Baby Air Fryer Blooming Onions

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Onions:
   • Peel the baby onions and cut off the tops, leaving the root end intact.
   • Slice each onion from the top down to the root end in a star pattern, creating 8-10 segments per onion. Be careful not to cut all the way through the root to keep the onion intact.
2. Prepare the Breading Station:
   • In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
   • In another shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
   • In a third shallow dish, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Onions:
   • Dip each prepared onion into the flour, making sure to coat it thoroughly and shake off the excess.
   • Next, dip the onion into the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
   • Finally, coat the onion with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the onion.
4. Preheat Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Cook the Onions:
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
   • Place the coated onions in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
   • Lightly spray the tops of the onions with cooking spray.
   • Air fry the onions for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
6. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
   • While the onions are cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
7. Serve:
   • Once the onions are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
   • Serve the baby blooming onions warm with the dipping sauce on the side.

Enjoy these crispy and flavorful baby blooming onions as a fun appetizer or snack!