1. Prepare the Onions
- Peel and Trim: Peel the onions, leaving the root end intact. Cut a small slit in the base of each onion to help them open up.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Breading Station
- Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bread the Onions
- Coat in Flour: Dip each onion into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip in Egg Wash: Dip the floured onion into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll the onion in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
5. Air Fry the Onions
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded mini onions in the basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (optional)
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
7. Serve
- Cool and Serve: Let the mini blooming onions cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with the optional dipping sauce or your favorite condiment.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Size: Choose onions that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Crispy Texture: Make sure to coat the onions thoroughly with each layer for a crispy, crunchy exterior.
- Check Doneness: Keep an eye on the onions as air fryer models can vary, and adjust the cooking time if needed.
Variations
Customize your Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions with these variations:
- Spicy Version: Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for more heat.
- Cheesy Blooming Onions: Mix shredded cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist.
- Herbed Version: Add fresh or dried herbs like parsley or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for additional flavor.
Conclusion
You’ve just made a batch of delicious, crispy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions that are perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer. With their golden exterior and tender interior, these mini blooms offer all the taste of a classic blooming onion with a healthier twist.
Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy these delightful bites with your favorite dipping sauce. Bon appétit!