Airfryer-blooming onion!
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Ingredients
Large onion – I like to use a sweet like a Vidalia onion for this. You can use a yellow onion or a white onion, but I think a sweet onion tastes the best. In addition a sweet onion has less of the sulfur compounds that make you cry as you cut the onion. Since you have to do a lot of cutting for this that is a big benefit!
Flour – The flour is used to coat the onion before air frying. You won’t use all the flour called for in the recipe – you need extra to get in all the nooks and crannies of the onion.
Eggs and milk – These ingredients also coat the onion and are what turns brown and crispy.
Seasoning – Paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper season the coating.
Spray oil – Even though this uses less oil than deep frying some oil is need to crisp the onion petals.
1. Slice the Onion
This is the key step in this recipe! The key to getting a good looking blooming onion is not cutting into the root area of onion. The root area will hold the entire onion together.
You can buy a blooming onion cutter but it basically just holds the onion in place so you can make your slic
es consistent and even. So it isn’t really necessary unless you are planning to make them very frequently!
First cut 1/2 an inch off the top of the onion. The peel the outer paper skin off the onion.
Place the onion on a cutting board with the cut-side down and the root on the top. Starting about 1/2 inch away from the root, make a downward cut all the way through to the board.
Repeat this to make four evenly spaced cuts around the onion, making sure to stay 1/2 an inch away from the root with each cut. Then make three additional cuts in each of the four sections to divide them evenly.
In a large bowl mix the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme and oregano. Whisk them all together
Put the onion in a clean bowl with the cut side up. Then pour the flour mixture on top. Use your fingers or a spoon to coat the onion with the flour, making sure to get flour between the onion petals.
Dip the Onion
In another bowl mix the eggs and milk with 1 cup of water. Stir this to break up the eggs and mix everything together.
Flour the Onion Again
Put the onion in another clean bowl and dump the flour over it again. Make sure to get flour all over the onion petals.
Put the onion in the refrigerator while the air fryer preheats. Set the air fryer at 350 F and
let it preheat for 10 minutes
Take the onion out of the refrigerator and spray it with the cooking oil spray.
Then make a sling out of aluminum foil for putting the onion in the air fryer basket.
Cook the onion at 350 F for 20 minutes. Open the basket and spray some more cooking oil on the onion 2 or 3 times as it cooks.
After 20 minutes check the onion and decide if it is brown enough. When it is done it will be golden brown and just start to get a little darker at the tips of the petals.
If it isn’t done yet put it back in for a couple more minutes, checking it carefully so it doesn’t burn. When it is done use the foil sling to lift it out of the basket.
Hey everyone! So, you've just made this amazing air fryer blooming onion following the steps, but let's take it up a notch, shall we? I've got a few more tips and tricks that I've learned along the way to make your blooming onion absolutely perfect and even more enjoyable. First off, let's talk about that crispiness. We all want that satisfying crunch, right? Beyond just spraying with oil a few times, here's what I've found helps: Don't overcrowd your air fryer: If you're doing more than one, cook them in batches. Air needs to circulate for that even crisp. Preheating is key: Don't skip the preheat step! A hot air fryer starts cooking immediately, helping to seal in moisture and crisp the coating. A light dusting of cornstarch: Sometimes I'll add a teaspoon of cornstarch to my flour mixture. It helps absorb extra moisture and contributes to a super crispy crust. Pat it dry: Before you even start coating, make sure your onion is completely dry. Any excess moisture can steam rather than crisp. Now, what’s a blooming onion without an incredible creamy dipping sauce? The article mentioned serving it with one, and trust me, it makes all the difference! Here are a couple of my go-to homemade sauces: Classic Tangy Dipping Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (adjust to your spice preference!) 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Pinch of garlic powder Salt and black pepper to taste Mix all ingredients thoroughly and chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld. This is my absolute favorite! Spicy Sriracha Mayo Dip: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha (or more if you like it extra hot!) 1 teaspoon lime juice 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Whisk together until smooth. So simple, so good! Sometimes, things don't go exactly to plan, right? Here are some quick fixes for common issues: My onion didn't bloom well / petals are breaking: This usually comes down to the initial cuts. Make sure you're not cutting all the way through the root. That 1/2 inch gap is crucial for holding it together. If it's too late, don't worry, it'll still taste amazing, just serve it as "blooming onion pieces"! It's not getting golden brown: Ensure your air fryer is preheated and you're spraying with oil multiple times. You can also increase the temperature slightly for the last few minutes (e.g., to 375°F) if it's still pale, but watch it closely to prevent burning. Want to try a variation? For crispy mini blooming onions, you can use smaller onions or even shallots! Just adjust the cooking time down. I'd recommend starting with 12-15 minutes and checking for doneness. The smaller size makes them perfect for individual servings or a party platter. You can also experiment with different seasoning blends – try an Italian herb mix or a smoky BBQ rub instead of the paprika and cayenne for a different flavor profile. Making this at home is such a treat, and knowing you're making a healthier version with your air fryer makes it even better. Enjoy your perfectly crispy, flavorful blooming onion!
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