Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer are a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing. These warm, golden bites are crispy on the outside and soft inside. They make a fantastic appetizer or side dish for family dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, making them in the air fryer keeps them light and so much easier!

Why You Will Love This Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

These crispy mini blooming onions are super easy to whip up. With everyday ingredients, they come together quickly, making them a great choice for busy nights. Everyone in the family will love their crunchy texture and savory flavor. They also make game day extra special or can simply be a fun snack for the kids.

How to Make Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

Creating these blooming onions is straightforward. You’ll coat them in a seasoned flour mix, dip them in a creamy egg mixture, then coat them with breadcrumbs before air frying. It’s a simple process and perfect for beginners.

What You Need

4 small onions
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

Step-by-Step

Prepare the Onions: Start by trimming the tops and bottoms of the onions. Peel their outer layers, then cut an “X” shape in the bottom half so they can bloom nicely.
Mix the Flour Coating: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Prepare the Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together until smooth.
Coat the Onions: First, dip each onion into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back again into the flour until evenly coated.
Air Fry: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated onions inside without overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.
Serve: Allow the onions to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce!

How to Serve Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

These crispy mini blooming onions are delicious just as they are, but they can also be paired with a variety of sauces. Try serving them with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or a tangy barbecue sauce. For a complete meal, serve them alongside burgers or grilled chicken. They also make for a wonderful snack during movie night!

How to Store Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

To keep leftovers fresh, allow the cooked onions to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warm and crispy again. Avoid freezing, as they might lose their texture.

Recipe Tips

Make sure the onions are small; they will bloom better.
Don’t skip the double coating for extra crunch.
Experiment with different spices in the flour mixture for added flavor.
Ensure the air fryer is preheated for the best results.
Be careful not to overcrowd the basket to allow the onions to crisp up nicely.

Variations & Swaps

Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Blooming Onions: Mix grated cheese into the breadcrumb layer for a cheesy finish.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free counterparts for a gluten-free version.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the onions and leave them coated in the fridge for a few hours. Just air fry them when you’re ready to serve for a warm, fresh taste.

Can these blooming onions be frozen?

It’s best to not freeze them once cooked. However, you can freeze uncooked, coated onions. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What dipping sauces work best?

These onions pair beautifully with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy dipping sauce. You can also get creative with your favorite sauces to see what works best for your family.

How do I avoid soggy onions?

Make sure they are well coated and that you allow enough space in the air fryer. Not overcrowding the basket will help them crisp up nicely.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will create a similar tangy flavor for the batter.