Print

Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a crispy, flavorful appetizer that's perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings. A large sweet onion is perfectly sliced into a blooming flower shape, coated with a seasoned flour and egg batter, and air-fried to golden perfection for a healthier twist on the classic fried onion bloom.

Ingredients

Onion

  • 1 large sweet onion

Breading Mixture

  • 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
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Wet Mixture

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water

For Air Frying

  • Oil in a spray bottle (vegetable oil recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onion: Slice the onion to create the bloom shape by cutting off ½ inch from the top, then peeling the outer skin. Place the onion cut-side down and make four evenly spaced cuts from about ½ inch above the root down to the cutting board. Add three additional cuts between each section to total 16 petals. Turn the onion over and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the petals to relax, then gently separate the petals with your fingers.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium deep bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and water until smooth.
  4. First Flour Coating: Place the onion cut-side up in a clean bowl and pour the flour mixture over it. Using a large spoon, coat the onion thoroughly, especially between the petals. Flip the onion over and gently tap off excess flour. Reserve the remaining flour mixture.
  5. Egg Wash: Dip the floured onion into the egg mixture, coating it evenly. Let excess egg drip off.
  6. Second Flour Coating: Return the onion to the reserved flour mixture and coat again, tapping off excess flour gently to avoid clumping.
  7. Chill the Onion: Place the coated onion in the refrigerator to set while you preheat the air fryer.
  8. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350ºF (175ºC) for 10 minutes.
  9. Oil and Prepare for Cooking: Remove the onion from the refrigerator and spray generously with vegetable oil using the spray bottle. Create a sling from aluminum foil to transfer the onion safely into the air fryer basket cut-side up.
  10. Air Fry the Onion: Cook the onion at 350ºF for 25 minutes, spraying it 2-3 times with oil during cooking to promote even browning and crispy texture. Spray any areas with visible flour to ensure even cooking.
  11. Finish and Serve: Carefully remove the blooming onion from the air fryer using the aluminum foil sling. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with your favorite blooming onion dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Be careful when making the cuts to avoid slicing through the root completely, which holds the onion together.
  • Using a spray oil helps achieve a crispy finish without the excess calories of deep frying.
  • You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount to make it more or less spicy, depending on your preference.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Make sure to preheat the air fryer for best results and even cooking.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/air-fryer-blooming-onion-recipe/