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Crispy air fryer mini blooming onions served with dipping sauce

Mini Blooming Onions

Crispy and flavorful mini blooming onions made easily in the air fryer with a buttermilk dip and seasoned flour coat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Buttermilk Dip
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice)
For the Seasoned Flour Coating
  • 1 cup Flour (substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 tbsp Paprika (consider using smoked paprika for extra flavor)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust according to taste)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • as needed Cooking Spray/Oil (for crispy exterior)
For the Onions
  • 2 medium Sweet Onions (like Vidalia)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Set up your coating station by pouring buttermilk (or milk mixed with lemon juice) into a medium bowl.
  2. In a second bowl, stir together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
  3. Peel the sweet onions and cut them into mini bloom-style portions.
Coating the Onions
  1. Dip the onion portions in the buttermilk, ensuring the liquid gets into the cuts, then lift them out and let the excess drip off.
  2. Press the onion pieces into the flour mixture, ensuring a full, dry coat.
  3. Lightly coat the outside with cooking spray or oil.
Cooking
  1. Arrange the onions in a single layer in the air fryer and cook for about 10-15 minutes until crisp and browned.
  2. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Notes

These mini blooms are best right after cooking. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer to regain crunch.