In a small bowl, combine buttermilk (or milk mixed with lemon juice) and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Carefully peel the sweet onions, and slice off the tops and bottoms to create a flat base. Make vertical cuts around the onion.

In another bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Dip each blooming onion into the prepared buttermilk, then coat generously with the seasoned flour mixture.

Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and preheat it for about 5 minutes.

Carefully place the coated onions in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s enough space between them.

Cook the onions in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

While the onions are cooking, prepare your dipping sauce.

Once the blooming onions are golden and crunchy, remove them from the air fryer and serve warm.