Description
Crispy mini blooming onions in air fryer deliver a delightful appetizer straight from American state fairs. Golden brown petals with zesty seasoning provide irresistible crunch you can’t stop eating.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 small onions (pearl or cippolini)
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (30 g / 1 oz) cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsps ketchup
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preparation: Select medium-sized onions with unblemished exteriors, creating a stable base for the blooming presentation.
- Cutting Technique: Slice vertically from the top, stopping half an inch from the base. Gently unfurl layers to form a flower-like structure without damaging the onion’s core.
- Seasoning Mixture: Combine dry ingredients to create a complex, flavor-enhancing coating that complements the onion’s natural sweetness.
- Dredging Process: Coat the onion thoroughly in seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage of each intricate layer. Dip into whisked egg mixture, allowing liquid to penetrate between layers for robust adhesion.
- Final Coating: Return the moistened onion to seasoned flour, pressing gently to create a textured exterior that will transform into a crispy shell during cooking.
- Air Fryer Setup: Preheat air fryer to 375°F, creating an environment that produces a golden, crunchy exterior while maintaining the onion’s tender interior.
- Cooking Method: Arrange coated onions in the air fryer basket, ensuring spacing for optimal air circulation. Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration.
- Sauce Preparation: Whisk together creamy and tangy ingredients to create a complementary dipping sauce that enhances the crispy onion experience.
- Serving: Transfer blooming onions to a serving platter, accompanied by the prepared sauce. Serve immediately to maintain peak temperature and crunchiness.
Notes
- Choose Firm Onions: Select medium-sized onions with solid, smooth exteriors to ensure structural integrity during the blooming process.
- Master Cutting Technique: Create precise vertical cuts carefully, stopping just before the base to maintain the onion’s shape without breaking its delicate layers.
- Coat Thoroughly: Use a two-stage dredging method with gentle pressing to guarantee complete, even coverage of seasoning for maximum crispiness.
- Optimize Air Fryer Spacing: Arrange onions with ample room between them, preventing overcrowding and allowing hot air to circulate for uniform golden-brown results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg