Baby Air Fryer Blooming Onions

A Blooming Onion is a classic appetizer often served at restaurants, but it’s easy to make at home, especially with an air fryer! These Baby Air Fryer Blooming Onions are perfect for those who love the crispy, flavorful, and crunchy texture of a blooming onion but want a healthier version. Air frying gives them that golden, crispy exterior with much less oil than traditional deep-frying. Plus, they’re made with baby onions, making them a fun, bite-sized treat for parties or as a side dish!

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Ingredients

For the Onions:

• 4 small or baby onions (about 2 inches in diameter, such as pearl onions or Vidalia onions)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for a little heat, add more or use cayenne pepper)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk if you prefer)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (any size that fits your baby onions)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Large mixing bowls
• Small bowl for dipping eggs
• Small bowl for dipping flour
• Small bowl for dipping breadcrumbs
• Pastry brush or spray oil bottle

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Method

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

1. Peel the Baby Onions: Peel the outer layers of the baby onions. If you’re using Vidalia or sweet baby onions, you can simply remove the outer papery skin. Be sure to trim off the roots, but leave the tops intact for the blooming effect.
2. Cut the Onions: Using a sharp knife, slice off the top of the onions (about 1/4 inch). Then, carefully make vertical cuts in the onion from the top down to about 1/2 inch from the root, cutting into wedges but not all the way through the bottom (this keeps the onion intact). You should aim to create 8-10 wedges per onion.
3. Soak the Onions: Place the cut onions into a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes to help the onion layers open up. This step is optional, but it helps the onions bloom better while cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. Mix the Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano (if using), salt, and pepper. This mixture will form the base coating for your onions.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In another small bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup of buttermilk (or regular milk). This will be your egg wash.
3. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a separate shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese (if using). The panko will give the onion a crisp, crunchy texture when air fried.

Step 3: Coat the Onions

1. Coat the Onions in Flour: Remove the soaked onions from the water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. First, dip each onion in the flour mixture, ensuring the onions are well-coated. Gently tap off any excess flour.
2. Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured onion into the egg wash, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
3. Coat in Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the onion with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the onion layers. If you want a thicker crust, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb steps.

Step 4: Air Fry the Blooming Onions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Place the coated baby onions into the basket, being careful not to overcrowd them (you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer).
3. Air Fry the Onions: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the onions for 12-15 minutes. Check after 10 minutes and carefully flip the onions to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. They should turn golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
4. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the onions from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon hot sauce (if you like spice), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-combined.

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Notes and Tips

• Choice of Onion: For the best results, try to pick onions that are firm and not overly large. Baby onions or small sweet onions (like Vidalia) are perfect for this recipe as they tend to bloom better and cook evenly in the air fryer.
• Coating Variations: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour or breadcrumb mixture. You can also add a little cheese like parmesan or grated cheddar to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
• Air Fryer Temperature: All air fryers vary slightly in temperature and cooking time. Keep an eye on the onions as they cook and adjust the time accordingly. If needed, cook in two separate batches to ensure they cook evenly and crisply.
• Serving Suggestions: These Baby Air Fryer Blooming Onions are perfect as a fun appetizer or a side dish. Serve with the dipping sauce for an extra flavor punch. You can also pair them with your favorite main dishes like burgers, grilled chicken, or a hearty salad.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep the onions and coat them in the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture up to 24 hours ahead. Store them in the refrigerator and air fry when ready to serve. This can save you time when preparing for a party or gathering.
• Crispier Option: If you want an even crispier texture, give the onions a quick spray of cooking spray before air frying to enhance the crunch.

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Conclusion

These Baby Air Fryer Blooming Onions offer all the crispy, savory goodness of a blooming onion without the deep-frying mess and calories. They’re flavorful, crispy, and absolutely irresistible when paired with the tangy dipping sauce. Whether you’re making them for a party, a casual dinner, or just a fun snack, these air fryer onions are sure to be a hit! Enjoy this healthier version of a classic treat!