Air Fryer Blooming Onion

If you’re craving a restaurant-style blooming onion without the extra oil and mess, this Air Fryer Blooming Onion is the perfect solution! Crispy, flavorful, and golden brown, it’s made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection using your air fryer. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, it’s a show-stopping appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Healthier than Deep-Fried – No need for a vat of oil to get that delicious crisp.
Crispy & Golden – The air fryer delivers texture and crunch with minimal oil.
Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples you already have on hand.
Fun & Impressive – Perfect for entertaining or game day snacks.
Easy Cleanup – Say goodbye to greasy pans and oil splatter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Blooming Onion:

• 1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For the Egg Wash:

• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp prepared horseradish
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 dash hot sauce (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Air fryer
• Parchment or foil (optional for easy cleanup)
• Cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut the Onion

1. Peel the onion and trim off ½ inch from the top, keeping the root intact.
2. Place the onion root-side down. Starting about ½ inch from the root, make 4 even cuts down the sides.
3. Rotate and make 3 more cuts between each section to create “petals.”
4. Gently turn the onion over and separate the layers with your fingers to help it “bloom.”

Step 2: Prepare the Coatings

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until smooth.

Step 3: Dredge the Onion

1. Place the onion upside-down in the egg mixture, spooning it between the petals until fully coated.
2. Transfer to the flour mixture and coat thoroughly, getting between all the petals.
3. For extra crunch, repeat both the egg wash and flour steps once more.
4. Shake off any excess coating and gently turn the onion upright.

Step 4: Air Fry the Onion

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or oil.
3. Carefully place the onion cut-side up in the basket.
4. Generously spray the coated onion with cooking spray to help it crisp.
5. Air fry for 15–20 minutes, checking every 5 minutes, until the coating is golden and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and hot sauce.
2. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips for the Perfect Blooming Onion
Use a Sweet Onion – Vidalia or similar varieties work best for flavor and size.
Double Dip – For an ultra-crispy finish, repeat the egg and flour coating process.
Spray It Well – Generously spraying with oil ensures the flour crisps up properly.
Don’t Skip Preheating – A hot air fryer helps the coating set quickly.
Serve Immediately – Best eaten fresh when hot and crunchy.

Serving Suggestions
Appetizer Platter – Pair with sliders, wings, or nachos for game day.
Burger Night – Serve alongside your favorite homemade burgers.
Taco Tuesday – Add a Tex-Mex twist with taco seasoning in the coating.
Party Snack – Serve on a platter with assorted dips and finger foods.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Avoid stacking, which can cause sogginess.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes until crispy.
Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Avoid microwave reheating—it will make the onion soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for a GF-friendly version.

2. Can I cut the onion ahead of time?
Yes. You can cut and store it in the fridge (covered) for a few hours before coating and air frying.

3. Is the dipping sauce necessary?
Not at all! It’s delicious on its own, but the sauce adds that classic restaurant-style experience.

4. How big should the onion be?
Go for a large onion, about the size of a softball. The bigger it is, the better it blooms.

5. Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes on a foil-lined tray, flipping halfway through.

Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is crispy, flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser. It’s a healthier spin on a deep-fried favorite, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you’re hosting a party or just having a fun night in, this recipe brings the wow factor—without the extra oil or hassle.

Give it a try and watch it disappear faster than you can say “blooming onion!” Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it with your foodie friends!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 270 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 29g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 490mg

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