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Air fryer crispy mini blooming onions ready to enjoy as a guilt-free snack

Mini Blooming Onions

These air fryer mini blooming onions deliver a savory, crispy snack without the mess of deep frying, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the coating
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice) Helps the coating stick.
  • 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) Cut into mini bloom portions.
  • as needed spray Cooking Spray/Oil For crispy exterior.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pour the buttermilk (or milk mixed with lemon juice) into a medium bowl—wide enough to dip and turn onion pieces easily.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
  3. Peel the sweet onions and cut them into smaller bloom-style portions (mini size).
  4. Dip the onion portions into the buttermilk, turning to coat. Let excess drip off.
  5. Press the damp onion pieces into the flour mixture, turning and gently pressing to coat the edges. Tapping on a little more flour if necessary.
  6. Lightly coat the outside with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
Cooking
  1. Place the coated mini blooming onions in the air fryer basket with a little space between pieces.
  2. Air fry until the coating looks set and dry, with deeper color on the ridges and tender onion inside. This should take about 15 minutes.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately for best crunchiness. If making multiple batches, keep the first batch loosely arranged while the next cooks.

Notes

These mini blooming onions are best eaten right after air frying to maintain crispness. Store leftovers loosely covered in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer.