Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

• Peel and cut the onion. Start by slicing off the top of the onion (about 1 inch from the root). Keep the root intact to hold the onion together as you slice.
• Place the onion cut-side down and make vertical cuts along the sides, about 1/2 inch apart, stopping just before the root (so the onion petals stay connected). Then, gently flip the onion over and separate the petals to create the “bloom” effect.

Step 2: Coat the Onion

• In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and set them aside. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
• Dip the onion into the flour mixture first, coating each petal evenly. Be sure to get flour between each petal.
• Next, dip the onion into the beaten eggs, ensuring each petal is coated.
• Finally, coat the onion in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick. Make sure to get crumbs between the layers of petals for maximum crunch.

Step 3: Air Fry the Onion

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
• Lightly spray the blooming onion with olive oil spray to help it crisp up.
• Place the prepared onion in the air fryer basket, cut side up. Make sure the onion fits comfortably in the basket, but don’t overcrowd it.
• Air fry the onion at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, check on the onion and carefully spray it with a little more olive oil if needed to ensure a uniform crisp.

Step 4: Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

While the blooming onion is air frying, make the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the blooming onion is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer. Serve the onion hot with your homemade dipping sauce on the side. For a fun twist, you can sprinkle extra paprika or fresh herbs like parsley on top for a pop of color and added flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Your Air Fryer Blooming Onion

1. Choose the Right Onion: A larger, sweeter onion like a Vidalia onion works best for this recipe as it has a mild flavor and holds up well to the air frying process.
2. Coating Consistency: Make sure the onion is fully coated with the flour mixture, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Press down gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere and ensure a crispy result.
3. Don’t Skip the Olive Oil Spray: While the air fryer uses less oil than traditional frying, lightly spraying the onion with olive oil will help it get that beautiful golden color and crunchy texture.
4. Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the size of your onion and air fryer, cooking times may vary slightly. If your onion is particularly large, you may need to add a few more minutes to ensure it cooks all the way through. Check at the halfway point to make sure the onion is crisping evenly.
5. Get Creative with Dips: While the classic dipping sauce is delicious, feel free to experiment with other options like ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo dip.

Why You Should Try Air Fryer Blooming Onion

• Healthier: Traditional blooming onions are deep-fried, but air frying reduces the oil and calories without sacrificing that crispy goodness.
• Quick and Convenient: No need to stand over a hot pot of oil—just pop the onion in the air fryer and let it do the work.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun snack, the Air Fryer Blooming Onion is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Less Mess: Air frying means there’s no oil to clean up afterward, making it a more convenient and tidy option for making this tasty treat.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Blooming Onion recipe brings the same great taste and texture of the deep-fried version with a fraction of the oil and effort. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or treat yourself to something crispy and delicious, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

So, fire up your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a crispy, flavorful appetizer that’s sure to steal the show. You won’t believe how easy it is to make and how incredible it tastes!