- Prepare the Onions:
- Peel the onions and cut off the top (not the root end). Carefully make several cuts from the top of the onion down to about 1/2 inch from the root end, creating “petals.” Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Soak the Onions:
- Place the sliced onions in a bowl of ice water for about 1 hour. This helps the petals open up.
Chapter 3: Breading Station
- Set Up Breading Stations:
- In one bowl, combine the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
Chapter 4: Coating the Onions
- Coat the Onions:
- Remove the onions from the ice water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Dip each onion in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all the petals.
- Dip the floured onions into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Finally, coat the onions with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the petals.
Chapter 5: Air Frying
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil mister.
- Place the coated onions in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Air Fry the Onions:
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. You may need to check and rotate the onions halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
Chapter 6: Serving
- Serve Immediately:
- Carefully remove the mini blooming onions from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
- Dipping Sauce:
- Serve the baby blooming onions with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as ranch, aioli, or a spicy dipping sauce.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy these crispy, flavorful baby blooming onions as an appetizer or snack.
Chapter 7: Tips for Success
- Cutting the Onions: Be careful not to cut all the way through the onion when making the “petals.” The root end should remain intact to hold the onion together.
- Even Coating: Make sure to coat each petal thoroughly with the flour, buttermilk, and breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
- Air Fryer Capacity: Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can affect the crispiness of the onions.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the flour mixture to control the spice level according to your preference.
Conclusion
Baby air fryer blooming onions are a healthier and equally delicious version of the classic deep-fried appetizer. With this recipe, you can enjoy the crispy texture and flavorful taste of blooming onions without the extra oil. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat at any gathering or as a satisfying snack. Enjoy the perfect blend of crunchy and savory in every bite!