Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions for Guilt-Free Snacking

Try these mini blooming onions for a crunchy, low-oil snack you can feel good about.

These Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions are small, crunchy, and easy to make. They use less oil than deep frying. If you like air fryer snacks, you might also enjoy an easy air fryer buffalo cauliflower for another guilt-free treat.

Why This Recipe Works

The air fryer gives high heat and hot air flow. This makes the onion edges crisp fast. A buttermilk soak helps the coating stick. The seasoned flour gives a tasty crust. This method cuts oil but keeps the crunch.

Why you should try this recipe

You get a snack that feels fried but uses less oil. Mini size means easy sharing and small portions. They cook fast in the air fryer. If you like crispy sides, you may also like the texture of crispy Greek potatoes that also use high heat for crunch.

How to make Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions

Work in simple steps: soak, coat, then air fry. Use medium sweet onions and cut them to bloom. Spray or brush a light coat of oil so the edges get brown and crisp.

Ingredients :

• 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)
• as needed Cooking Spray/Oil (for crispy exterior)

Equipments Needed

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Two bowls (one for milk, one for flour mix)
• Air fryer
• Tongs
• Baking sheet or plate

Step-by-Step Instructions :

Steps

1. Peel the onions. Cut off top (stem) and the root end slightly, keeping the root end mostly intact so petals hold together.
2. Make vertical cuts from top toward root to form 8–12 petals per onion. Do not cut through the root.
3. Place onions in a bowl of buttermilk for 10–15 minutes to soak.
4. In another bowl mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
5. Remove onions from milk and let excess drip off. Dredge each onion in the flour mix, getting between petals.
6. Shake off extra flour. Spray the outside and inside petals lightly with cooking spray or brush with a little oil.
7. Place onions in air fryer basket, root side down. Do not crowd; cook in batches if needed.
8. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–14 minutes. Check at 8 minutes and spray lightly if not browning.
9. When golden and crisp, remove and let rest 1–2 minutes before serving.

How to serve Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions

Serve warm with your favorite dip. Good options are ranch, spicy mayo, or a light yogurt dip. For a full snack board, add small sweets like brownie bottom mini cheesecakes to balance savory and sweet.

How to store Air Fryer Crispy Mini Blooming Onions

Cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to bring back crispness. Do not store covered at room temperature for long or they will soften.

Tips & Tricks

• Cut onions evenly so petals cook at the same speed.
• Don’t soak too long or the onion will be too soft to hold the coating.
• Light oil spray helps browning without deep frying.
• Cook in a single layer for best crisping.

Variations & Substitutions

• Make gluten-free: use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour.
• Add cheese: mix grated parmesan into the flour mix.
• Make spicy: add more cayenne or a pinch of chili powder.
• Use different onions: sweet onions work best, but white onions also work.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: You can cut and coat onions ahead, keep in fridge for a few hours, then air fry when ready.

Q: Can I bake them instead of air fry?
A: Yes. Bake on a tray at 425°F (220°C) for 12–18 minutes, turning once. They will be less crisp than air fried.

Q: How do I keep them from falling apart?
A: Keep the root end intact when cutting. Do not cut through the root. Handle gently when coating.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A: Yes, cook in batches. Do not crowd the air fryer or the onions will steam, not crisp.

Conclusion

Want another take on air fryer blooming onions? See a similar recipe for a full-size version at Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion – Real Housemoms. For a different cut and serving idea, check out the petal-style approach at Bloomin’ Onion Petals – Eat Figs, Not Pigs.

Print