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Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 240 kcal

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
    • Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
  5. 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.
  6. Cooling:
    • Allow the onion to cool for 5 minutes.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

 

Benefits of Air Fryer Blooming Onion

  1. Restaurant-Style at Home:
    • Enjoy this classic appetizer without leaving your house, and for a fraction of the cost.
  2. Healthier Option:
    • Air frying significantly reduces the oil content compared to deep-frying, making it a lighter yet indulgent treat.
  3. Crispy Texture:
    • The combination of panko breadcrumbs and air frying creates a perfectly crispy outer layer.
  4. Perfect for Gatherings:
    • A visually stunning dish that is sure to impress guests at parties or family dinners.
  5. Customizable Flavors:
    • Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste or try different dipping sauces for variety.
  6. Fun and Unique:
    • A creative recipe that’s both delicious and a conversation starter.
  7. Quick Cleanup:
    • Air frying keeps your kitchen cleaner by avoiding greasy splatters.