Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cut the Onion

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

Step 2: Prepare the Coatings

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

Step 3: Dredge the Onion

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

Step 4: Air Fry the Onion

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

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

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

Notes

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.