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Air Fryer Blooming Onion Bites Recipe Easy Party Appetizer with Spicy Dip

air fryer blooming onion bites - featured image
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These air fryer blooming onion bites are a healthier, bite-sized take on the classic fair favorite, featuring crispy, seasoned onions and a spicy homemade ranch dip. Perfect for parties, game nights, or snacking, they’re quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large sweet onions, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (Vidalia or yellow preferred)
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
  • For the Spicy Ranch Dip:
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha, to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

  1. Peel the onions and cut into 1-inch chunks, discarding any tough core pieces.
  2. Set up a breading station: In one bowl, mix flour with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dip each onion chunk into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Press lightly to help the coating stick. Place breaded chunks on a baking sheet.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the breaded onion chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
  6. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Check at 7 minutes if your air fryer runs hot.
  7. While the bites cook, make the spicy ranch dip: In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, chives, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, hot sauce, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Chill until serving.
  8. Serve the hot blooming onion bites with the spicy ranch dip. Garnish with extra chives or parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, double-dip onion chunks in egg and breadcrumbs. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if needed. Use gluten-free flour and panko for a gluten-free version, and vegan mayo/coconut yogurt for dairy-free. Keep cooked bites warm in a low oven if making a large batch. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, blooming onion, party appetizer, onion bites, spicy ranch dip, finger food, gluten-free, dairy-free, snack, game day

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/air-fryer-blooming-onion-bites-recipe-easy-party-appetizer-with-spicy-dip/