Air Fryer Blooming Onion with Zesty Dipping Sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal

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Description

This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried appetizer. Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, it’s served with a tangy Zesty Dipping Sauce that adds a burst of flavor. Using an air fryer cuts down on oil without sacrificing crunch, making it a guilt-free indulgence!

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Ingredients

For the Blooming Onion:

• 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia)

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tbsp milk

• Cooking spray (or olive oil spray)

For the Zesty Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp horseradish sauce

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp hot sauce (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

1. Cut the Onion:

   • Slice off the top (stem end) of the onion, leaving the root intact.

   • Peel the onion and place it cut-side down.

   • Starting ½ inch from the root, make vertical cuts downward all around the onion to create “petals.” Gently spread them apart.

Step 2: Coat the Onion

2. Dry Mix:

   • In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

3. Wet Mix:

   • In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk.

4. Dredge the Onion:

   • Sprinkle the dry mix over the onion, ensuring it reaches between the petals.

   • Dip the onion into the egg wash, then coat again with the flour mixture.

Step 3: Air Fry the Onion

5. Preheat Air Fryer:

   • Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.

6. Cook:

   • Place the onion in the air fryer basket, root-side down.

   • Lightly spray with cooking oil.

   • Air fry for 12-15 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce

7. Combine Ingredients:

   • Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

   • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve

8. Garnish & Enjoy:

   • Carefully remove the onion from the air fryer.

   • Serve hot with the zesty dipping sauce.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

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Tips & Variations

✅ Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
✅ Extra Crispy: Double-coat the onion in the flour and egg mixture.
✅ Spicier Kick: Add more cayenne or hot sauce to the seasoning.
✅ Oven Method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.

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Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a crowd-pleaser—crispy, flavorful, and much lighter than the fried version. The Zesty Dipping Sauce ties everything together with a creamy, tangy finish. Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun snack!