Description
This recipe guides you to make crispy, flavorful Mini Blooming Onions using an air fryer for a healthier twist. The onions are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in egg, then covered in crunchy breadcrumbs with optional Parmesan for extra flavor. Air frying yields a perfectly crispy texture without deep frying, making this appetizer a delicious and lighter alternative.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions
- 4 small onions, peeled and trimmed
Dredging Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
Breading
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Finishing
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Peel and trim 4 small onions. Carefully cut thin slices around each onion, without cutting all the way through, so they open up like a flower bloom.
- Make the Seasoned Flour Mixture: In a bowl, mix together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper if using. This will be used to coat the onions for flavor and to help the breading stick.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs. This will act as the adhesive layer between the flour and breadcrumbs.
- Combine Breadcrumbs and Parmesan: In another bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and crunch.
- Coat the Onions: Dip each onion first into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to get in between the petals. Then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, thoroughly coat the onion with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so crumbs stick well between all the layers.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for a few minutes to ensure a crispy finish.
- Air Fry the Onions: Place the coated onions in the air fryer basket, opening them up slightly to expose more surface area. Lightly spray with cooking spray or olive oil spray to promote browning. Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the mini blooming onions carefully from the air fryer and serve hot as a delicious appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Make sure not to cut onions all the way through when slicing to create the bloom shape.
- Cooking times may vary based on air fryer model; check for doneness and crispiness.
- Spraying with oil before air frying helps achieve a golden crust without deep frying.
