Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe: A Crispy Delight for Any Occasion

There’s something undeniably appealing about a beautifully cooked blooming onion. This mouthwatering appetizer, often found at restaurants, is now achievable right at home using your air fryer! An air fryer blooming onion not only delivers that crispy, golden exterior but also cuts down on the oil needed for frying, making it a healthier indulgence. Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or a simple family dinner, this recipe is bound to impress your guests and become a favorite.

Why Cook This at Home

Why not enjoy the crunchy goodness of a blooming onion right from your kitchen? Here are a few compelling reasons to whip up this dish:

• Healthier Alternative: Air fryers use significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making this blooming onion a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
• Cost-Effective: Prepared versions at restaurants can be pricey. Making this appetizer at home saves you money while allowing you to control the ingredients.
• Kid-Approved: This crunchy, flavorful dish is sure to be a hit with kids. It makes for a fun appetizer that they can help make, especially when separating the onion petals!
• Versatile Occasions: Perfect for everything from casual gatherings to festive meals. It serves well as a side dish or an appetizer.

“I made this blooming onion for our game night and it disappeared in minutes! Everyone kept asking for the recipe—such a crowd-pleaser!” — Happy Home Cook

Preparing Air Fryer Blooming Onion

So, you’re ready to recreate this delicious masterpiece? Here’s how to put it all together!

First, you’ll be creating a blooming structure of the onion, followed by a gentle coating of flavorful spices, and finally, an air fry to crispy perfection. This process is straightforward and allows for some fun in the kitchen. Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive in!

Key Ingredients for Blooming Onion

Before we start cooking, here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Onion:

  • 1 large sweet onion
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or olive)

• For the Blooming Onion Sauce:

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika (for sauce)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (for sauce)
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano (for sauce)
  • Black pepper to taste (for sauce)
  • Cayenne pepper to taste (for sauce)

Using a large sweet onion gives the best bloom and flavor, while substitutions like gluten-free flour or plant-based milk can adjust it for dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blooming Onion Sauce:

1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and cover. Refrigerate until needed.

Blooming Onion:

1. Cut the top off the onion, about ½ inch down, and peel away the outer skin.
2. Place the onion cut-side down. Making a downward cut from about ½ inch above the root, create four evenly spaced cuts around the onion.
3. Slice three additional cuts between each of the first cuts for a total of 16 petals.
4. Flip the onion over and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to relax the petals. Gently separate them with your fingers.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, cayenne, cumin, thyme, and oregano.
6. In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, and 1 cup water. Whisk until blended.
7. Place the onion cut-side up in a clean bowl and pour the flour mixture over it, ensuring all petals are coated. Turn the onion over and gently pat off excess flour. Reserve remaining flour.
8. Dip the onion into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then return to the flour mixture and repeat the process for better coating.
9. Refrigerate the coated onion while preheating the air fryer to 350°F for 10 minutes.
10. When ready, spray the onion generously with cooking oil.
11. Create a sling with a piece of aluminum foil and place the onion cut side up in the fryer basket.
12. Cook for 25 minutes, spraying with oil 2 to 3 times throughout the cooking.
13. Carefully lift the onion from the fryer using the foil sling and season with salt and pepper.
14. Serve hot with the blooming onion dip. Enjoy!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serving this air fryer blooming onion can be an experience in itself. Here are some creative ideas:

• Presentation: Place the blooming onion artfully in the center of a large platter surrounded by your blooming onion sauce for dipping.
• Pair with Drinks: Serve alongside iced tea, soda, or a light beer—perfect complements to balance out its crunchiness.
• Add Sides: Consider pairing with carrot sticks, celery, or even a fresh salad to add a pop of color and freshness to your table.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you happen to have any blooming onion left after serving (which is rare!), here’s how to store it:

• Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to regain some of that initial crispiness. Avoid the microwave as it can turn the onion soggy.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture tends to suffer upon thawing.

Helpful Cooking Tips

To ensure your blooming onion turns out perfectly every time, consider these pro tips:

• Sweet Onion Selection: Opt for a large sweet onion, like a Vidalia or Walla Walla, as they’re less pungent and notably sweeter.
• Flouring Technique: Don’t rush the flouring process; make sure to get flour between the petals for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Air Fryer Variability: Cooking times can vary based on the air fryer model, so adjust the cooking duration as needed if it’s not the desired color or crispness.

Creative Twists

Looking to switch things up? Here are some variations you might find scrumptious:

• Spicy Sriracha Sauce: Replace the horseradish in the dipping sauce with sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Blooming Onion: Add grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese to the flour mixture for a cheesy touch.
• Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro into the batter for a fresher taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend in place of all-purpose flour for suitable dietary adjustments.

Your Questions Answered

What’s the prep time for air fryer blooming onion?
Typically, prep takes about 20-30 minutes, with cooking taking an additional 25 minutes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the blooming onion and refrigerate it before cooking, saving time on the day of serving.

Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute eggs with a mixture of flaxseed meal and water, and use plant-based milk and dairy-free mayo/sour cream in the sauce.

Serving up a flavorful air fryer blooming onion at home brings the joy of a classic appetizer to your table while being healthier and budget-friendly. Enjoy this delicious culinary adventure!

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

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Enjoy a crispy, healthier version of the classic blooming onion made easily in your air fryer, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Blooming Onion

• 1 large large sweet onion Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla work best.
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust based on spice preference.
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 large eggs Alternatively, use flaxseed meal and water for a vegan version.
• 1 cup milk Use plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
• to taste Salt and pepper
• as needed Oil for frying (vegetable or olive) For spraying the onion.

For the Blooming Onion Sauce

• 0.25 cup mayonnaise Use vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.
• 0.25 cup sour cream Substitute with dairy-free sour cream if needed.
• 2 teaspoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon horseradish Can substitute with sriracha for spiciness.
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika For sauce.
• 0.25 teaspoon salt For sauce.
• 0.125 teaspoon garlic powder For sauce.
• 0.125 teaspoon dried oregano For sauce.
• to taste Black pepper To taste for sauce.
• to taste Cayenne pepper To taste for sauce.

Method

 

Prepare the Sauce

1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and cover. Refrigerate until needed.

Prepare the Onion

1. Cut the top off the onion, about ½ inch down, and peel away the outer skin.
2. Place the onion cut-side down. Make four evenly spaced downward cuts around the onion from about ½ inch above the root.
3. Slice three additional cuts between each of the first cuts for a total of 16 petals.
4. Flip the onion over and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to relax the petals. Gently separate them with your fingers.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, cayenne, cumin, thyme, and oregano.
6. In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, and 1 cup water. Whisk until blended.
7. Place the onion cut-side up in a clean bowl and pour the flour mixture over it, ensuring all petals are coated. Turn the onion over and gently pat off excess flour. Reserve remaining flour.
8. Dip the onion into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then return to the flour mixture and repeat the process for better coating.
9. Refrigerate the coated onion while preheating the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
10. When ready, spray the onion generously with cooking oil.
11. Create a sling with a piece of aluminum foil and place the onion cut-side up in the fryer basket.
12. Cook for 25 minutes, spraying with oil 2 to 3 times throughout the cooking.
13. Carefully lift the onion from the fryer using the foil sling and season with salt and pepper.
14. Serve hot with the blooming onion dip. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer to regain crispiness. Freezing is not recommended.

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