Description
These Healthy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions are a healthier, less greasy alternative to the classic restaurant favorite. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they are easy to make, crispy, and family-approved. Ideal for health-conscious lifestyles without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
2–3 small sweet onions
0.5 cup All-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Paprika
0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
0.5 teaspoon Salt
0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
2 large Eggs
0.25 cup Unsweetened almond milk
As needed Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: First, slice off the top of each onion, then peel it. Cut about 0.5 inch off the root end, but do not remove it entirely—it holds the onion together. Place the onion root-side up. Make 12-16 vertical cuts, starting about 0.5 inch from the root, all the way to the top. Carefully spread the petals apart with your fingers to create the “blooming” effect. Submerge the onions in ice water for 15-20 minutes; this helps them crisp up beautifully
- Set Up Breading Stations: In one shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs and almond milk together
- Bread the Onions: Remove an onion from the ice water and pat it thoroughly dry. Carefully dredge the entire onion in the flour mixture, ensuring every crevice is coated. Shake off any excess. Next, dip the onion into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, return the onion to the flour mixture for a second coating. Ensure a good, even layer. Repeat for all Healthy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place one breaded Healthy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions into the basket. Generously spray the top and sides of the onion with cooking spray
- Cook: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again, until golden brown and crispy. The cooking time for your Healthy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and onion size
- Serve: Carefully remove the Healthy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions from the air fryer. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy these delicious Healthy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions!
Notes
Dry Onions Thoroughly: Excess moisture makes breading soggy. Pat the soaked onions very dry before breading for the crispiest Healthy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions.
Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry the onions in a single layer. Overcrowding reduces air circulation and prevents even crisping. This ensures your Healthy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions turn out perfectly.
Spray Generously: Don’t be shy with the cooking spray! A good, even coat of oil helps achieve that desired golden-brown crust on your Healthy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spice blend to your family’s taste. A little dried oregano or thyme can add another layer of flavor to your Healthy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions.
While best enjoyed fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make your Healthy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions soggy.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 14 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 of a small blooming onion
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: blooming onion, air fryer, healthy, snack, appetizer, onion