Mini Blooming Onion - Air Fryer White Pearl Onions

These frozen white pearl onions are roasted in the air fryer to create a mini blooming onion. Don't forget to serve this with my copycat sauce!

Did you know you can make mini blooming onions with some frozen white pearl onions!? I have been seeing it all over TikTok. They are so easy to make in the air fryer (you can also make them in the oven) and absolutely delicious served with my copycat sauce.

If you want to try out the full blown Blooming Onion version, I have a copycat version of that too!

I love making these mini blooming onions because they are such a fun little bite-sized snack. They are perfectly coated in my seasonings mix making for optimal crunching.

What You Need for Roasted Pearl Onions

I prefer to make these in the air fryer as they come out crunchier; however, you can also make these in the oven. I prefer a basket style air fryer, such as this one, as it is easier to control these little onions and shake them up. However, a rack style air fryer will work as well, you will just have to be more careful.

Then, you will just need a couple of ingredients. This is my special blooming onion coating mix.

• Frozen white pearl onions
• Flour
• Egg whites
• Cornmeal
• Panko
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika

That is everything you will need for the mini blooming onions; however, we can go over some suggestions and substitutions.

Frozen White Pearl Onions

I specifically use the Bird's Eye frozen white pearl onions; however, different brands will work. Just be sure that they are the frozen kind that you just pop in the microwave.

Flour

Just your typical flour. Nothing fancy here, no self-rising flour, no almond flour, just all purpose flour. However, you can substitute a cup for cup gluten free flour.

Egg Whites

Yes, I love using liquid egg whites. They are so easy and mess free. Plus, you don't have to deal with the yolk and whatnot. However, you can use a regular egg, just be sure to whisk it before starting.

Cornmeal

Okay, this one is very important. We need cornmeal. Not corn bread mix. Just plain cornmeal. This one is my favorite.

Panko

You can really use any type of breadcrumbs here. I prefer some that are ground up very finely as the mini blooming onions are, well, very mini.

Seasonings

For the seasonings, I use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and paprika. However, if there is something you want to add or take away, you can.

Copycat Blooming Onion Sauce

Now, let's get into the sauce. Here is what you need to make the sauce.

• Plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
• Sugar free ketchup
• Honey mustard
• Paprika
• Salt
• Oregano
• Cayenne
• Black pepper

Then, we can go over some suggestions and substitutions because this is not your typical copycat sauce. I make mine a bit healthier; however, you do not have to.

Plain, Nonfat Greek Yogurt

First, the base, plain nonfat Greek yogurt. I prefer using the yogurt as it is healthier and packed with protein; however, you can substitute a sour cream or mayo.

Sugar Free Ketchup

Remember, we are making this healthier. I use G Hughes sugar free ketchup; however, you can substitute a regular ketchup.

Honey Mustard

Have you tried Skinny Girl honey mustard dressing. I love Bethany Frankel and always love (loved) watching her on the Real Housewives. Anything she makes is absolutely amazing and I love trying her stuff. That is why I was so excited when I found out she had salad dressings. She has a couple and they are all amazing and low calorie.

For this mini blooming onion recipe, I use the skinny girl honey mustard dressing. However, you can substitute a different honey mustard. A more traditional blooming onion sauce would have minced horseradish; however, I like it better with honey mustard.

You can also substitute a minced ginger root instead.

Seasonings

For the seasonings, I use paprika, salt, pepper, oregano and cayenne pepper. I do not think this is too spicy, and I am a wimp; however, you can increase or decrease the spice as necessary.

How to Make a Mini Blooming Onion

Microwaving

Start by cooking the frozen white pearl onions according to the package instructions; however, only cook them halfway.

While those are cooking, prepare the batter. Grab three small shallow bowls. In one bowl, add half of the flour. With the second bowl, pour the liquid egg whites. In the third, add the rest of the flour, the cornmeal, panko and the seasonings.

When the pearl onions are halfway cooked, drain off any excess liquid.

Coating in Batter

Place the white pearl onions in the bowl with the flour, you may want to do just a few at a time, and cover with flour.

If all of the pearl onions do not fit in the air fryer, make them in batches and do not bread them until ready to cook.

When the pearl onions are covered in flour, add them to the bowl of liquid egg whites, covering them in egg whites. Again, you may want to do just a few at a time.

After they are covered in egg whites, add them to the bowl with all of the batter ingredients, covering them in batter. Again, you may want to do just a few at a time.

Air Frying

Once they are covered in the batter, place them in a greased air fryer. As much as possible, try not to let them touch. Air fry for 3 minutes, then open the air fryer and spray the onions with cooking spray.

Air fry for another 3 minutes. Then, open the air fryer, shake the onions, spray again with cooking spray, then continue air frying. Air fry for another 3 minutes.

Then, open the air fryer, shake the onions, spray again with cooking spray, then continue air frying until your desired crispness, another 3-5 minutes.

Making the Sauce

While those are cooking, prepare the sauce. Mix all the ingredients for the sauce together in a bowl. Store in the fridge until the roasted pearl onions are ready, to allow the flavors to form together. Then, dip a mini blooming onion in the sauce once cooked!

Making the Mini Blooming Onions Without Coating

You can also make the mini blooming onions without coating; however, they will taste very onion-y, if you like that. Follow all the same steps, except for the coating. Drain the onions, and season using the same seasonings blend. Then, put them straight in the greased air fryer and follow the same air fryer instructions. However, these will cook a little faster, therefore, cut a couple minutes off the air frying.

Making Roasted White Pearl Onions in the Oven

You can also make these in the oven. Follow all the same steps, until you get to the air frying. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease a baking tray with cooking spray. Bake the battered pearl onions in the oven for 12-15 minutes, flipping and spraying halfway through. They will not be as crispy; however, this is a good alternative if you do not have an air fryer.

Mini Blooming Onion - Air Fryer White Pearl Onions

These frozen white pearl onions are roasted in the air fryer to create a mini blooming onion. Don't forget to serve this with my copycat sauce!

This recipe may seem daunting, but I promise it is very simple and easy!

On WW Weight Watchers and looking for a points value? Click on this links and your points will automatically calculate for you. Each serving is 1 point which will be about ⅓ cup, cooked. The points/recipe are based upon the ingredients actually used as not all of the coating will be used.