... Print

Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions

A stack of golden brown, crispy air fryer crispy mini blooming onions served on a small white square plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make individual, extra crispy blooming onions in your air fryer. This recipe delivers the restaurant-style crunch without deep frying, perfect for a quick party appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 small white or yellow onions (about 2 inches wide)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray (oil-based)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onions: Peel the small onions. Place one onion root-side down on a cutting board. Make vertical cuts from the top toward the root, stopping about 1/2 inch from the bottom. Make cuts in a circular pattern around the onion, creating 12 to 16 wedges. Do not cut all the way through. Repeat for all four onions.
  2. Set up a dredging station: In one shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. In a second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat the onions: Gently dip each onion into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring all crevices are coated. Press the crumbs in well to help the petals stick.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  5. Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place one or two coated mini blooming onions in the basket, ensuring they do not touch.
  6. Spray the tops of the coated onions generously with cooking spray. This is key for crispiness.
  7. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through. Continue spraying the tops lightly during the flip. The onions are done when the breading is deep golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove carefully with tongs and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For the best separation, use small onions. If your onions are larger, you may need to increase the cook time by 2 to 4 minutes.
  • If you want an extra crunchy texture, let the coated onions rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before air frying. This helps the coating set.
  • For the dipping sauce, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon horseradish, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of paprika.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/air-fryer-crispy-mini-blooming-onions/