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Healthy Mini Air Fryer Blooming Onions

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These healthy mini air fryer blooming onions are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, delivering classic restaurant-style flavor with less oil and no deep frying. Perfectly seasoned and individually sized, they make a fun and lighter appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

  • 4 small sweet onions
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (for dipping sauce, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (for dipping sauce, optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for dipping sauce, optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for dipping sauce, optional)
  • Pinch of salt (for dipping sauce, optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel the onions and trim a thin slice off the root end so they can sit flat.
  2. Using a sharp knife, cut each onion into sections from the top down, stopping about 1/2 inch from the bottom to keep it intact. Gently separate the layers to create the bloom effect.
  3. In one bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
  5. Place breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  6. Dredge each onion in the seasoned flour, making sure to coat between the layers. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they adhere.
  7. Lightly spray the coated onions with cooking spray.
  8. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Place onions in the air fryer basket without overcrowding and cook for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  10. If making the dipping sauce, mix Greek yogurt, ketchup, paprika, garlic powder, and salt until smooth. Serve warm with sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for extra heat.
  • Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
  • Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor (omit to keep vegetarian without cheese concerns).
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • For oven baking, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/healthy-mini-air-fryer-blooming-onions/