). Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to encourage browning.

              Cook: Air fry the onions for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model.

                Serve: Once done, carefully remove the crispy blooming onions and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch or spicy mayo).

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6