Description
Crispy Blooming Onion in the air fryer is a fun, golden appetizer with bold seasoning and a spicy dipping sauce, perfect for sharing and made without the mess of deep frying.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or similar)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil spray
For the dipping sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel onion and slice off the top (leave root intact). Cut onion downward into 12–16 sections, not cutting through the root, to form petals. Gently separate layers.
- In one bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk.
- Dip onion into egg mixture, ensuring coverage between petals. Dredge in flour mixture. Repeat both steps if extra crispy is desired.
- Place onion in air fryer basket and spray generously with oil.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, spraying with more oil halfway through.
- While it cooks, mix dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Once golden and crisp, remove onion and serve warm with the dipping sauce.
Notes
- Soak onion in cold water for 30 minutes after cutting to help petals bloom.
- Double-dipping in flour and egg creates a thicker crust.
- Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for dietary needs.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes at 350°F.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 blooming onion with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
