🔪 How to Make Mini Blooming Onions in the Air Fryer
1. Prep the Onions
Start by peeling your onions and trimming off the tops (leave the root end intact — it holds everything together). Flip the onion root-side down and make 4-6 vertical cuts from the top down, without cutting through the root. Then gently separate the layers to “bloom” the onion petals.
2. Make the Coating Stations
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the buttermilk.
Finally, place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
3. Coat the Onions
Carefully dredge each blooming onion in the flour mixture, making sure to get in between the petals. Dip it into the egg mixture, then finally coat it with the breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, press the breadcrumbs into the onion petals.
4. Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray the onions with cooking spray to help them crisp up and brown.
Place them in the air fryer basket with space in between.
Air fry for 15–20 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and the petals are crispy.
🥣 Serving Suggestions
Mini Blooming Onions are practically begging to be dipped! Here are a few tasty ideas:
- Spicy mayo – Mayo + Sriracha + lime juice
- Ranch dressing – Classic and cool
- Chipotle aioli – Smoky and creamy
- Honey mustard – Sweet with a tangy kick
Serve them hot and watch them disappear fast!
📦 Storing & Reheating
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes to re-crisp.
🔄 Variations to Try
- Gluten-free? Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Spicier? Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour mixture.
- Cheesy twist? Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs.
✅ Final Thoughts
Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions are a delicious way to bring restaurant-quality snacking into your home — no giant fryer, no gallons of oil. Crispy, fun, and shareable (if you’re feeling generous), they’re bound to be a repeat request.
Perfect for appetizers, parties, or a little treat-yourself moment, these blooming onions are proof that mini can still mean mighty in flavor.