Crispy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions: Better Than Takeout

Ingredients

For the Mini Blooming Onions:

• 4 small/mini sweet onions (such as Vidalia, Cipollini, or small yellow onions, about 2.5–3 inches in diameter)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free baking flour)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp buttermilk (or whole milk)
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (for maximum crunch)
• Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray

For the Signature Copycat Bloom Dip:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp horseradish (prepared)
• 1 tsp ketchup
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. 1.Prepare and Slice the Onions: Prep Time: 8 min.
2. Peel the outer skin off the onions, keeping the root end intact. Place the onion root-side down on a cutting board. Starting about 1/2 inch away from the root, make 4 vertical cuts at equal intervals around the onion. Make 2 to 3 additional cuts between each quarter (giving you 12–16 petals total). Turn the onion root-side up and gently press outward on the petals to bloom them open.
3. 2.Set Up the 3-Station Dredging Line: Prep Time: 5 min.
4. Arrange three shallow bowls side-by-side:
5. Bowl 1 (Flour & Seasoning): Whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
6. Bowl 2 (Egg Wash): Whisk eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
7. Bowl 3 (Panko Coating): Place panko breadcrumbs with a light sprinkle of salt.
8. 3.Dredge and Coat Every Petal: Prep Time: 7 min.
9. Dust the blooming onion generously with the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring flour gets into every single petal gap. Tap off excess. Submerge into the egg wash to coat completely, then coat generously in panko breadcrumbs.
10. Pro Tip: For maximum crunch, repeat the egg and panko step once more. Chill the coated onions in the fridge for 10 minutes so the coating sets.
11. 4.Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Cook Time: 12-15 min | Heat: 375°F.
12. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Place the coated mini onions inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
13. Generously spray the onions with oil spray—make sure no dry flour patches remain. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes , spraying once more at the 8-minute mark, until deep golden-brown and crispy.
14. 5.Mix Dip and Serve Hot: Prep Time: 2 min.
15. While the onions air fry, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Serve the mini blooming onions piping hot alongside the cool spicy dipping sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 310 kcal — · Protein: 7 g 14% · Fat: 18 g 23% · Carbohydrates: 32 g 12% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 3.5 g 18% · Fiber: 3 g 11% · Sugar: 6 g — · Sodium: 680 mg 30%