Description

Mini Blooming Onions are a delightful and guilt-free snack made by coating sweet onions in a flavorful seasoned flour, air frying them to crispy perfection, and serving with a tangy dipping sauce. This recipe uses an air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried blooming onions, making it perfect for a crunchy, savory treat without the extra oil.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Blooming Onions

1 cup Buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice)
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
2 medium Sweet Onions (like Vidalia)
Cooking Spray or Oil (as needed for crispy exterior)

For the Dipping Sauce

Mayonnaise (quantity to taste, approximately ¼ cup)
Ketchup (approximately 2 tbsp)
Horseradish Sauce (approximately 1 tbsp)
Lemon Juice (to taste, roughly 1 tsp)
Seasonings to taste (such as salt, pepper, or smoked paprika)

Instructions

Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk or milk with lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly. This creates a perfect acidic base for coating.
Slice the Onions: Peel the sweet onions and carefully trim off the top and bottom to make a stable base. Make vertical cuts around the onion to create petal-like sections resembling a blooming flower, taking care not to slice all the way through.
Mix the Seasoned Flour: In another bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
Coat the Onions: Dip each blooming onion into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mix, ensuring each petal is coated for maximum flavor and crunch.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and preheat for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
Air Fry the Onions: Place the coated onions gently into the air fryer basket with enough space between them for proper air circulation. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with oil to enhance crispiness. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking or gently turning halfway through to brown evenly.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the onions cook, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, lemon juice, and seasonings to taste in a small bowl. Adjust ingredients until you reach the desired flavor balance.
Serve: Remove the blooming onions from the air fryer once golden and crispy. Serve warm alongside the prepared dipping sauce for a delicious guilt-free snack.

Notes

For a gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to control spiciness according to your preference.
If you don’t have an air fryer, these can be baked in a conventional oven at 400°F (205°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
Ensure the onion petals are properly separated during slicing for best coating coverage and even cooking.
Use sweet onions such as Vidalia for a milder, sweeter flavor that pairs well with the spices.
The dipping sauce ingredients can be adjusted or omitted based on dietary preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Mini Blooming Onions, Air Fryer Snacks, Healthy Blooming Onion, Guilt-Free Snack, Gluten-Free Snack, Sweet Onion Recipe