Making mini air fryer blooming onions is a fun and tasty appetizer that captures the essence of the classic blooming onion but in a smaller, air-fried version. Here’s how you can make them:
Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
- Peel Onions: Peel the onions and cut off the root ends. Carefully cut each onion into quarters, stopping just before you reach the root end. This allows the onion layers to separate when cooking.
- Soak in Buttermilk: Place the cut onions in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to help mellow the onion flavor and soften them slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Coat and Air Fry
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Coat Onions: Remove the onions from the buttermilk, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each onion quarter in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides thoroughly.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Arrange the coated onion quarters in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Air Fry: Cook the mini blooming onions in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Serve
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the mini blooming onions from the air fryer basket and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or a spicy aioli.
Tips for Perfect Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions:
- Onion Choice: Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for a milder flavor. They also have a better texture for frying.
- Soaking Time: Allowing the onions to soak in buttermilk helps to tenderize them and reduces their sharpness.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasoning blends for the flour mixture. You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices like smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Dipping Sauces: Customize your dipping sauces to complement the flavors of the mini blooming onions. Barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even a tangy salsa can be delicious options.
- Serve Immediately: These mini blooming onions are best enjoyed fresh and hot out of the air fryer for maximum crispiness.
Enjoy making and indulging in these mini air fryer blooming onions as a delightful appetizer or snack!