Ingredients:
- 4 small onions: Use sweet onions (like Vidalia) for a milder flavor or yellow onions for a more robust taste.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the seasonings stick to the onions.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds mild spice and color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a savory, robust flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a little extra kick.
- 2 large eggs: Helps the breading stick.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and makes the breading stick better.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch.
- Cooking spray: To help crisp up the onions in the air fryer.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Onions:
- Peel the onions and cut off the top part (about ½ inch from the tip).
- Place each onion cut-side down on a cutting board. Starting about ½ inch from the root, make 4 vertical cuts down the onion to create quarters, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through the root.
- Then, cut each quarter in half to create 8 segments (petals). Gently separate the layers without breaking them apart.
- Make the Flour Coating:
- In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
- Coat the Onions:
- Dredge each onion in the flour mixture, ensuring to coat all the petals by spreading them apart gently with your fingers.
- Then dip the onion into the egg and buttermilk mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Finally, coat the onion with breadcrumbs, pressing them in to adhere to the petals.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes.
- Air Fry the Onions:
- Spray each coated onion generously with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Place the onions in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Check halfway through and spray with a bit more cooking spray if needed.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the onions from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Tips & Variations:
- Smaller Onions: Using smaller onions makes them cook faster and creates individual servings.
- Crispier Bloom: For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a spicier kick.
- Double Dipping: For an extra crunchy exterior, double dip the onions by repeating the flour and breadcrumb steps.
This healthier version of blooming onions is perfect for a gathering or as a fun snack, and the air fryer ensures they turn out crispy without all the oil!