Mini Bloomin' Onion (+ Air Fryer Version)
Mini Pearl Onions smothered with egg wash and seasoned flour is a perfect little Mini Bloomin onion in every bite! Stovetop fried or air fryer version.
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- 12 oz. frozen pearl onions (some bags are 14.4 oz)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- .5 tsp. black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
How to Stovetop Fry Mini Pearl Onions
- Thaw frozen onions in a bowl of cold water overnight before making this dish. The cold water helps not only defrost the onions but takes out some of the “bite” of the onion taste. Dry thoroughly before moving on to the breading.
- Remove the thawed onions from the bag and place them in the bowl with cold water. Let sit overnight in the fridge. Drain water from onions and completely pat dry. Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
- Mix all-purpose flour and spices in a separate bowl and mix them together. Dredge onions first into the egg wash and then into flour seasoning. Shake off any excess flour.
- Frying for a Crunchy Onion: If the onions are at the texture you are happy with on thaw, which is a harder crunchy onion, all you need to do is flash fry them in hot oil for 4-5 minutes or until the outside batter is golden brown. Drain grease and serve.
- Frying for a soft onion (like the inside of Onion Ring): Heat vegetable oil over low to low-medium heat.
- Place battered mini onions into cooking oil and fry slowly for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until crispy and brown on the outside with a soft and tender onion on the inside. Yes - 25 minutes. You must keep the oil temperature from getting too hot and regulate it as needed so its cooking the onion while it is frying. This is how you get completely soft mushy onions on the inside.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with dipping sauce.
How to Air Fry Mini Pearl Onions
- Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 390 degrees.
- Add frozen onions to a microwave safe bowl and microwave on defrost setting for 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and place in a single layer on paper towels to drain.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine flour, cayenne, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper and mix well. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat together eggs. Set aside.
- Working in batches, dredge some of the onions into the egg mixture and mix to evenly coat. Place onions into the flour mixture and toss to coat. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray onions with cooking spray.
- Air Crisp (air fry) for 3 minutes at 390 degrees. When cooking is complete, shake basket and coat onions with additional cooking spray. Return to cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
Notes on Frying: The biggest deal with this recipe is the TYPE of inside onion texture you prefer. The frying can be done slow and low or with a fast flash fry. I like to defrost my onion and fry it but you can also COOK the onion first. It pays to test the onion before putting the whole batch in the hot oil and see what texture you prefer on the inside.
Air Fryer Version: All air fryers are different. I use a ninja foodi all in one 6 quart - which refers to air frying as air crisp. Please refer to your air fryer brand and timing may need adjusting for the perfect fried onion.