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–+ servings
Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions

Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions for Guilt-Free Snacking

Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions are a delightful, guilt-free snack that brings a crunchy alternative to traditional deep-fried onions.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 onions
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 1 cup Buttermilk or milk mixed with lemon juice
  • 1 cup Flour gluten-free flour for gluten-free version
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika consider smoked paprika for extra flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper adjustable to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt essential for seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon Pepper freshly ground is best
For the Onions
  • 2 large Sweet Onions Vidalia or Walla Walla recommended
  • 1 tablespoon Cooking Spray/Oil for creating a crispy exterior

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare buttermilk by mixing and allowing to sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. Peel sweet onions, trim ends, and make vertical cuts to create the blooming effect.
  3. Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl and whisk well.
  4. Dip each onion in the buttermilk, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  6. Arrange coated onions in the fryer basket and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or oil.
  7. Cook the onions for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
  8. Prepare the dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice to taste.
  9. Serve the crispy onions warm with the prepared dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1onionCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure a thorough coating in buttermilk for better adherence to flour. Avoid overcrowding the fryer basket for maximum crunch.

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