Ingredients:
4 small onions
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
Cooking spray
Instructions:
Prepare the Onions:
Peel the onions and cut off the top (not the root end). Carefully make several cuts from the top of the onion down to about 1/2 inch from the root end, creating “petals.” Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Soak the Onions:
Place the sliced onions in a bowl of ice water for about 1 hour. This helps the petals open up.
CHAPTER 3: BREADING STATION
Set Up Breading Stations:
In one bowl, combine the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
In a second bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
CHAPTER 4: COATING THE ONIONS
Coat the Onions:
Remove the onions from the ice water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Dip each onion in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all the petals.
Dip the floured onions into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Finally, coat the onions with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the petals.
CHAPTER 5: AIR FRYING
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil mister.
Place the coated onions in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
Air Fry the Onions:
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. You may need to check and rotate the onions halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
CHAPTER 6: SERVING
Serve Immediately:
Carefully remove the mini blooming onions from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
Dipping Sauce:
Serve the baby blooming onions with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as ranch, aioli, or a spicy dipping sauce.
Enjoy:
Enjoy these crispy, flavorful baby blooming onions as an appetizer or snack.