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Crispy mini blooming onions made in the air fryer with less oil, using small sweet onions coated in seasoned flour and egg wash for a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 small sweet onions (peeled, with the root still attached)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
  • Cooking spray or a light oil sprayer

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  2. Peel onions and trim about 1/4 inch off the top, keeping the root intact.
  3. Set each onion root-side down and make 4 vertical cuts toward the root, stopping about 1/2 inch from the bottom; gently fan out the petals.
  4. Whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
  5. Whisk egg and milk together in a separate bowl until smooth.
  6. Roll each onion in the flour mixture, working flour between the petals.
  7. Dip the floured onion in the egg wash, letting excess drip off.
  8. Return the onion to the flour mixture for a final coat.
  9. Place coated onions root-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving at least 1 inch between them for air circulation.
  10. Lightly spray each onion with cooking spray or oil.
  11. Air fry at 375°F for about 10 minutes, pausing at 5 minutes to gently shake or turn the basket so the petals crisp evenly.
  12. If the onions aren’t sufficiently browned after 10 minutes, air fry an additional 1–2 minutes while watching to avoid burning.
  13. Carefully remove the onions from the air fryer.

Notes

Choose onions that are similar in size (about the size of a baseball) for even cooking., Do not cut through the root to keep petals together., Always preheat your air fryer to avoid steaming and help crispness., Shake or rotate basket partway through cooking for even browning., Use light spray of oil to brown coating without sogginess., Serve immediately for best crunch., Variations: add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or chili powder to flour for heat; substitute half flour with panko for extra crunch; use gluten-free flour for gluten-free version; use plant-based milk and flax egg for dairy-free/egg-free version., Serve with dips like Greek yogurt mixed with lemon and dill, spicy salsa, or light ranch dressing., Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days; reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness; avoid microwaving., Prep onions ahead but coat and cook just before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mamapantry.com/healthy-mini-air-fryer-blooming-onions-3x-crispier-90-less-oil/