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Crispy Mini Blooming Onions in Air Fryer

Introduction

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious snack that captures the essence of comfort food, look no further than crispy mini blooming onions made in the air fryer. This delightful dish transforms standard onions into edible works of art, with a crispy exterior and tender, flavourful interior. Perfect as an appetiser for gatherings or a tasty indulgence for movie nights at home, these mini blooming onions are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 small to medium-sized onions (preferably sweet onions)
• 1 cup of buttermilk (or a non-dairy equivalent)
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for those who like it spicy)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil for coating

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Onions

1. Trim and Peel: Start by trimming the top and root end of each onion. Peel off the outer layers, making sure to keep the onion intact.
2. Slice: Carefully slice the onion into sections, being careful not to cut all the way through the root. Aim for approximately 8-12 cuts, depending on the size of your onion. This will help the onion "bloom" as it cooks.

Step 2: Soaking

1. Buttermilk Bath: Place the prepared onions in a bowl filled with buttermilk. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes. This not only adds flavour but also helps to tenderise the onions.

Step 3: Dredging

1. Prepare Dredging Station: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the Onions: After soaking, take one onion at a time, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. First, dredge the onion in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Then, dip it back in the buttermilk before rolling it in the breadcrumbs to create an even coating. Repeat this process for all onions.

Step 4: Cooking

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes.
2. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the coated onions in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded; you may need to cook them in batches.
3. Air Fry: Spray the tops of the onions lightly with cooking oil. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serving

1. Cool Slightly: Once cooked, allow the mini blooming onions to cool for a couple of minutes. They will be incredibly hot straight out of the air fryer!
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve them warm with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.

Tips for Success

• Onion Choice: Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla work best due to their mild flavour and tenderness.
• Extra Crunch: To achieve an even crunchier texture, consider double-coating the onions. Repeat the dredging process after the first breading.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the onions in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

Crispy mini blooming onions in the air fryer are a fun and tasty twist on a classic favourite. With their striking appearance and delightful crunch, they make for an irresistible treat that’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy this simple and satisfying recipe at your next gathering or as a delightful snack at home – it’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!

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