Crispy Mini Blooming Onions made in the air fryer are a fun, bite-sized version of the classic appetizer. These golden-brown onion blossoms are perfectly seasoned, lightly breaded, and air-fried to crunchy perfection—ideal for parties or as a delicious snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier than deep-frying: The air fryer achieves crispy results with less oil.
- Adorable and shareable: Mini versions are perfect for serving at gatherings or family dinners.
- Quick and easy: Minimal prep and fast cooking time make this a breeze.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning or dipping sauces to your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Small onions (such as shallots or pearl onions)
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Egg, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking spray
Directions
- Prepare the onions: Peel the onions and trim the root slightly, leaving enough to hold the onion together. Cut slits into the onion, starting from the top down, to create “petals” without cutting all the way through.
- Season and coat: Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a bowl. Dip the onion into the flour mixture, ensuring it gets into the slits. Shake off excess.
- Dip in egg and breadcrumbs: Coat the onion in the beaten egg, then press panko breadcrumbs onto it for a crispy layer.
- Air fry: Place the onions in a preheated air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or a spicy aioli, and enjoy hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 4 mini blooming onions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Cheesy twist: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb coating.
- Herbaceous flavor: Add dried oregano or parsley to the flour mixture.
- Larger onions: Use medium onions for slightly bigger portions, adjusting the cooking time.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use regular onions instead of small ones?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time for larger onions.
What’s the best type of onion for this recipe?
Sweet onions or small yellow onions work best due to their mild flavor.
How do I prevent the onions from falling apart?
Ensure the root end stays intact when cutting to keep the petals together.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the onions up to the breading step and refrigerate them. Air fry when ready to serve.
What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or honey mustard are great options.
Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
Yes, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or skip them entirely for a lighter version.
How do I get the onions evenly crispy?
Ensure they are coated evenly and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Is cooking spray necessary?
Yes, a light spray of oil helps achieve the crispy, golden texture.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What if the onions aren’t crispy enough?
Increase the air frying time by 2–3 minutes or raise the temperature slightly.
Conclusion
Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in the air fryer are a delightful appetizer or snack that combines bold flavor with a satisfying crunch. Quick to make and easy to customize, they’re sure to impress your guests or satisfy your craving for a healthier indulgence. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate treat!
PrintCrispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer
These Crispy Mini Blooming Onions are a fun, bite-sized twist on the classic appetizer. Made in the air fryer, they’re golden, crispy, and packed with flavor without the excess oil of deep frying. Perfect for parties, game day, or as a fun snack!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 small onions (like pearl onions or cippolini onions)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- Cooking spray
For Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Onions:
- Peel the onions and trim the root end slightly so the onion can stand upright, but do not cut too much to avoid the layers separating.
- Slice the onions into “blooms” by making 4-6 evenly spaced cuts from the top to near the base, being careful not to slice all the way through. Gently separate the layers to create the blooming effect.
2. Make the Coating:
- In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
3. Coat the Onions:
- Dip each onion into the flour mixture, coating all the layers. Shake off excess.
- Next, dip the onion into the egg mixture, ensuring it gets into all the layers.
- Finally, dip it back into the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat well.
4. Air Fry the Onions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the coated onions into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Spray generously with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Check halfway through and reapply cooking spray if needed for even crispiness.
5. Make the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve:
- Serve the mini blooming onions hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- Onion Size: Use small onions for mini blooms. For larger onions, increase cooking time slightly.
- Make Ahead: Prep the onions and coat them, then refrigerate for up to 1 hour before air frying.
- Spice it Up: Add more cayenne or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicier version.