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–+ servings

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.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

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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