Baby Air Fryer Blooming Onions

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:

1. 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.
2. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. 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.
3. 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

1. Serve Immediately:
   • Carefully remove the mini blooming onions from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
2. Dipping Sauce:
   • Serve the baby blooming onions with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as ranch, aioli, or a spicy dipping sauce.
3. Enjoy:
   • Enjoy these crispy, flavorful baby blooming onions as an appetizer or snack.

Enjoy!