Description
Delicious and crispy onion petals made in the air fryer, perfect for a fun snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla)
- Buttermilk or milk alternative – enough to submerge the onion (about 1 cup)
- Olive oil spray (for misting)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for cheesy variation)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (for herb-infused variation)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder (for spicy variation)
Instructions
- Peel your large sweet onion and trim just enough off the stem side so it can sit flat.
- Carefully slice the onion vertically into 12-16 even petals, stopping about half an inch from the root end to keep the petals attached.
- Submerge the onion in buttermilk or your chosen milk alternative. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes to soften the onion and help the coating stick.
- In one bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and any optional spices like cayenne or herbs.
- In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with optional Parmesan cheese or herbs.
- Remove the onion from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each petal thoroughly in the flour-spice mix, then dip again in buttermilk, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every petal is generously covered.
- Lightly spray the coated onion petals with olive oil spray. Place the onion standing upright in the air fryer basket if possible, or arrange petals in a single layer.
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
Notes
Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American