Air Fryer Blooming Onion

If you love ordering blooming onion at restaurants but want a healthier, mess-free version at home, this Air Fryer Blooming Onion is the recipe for you! Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, it delivers all the bold flavor and satisfying crunch—without the deep-frying. Serve it with a tangy dipping sauce and enjoy a show-stopping appetizer right from your kitchen.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Without Deep Frying – Get that golden crunch with much less oil.
Fun & Impressive – A blooming onion always steals the show at the table.
Healthier Option – Lightly coated and air-fried for a guilt-free treat.
Customizable – Adjust seasonings or heat level to your liking.
Perfect for Sharing – Great for game day, parties, or a fun family snack night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Onion:

• 1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For the Egg Mixture:

• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp prepared horseradish
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Air fryer
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Cooking spray
• Foil or small bowl for dipping base

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut the Onion into a Bloom

1. Peel the onion and trim about ½ inch off the top (pointed side), leaving the root end intact.
2. Place the onion root-side down. Starting about ½ inch from the root, make 4 evenly spaced cuts downward.
3. Make 2–3 more cuts between each section to create “petals.”
4. Carefully flip the onion over and gently separate the layers with your fingers.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
2. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk until well combined.

Step 3: Dredge the Onion

1. Turn the onion upside down and shake off any excess moisture.
2. Dip it into the egg mixture, spooning it between the petals to coat thoroughly.
3. Transfer to the flour mixture and coat generously, making sure to get in between each petal.
4. Repeat the egg and flour steps one more time for extra crunch.

Step 4: Air Fry the Onion

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or oil.
3. Carefully place the onion cut-side up in the basket. Spray the onion all over with cooking spray to help it crisp.
4. Air fry for 15–20 minutes, checking every 5 minutes, until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
5. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully remove the onion from the basket.

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

1. While the onion cooks, stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and hot sauce in a small bowl.
2. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Choose a Large Sweet Onion – Sweeter varieties like Vidalia give the best flavor.
Double Dredge – For an extra crispy exterior, repeat the egg and flour coating.
Use Cooking Spray – It helps the coating crisp up evenly in the air fryer.
Cut Carefully – Keep the root intact so the petals stay connected.
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook one onion at a time to ensure proper air circulation.

Serving Suggestions
Appetizer Platter – Pair with mozzarella sticks, wings, or sliders.
Game Day Snack – Serve alongside fries, chips, or nachos.
Taco Night – Add some Tex-Mex seasoning and use the petals as a topping.
Burger Night – Use as a crispy side or even layer on a sandwich.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Do not stack to prevent sogginess.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes to bring back crispness.
Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the onion soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and cornstarch for a GF version.

2. What if I don’t have horseradish?
You can skip it or replace it with a small amount of mustard or extra hot sauce.

3. Can I prep the onion ahead of time?
You can cut the onion and store it in the fridge, but dredge and air fry right before serving for best results.

4. Is this as crispy as the deep-fried version?
It’s surprisingly close! While not quite as oily or heavy, it’s still super crispy and flavorful with a fraction of the fat.

Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a must-try for anyone who loves crispy appetizers without the greasy mess. It’s easy, fun to make, and full of flavor—perfect for impressing guests or just enjoying a homemade treat. With a zesty dipping sauce on the side, you might find yourself making this healthier version more often than the original!

Try it once, and it’ll be your new go-to for parties and snacks. Let me know how yours turns out and share your creation with friends and family!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 31g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 480mg

Print