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Air Fryer Blooming Onion Bites Recipe: Easy Crowd-Pleaser with Ranch Dip

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These crispy, golden air fryer blooming onion bites deliver classic fairground flavor without the mess or deep-frying. Paired with a cool, tangy ranch dip, they’re a crowd-pleasing snack perfect for parties, game nights, or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (75g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling or spraying)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120g)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (60g)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for dip)
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (for dip)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (for dip)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy, to thin dip)

Instructions

  1. Peel the onions and cut into 1-inch chunks. Separate layers gently to yield about 3–4 cups of onion pieces.
  2. Set up a breading station: In one bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge each onion chunk in the flour mixture, tap off excess, dip in egg, then roll in panko. Press gently so crumbs adhere. Place coated pieces on a tray or plate.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Arrange breaded onion bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly mist or drizzle with olive oil. Work in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry for 8 minutes. Flip or shake bites, then air fry another 5–7 minutes until crispy and deep golden brown (total cook time: 13–15 minutes per batch).
  7. While onions cook, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, lemon juice, and milk in a small bowl. Adjust thickness as desired and keep chilled until serving.
  8. Transfer hot onion bites to a platter, sprinkle with extra herbs if desired, and serve immediately with ranch dip.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and panko. For vegan, swap eggs for flaxseed egg and use vegan mayo/yogurt in dip. Bread bites ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 hours before cooking for best crunch. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—work in batches for even crispiness. Double-dip stubborn pieces for better breading adhesion. Keep cooked bites warm in a low oven if making large batches.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, blooming onion, onion bites, ranch dip, appetizer, party snack, kid-friendly, vegetarian, gluten-free option, easy recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/air-fryer-blooming-onion-bites-recipe-easy-crowd-pleaser-with-ranch-dip/