Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe
Introduction
The Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a crunchy, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. This dish transforms a whole onion into a crispy, golden blossom using a light seasoned coating and an easy air frying method.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion
- Seasoned coating (such as a mix of flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)
- Oil spray
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel the onion and cut it into petal-like sections, keeping the base intact so it holds together. Gently separate the petals without breaking them.
- Step 2: Dip the onion into the seasoned coating until evenly covered, making sure the coating reaches between the petals.
- Step 3: Lightly spray the coated onion with oil spray to promote crisping during cooking.
- Step 4: Place the onion in the air fryer basket upright and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 5: Carefully remove the blooming onion and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use a sharp knife to cut the onion petals evenly for a better bloom shape.
- Try adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Serve with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or barbecue sauce for dipping.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the onion in the coating and oil spray before air frying.
Storage
Store any leftover blooming onion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore some crispness before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the blooming onion ahead of time?
Yes, you can cut and coat the onion ahead of time, then refrigerate it briefly before air frying. However, for the best crispy texture, it’s best to air fry just before serving.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the blooming onion in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes or deep fry it for a traditional crispy result, though air frying is healthier and less messy.
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe
A crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Blooming Onion made by coating a whole onion in seasoned batter and air frying it to golden perfection. This appetizer is a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried blooming onion, offering the same crunch and taste with less oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 large onion (preferably a sweet onion like Vidalia)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk)
- Cooking oil spray (such as avocado or canola oil spray)
Instructions
- Prepare the onion: Peel the onion and trim the top. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board. Carefully cut the onion into sections, slicing from the top down, about 1/2 inch apart, stopping 1/2 inch from the root so the sections stay connected.
- Make the seasoned coating: In a bowl, mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Dip the onion: Pour buttermilk into a shallow bowl. Dip the whole onion into the buttermilk, making sure to get between all the petals. Then dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each petal is well coated. Repeat for extra crispy coating if desired.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Spray with oil: Lightly spray the coated onion with cooking oil spray to promote crispiness and golden color.
- Air fry the onion: Place the onion in the air fryer basket cut side up. Air fry at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, spraying with oil halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. The onion should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Serve: Carefully remove the blooming onion from the air fryer. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or spicy mayo.
Notes
- Make sure not to cut all the way through the onion; leave the bottom intact so it holds together.
- You can adjust the seasoning in the flour mix to suit your taste preferences.
- Lightly spraying the onion with oil helps replicate the crispiness of deep frying.
- Use a large onion for best results to create a fuller bloom.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Keywords: Air Fryer Blooming Onion, crispy onion, healthy blooming onion, appetizer, snack, air fryer recipes
