Spicy Air-Fried Onion Petals are a delicious twist on a classic appetizer. These bite-sized onion petals are coated in a seasoned, spicy batter, then air-fried to golden perfection, offering a crunchy exterior and a tender onion center. Paired with your favorite dipping sauce, they’re perfect for parties, snacks, or as a tasty side dish.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions (yellow or sweet), peeled and cut into petals
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
- Dipping sauce of choice (e.g., ranch, spicy mayo, or aioli)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Onion Petals:
- Cut the onions into large petals, separating the layers.
- Soak the onion petals in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce their sharpness. Drain and pat dry.
- Set Up the Coating Stations:
- In one shallow bowl, mix the flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a second shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk.
- In a third shallow bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Coat the Onion Petals:
- Dredge each onion petal in the flour mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Onion Petals:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the coated onion petals in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove the onion petals from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings:
- Serves 4 people as an appetizer or snack.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: ~320mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes.
Key Notes:
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the level of heat. For a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper.
- Crispiness Tip: Ensure the onions are dry before coating to help the batter stick and crisp up evenly.
- Dipping Sauce Pairing: Serve with ranch, sriracha mayo, or a creamy garlic aioli for enhanced flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Custom Variations: Add dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
Enjoy these Spicy Air-Fried Onion Petals as a crunchy and flavorful snack that’s sure to impress! 😊