Air Fryer Blooming Onion

A Blooming Onion is a popular appetizer at many restaurants, but with the air fryer, you can enjoy this crispy treat at home without the hassle of deep frying. This version is coated in a seasoned batter and air-fried until golden and crispy, making it a perfect party snack or a fun side dish.

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Ingredients:

• 1 large onion (preferably a sweet onion, like Vidalia or Walla Walla)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• Olive oil spray (for spraying the onion)
• For the dipping sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish (optional, for a tangy kick)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

• Time: 5 minutes

1. Start by peeling the onion and cutting off the top, leaving the root end intact. This will help the onion stay together while you’re cutting it into the blooming shape.
2. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice vertically into the onion, making 8-12 cuts, but don’t cut all the way through the root. This will help the onion “bloom” when you spread the layers apart.
3. Gently pull the layers of the onion apart with your hands, trying to separate them to create the “bloom” effect. Be careful not to break the onion apart completely. Set the prepared onion aside.

Step 2: Make the Coating

• Time: 5 minutes

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix with the buttermilk to make an egg wash.
3. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) and set aside.

Step 3: Coat the Onion

• Time: 10-12 minutes

1. Take the prepared onion and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring that each layer is coated. Use a spoon or your hands to gently press the flour mixture into the layers to ensure it sticks well.
2. Next, dip the onion into the egg wash, making sure to coat every part of the onion. Allow any excess egg wash to drip off.
3. After the egg wash, coat the onion in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure that the breadcrumbs stick to the onion layers. You may need to use your hands to help get breadcrumbs into the layers.
4. Repeat the process if you want an extra thick coating, dipping the onion back into the egg wash and then breadcrumbs for a second layer.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Time: 3-5 minutes

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. If your air fryer has a preheat function, use it.

Step 5: Air Fry the Onion

• Time: 15-18 minutes

1. Once the onion is coated, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and to help the onion crisp up. Place the onion in the air fryer basket with the root side down.
2. Lightly spray the top of the onion with olive oil spray to ensure the top crisps up nicely.
3. Air fry the onion at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. You may want to check the onion halfway through cooking to ensure it’s cooking evenly. You can gently open the air fryer and adjust the layers of the onion if needed.
4. If necessary, spray the onion with a little more olive oil and continue cooking until it reaches the desired level of crispiness.

Step 6: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

• Time: 3 minutes

1. While the onion is air frying, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish (if using), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.

Step 7: Serve

• Time: 2 minutes

1. Once the onion is crispy and golden, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket and transfer it to a serving plate.
2. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.

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Notes and Tips:

1. Onion Type: Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are the best for making a blooming onion because of their mild flavor. However, you can use any large onion variety if preferred.
2. Extra Crispy: If you want an extra crispy outer layer, consider double-coating the onion (dip it in the flour, then egg wash, and repeat the flour and egg wash steps before adding the breadcrumbs). This will create an even crunchier texture.
3. Make-Ahead: While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the onion ahead of time by coating it and refrigerating it until you’re ready to air fry. You can also make the dipping sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it.
4. Air Fryer Size: Make sure the onion fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. If it’s too large, you may need to cook it in parts or cut it into smaller pieces.
5. Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dip, you can increase the amount of horseradish, or add some hot sauce or chili flakes to the dipping sauce.

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Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 150-200 (depending on the size of the onion and the amount of breadcrumbs used)
• Fat: 5-7g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 2g

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This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a healthier take on the classic deep-fried version. With a crispy, crunchy texture and a delicious dipping sauce, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, this blooming onion will become a favorite in your air fryer repertoire! Enjoy!