Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion (e.g., Vidalia onion)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
- ½ cup dipping sauce (e.g., ranch or spicy mayo)
Notes
Instructions
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Prepare the Onion:
- Cut off the top of the onion (not the root end).
- Peel the outer layer of skin, then place the onion root side down.
- Make vertical cuts starting from the top toward the root, creating "petals." Ensure the cuts don’t go through the root to keep it intact.
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Make the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
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Coat the Onion:
- Gently open the petals of the onion.
- Coat the onion evenly with the flour mixture, ensuring it reaches between the petals. Shake off excess flour.
- Dip the floured onion into the whisked eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Finally, coat the onion with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
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Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
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Cook the Blooming Onion:
- Spray the onion generously with olive oil spray.
- Place it in the air fryer basket, root side down.
- Cook for 20 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even crisping.
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Cooling:
- Allow the onion to cool for 5 minutes.
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Serve:
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Benefits of Air Fryer Blooming Onion
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Restaurant-Style at Home:
- Enjoy this classic appetizer without leaving your house, and for a fraction of the cost.
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Healthier Option:
- Air frying significantly reduces the oil content compared to deep-frying, making it a lighter yet indulgent treat.
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Crispy Texture:
- The combination of panko breadcrumbs and air frying creates a perfectly crispy outer layer.
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Perfect for Gatherings:
- A visually stunning dish that is sure to impress guests at parties or family dinners.
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Customizable Flavors:
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste or try different dipping sauces for variety.
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Fun and Unique:
- A creative recipe that’s both delicious and a conversation starter.
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Quick Cleanup:
- Air frying keeps your kitchen cleaner by avoiding greasy splatters.