Ah, a mini air fryer blooming onion—crispy, golden, and perfect for a snack or appetizer without deep frying! Here’s a simple way to make them:
Ingredients
- 1 large onion
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- Cooking spray or a little oil
Optional dipping sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp ketchup
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Dash of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prep the onion:
- Cut off the top (stem end) and peel the onion.
- Slice the onion from top to bottom about 8–12 times, leaving about 1/2 inch at the root so it holds together.
- Gently spread the “petals” apart.
- Prepare the coatings:
- In one bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
- Coat the onion:
- Dip the onion in the egg mixture, making sure it gets in between the petals.
- Then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture. For extra crunch, you can repeat the egg + flour step once more.
- Air fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the onion lightly with cooking spray or brush with a little oil.
- Place it in the basket root-side down. Cook for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Make dipping sauce (optional):
- Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, paprika, and cayenne in a small bowl.
- Serve:
- Let the onion cool 2–3 minutes, then serve with dipping sauce.
💡 Tips:
- Make “mini” versions by slicing smaller onions—perfect for a single snack.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook one at a time if needed.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the onion halfway through cooking.
If you want, I can also give a super quick 10-minute version using frozen onions that still comes out crispy in the air fryer. That’s perfect if you’re short on time.
Do you want me to give that version too?
