Description
A lighter, snackable take on the classic appetizer, these mini blooming onions are air-fried for a crispy texture without the mess of deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium Sweet Onions (Vidalia)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 cup Flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour)
- 1 tbsp Paprika (or smoked paprika)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- Cooking Spray or a light neutral oil
Instructions
- Trim the stem end of each onion to create a flat base and peel the outer skin.
- Make vertical cuts from top to root into 8–10 wedges per onion while keeping the root intact.
- Soak the fanned onions in buttermilk for 10 minutes, then let excess drip off.
- Combine flour and spices in a bowl; mix gently.
- Press each onion into the flour mixture so seasoning reaches between the petals, then tap off excess.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
- Arrange onions root-side down in the basket and lightly spray tops with oil.
- Air-fry for 8–10 minutes, flip, spray again, then cook for 4–6 more minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, mix panko with the flour. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: air fryer, appetizer, blooming onion, easy snack, crispy