Air-Fryer Crispy Onion Petals

Air-fried onion petals are a healthier take on traditional fried onion rings. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor. This recipe serves 4 as a side dish or appetizer.

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Ingredients:

For the Onion Petals:

• 2 large onions (yellow or sweet), peeled and cut into 8 wedges each
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk or water
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Cooking spray or 1–2 teaspoons oil

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sriracha, and smoked paprika.
2. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.

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2. Prepare the Coatings

1. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
3. In a third shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder and onion powder.

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3. Coat the Onion Petals

1. Separate the onion wedges into individual petals.
2. Dredge each onion petal in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Dip in the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
4. Press into the panko breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.

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4. Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

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5. Air Fry the Onion Petals

1. Arrange the coated onion petals in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
2. Lightly spray or brush the tops of the petals with oil for extra crispiness.
3. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Cook until the petals are golden brown, crispy, and tender inside.

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6. Serve

1. Transfer onion petals to a serving plate.
2. Serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce or your favorite condiments.
3. Optional garnish: sprinkle with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

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Tips for Perfect Air-Fryer Onion Petals

• Uniform wedges: Cut onions into similar-sized petals for even cooking.
• Dry onions lightly: Pat onions dry after peeling to help the coating stick.
• Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches to ensure crispiness; air circulation is key.
• Extra crisp: Use a mix of panko and a small amount of cornmeal for crunchier coating.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 1 day and reheated briefly in the air fryer to restore crispiness.