Name: Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 2 large eggs; ¼ cup milk; 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)

Description

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.

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Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cut the Onion into a Bloom

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

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

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

Step 3: Dredge the Onion

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

Step 4: Air Fry the Onion

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

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

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

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American